Discover employment and further study opportunities that you could consider once you graduate with a Law degree and learn how you can stand out to graduate employers
We encourage you to:
Your studies will provide a broad range of skills of value to employers, including:
of our law graduates are in work or further study
81% of our law graduates are in highly skilled work or further study
90% of our law graduates agree that their current activity is meaningful*
There are two main routes to practice law professionally: a Legal Practice Course (LPC) postgraduate qualification for solicitors and the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) for barristers. In order to undertake either course you must have an undergraduate Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) or have completed the postgraduate Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).
Currently if you go
down the LPC pathway, when you complete the course you then apply for a paid
training contact with a law firm.
However the LPC is due to be phased out by a new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) (from September 2021 provisionally). So this will become an alternative pathway.
Training barristers undertake pupillage training after the BPTC course, usually for a year. The BPTC course is being replaced with new flexible training pathways (provisionally from Sept 2020)
Gaining
your LLB Law degree can offer many different career paths beyond becoming a
barrister or solicitor. You
could use your diverse legal knowledge to engage with the public, through Citizens
Advice, the media or welfare sector. Data scientists and forensic computer
analysts share the key skills that Law graduates possess, as attention to
detail and analysis of complex information are paramount. HR is also a valid
path for those interested in expanding their knowledge of employment law.
Since specific career paths may be less obvious it is important to use your research skills to explore the range of opportunities and to consider your personal interests, motivations, values and strengths.
Researching your career options
Given the diversity of career options open to law graduates, it is important to research and explore these fully so that you can make informed decisions about your future.
Employment Opportunities
Below is a snapshot of what some of University of Plymouth law graduates told us they were doing 15 months after graduation. For some graduates, these jobs serve as ‘stepping-stones’ to professional posts by providing relevant workplace experience.
Employers
Some of the careers chosen by law graduates will require or benefit from further study, so this should be considered carefully. The University of Plymouth offers the following postgraduate study options that could be of interest:
You should consider the financial implications of further study as well as selecting a programme that suits your interests, learning style and future career direction. The following websites are a good starting point for exploring postgraduate options, but you may also benefit from talking to a Careers Consultant about your individual situation.
Some useful websites to help you find a suitable post-graduate programme:
It is also worth investigating what further study options the University has to offer as you may find the perfect course for yourself in an institution you already know. There are also sometimes financial benefits of staying on such as a fee discount to Alumni, find out your funding options here.
Accessing support from the Careers Service couldn’t be easier, come along to the Careers Service Helpdesk in the Student Hub or access 24/7 online resources.
There is a wide range of support available from skills workshops to events, placements and internships advice, 1-2-1 appointments and help getting started with LinkedIn.
Our bite-sized Skills Workshops can give your career the boost it needs. Choose from a range of topics:
Workshops are delivered by the careers service, however they are also an opportunity to learn from your peers, share experiences and ask questions. Visit myCareer to see the full range of activities and to book your place.
Build your network and job sector knowledge using LinkedIn alumni’s tool. This will allow you to see the career journeys of graduates from your programme, the qualifications they completed, the skills they developed and employers they worked for. You can then ‘connect’ with people of interest.
For more information about the alumni tool click on LinkedIn alumni tool guide. If you are looking for help to set up or learn how to make the most of your LinkedIn profile, click on the LinkedIn guide for students or come to one of our workshops.
Gaining work experience
Undertaking work experience in your first and second years will help you stand out from the crowd when the time comes for you to complete applications for graduate employment and further study. Work experience develops valuable skills and qualities that employers are looking for and is essential for many roles. It can also help you to confirm or rule out particular career choices. Furthermore, experience in the workplace can bring you into contact with people who may be able to assist you at the beginning of your career.
You have plenty of options open to you. You could work part-time around your studies, undertake volunteering or approach organisations directly to negotiate short periods of work experience. Some organisations offer paid internships over the summer or of one year’s duration.
The University of Plymouth Students’ Union offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities.
Plymouth Law Clinic
The Law Clinic can be an invaluable way for Law students to gain experience while studying. You can gain insight into law in practice by managing real cases in real settings. The best ways to get involved with the clinic are through an assessed module or by volunteering. Find out more.
Clubs and societies
Engaging in a sport or society shows employers you are engaged and seek out opportunities, it also helps you improve your teamwork, communication and negotiation skills. Committee members can develop leadership, diplomacy and organisational skills and will gain experience of meetings, handling funds, and society promotion.
You may choose to join a society that is specifically linked to law or take the opportunity to explore the huge range of clubs, societies and sports, all of which can help you to broaden your horizons and explore new interests.
Tutor and academic support
Your tutor and other academic staff are an excellent source of support for your career development. They will have experience and contacts across industry and academia, so do approach them for advice and insights into careers you are considering. Your tutor will ultimately be writing references for your employment or further study applications, therefore establishing a positive relationship with this person is invaluable.
In this four-part podcast mini-series, we discuss some of the most common career
paths for students studying law. We focus on practical advice, including
what skills are needed, how you actually go about entering the chosen
career and what to look out for when you choose a programme and modules.
26 February 2021
Host: Dr Simone Schroff; Guest: Rosie Brennan
This week, practicing solicitor and Director of the Plymouth Law Clinic, Rosie Brennan, provides insights into successfully qualifying as a solicitor.
5 March 2021
Host: Dr Simone Schroff; Guest: Jonathan Ward
Practicing barrister, Jonathan Ward (Magdalen Chambers), explains the work a barrister does, how to qualify and how your law degree can support you.
12 March 2021
Host: Dr Simone Schroff; Guest: Sarah Guy
Sarah Guy shares her practical advice on entering the field of legal consultancy, advising companies on compliance with the law.
19 March 2021
Host: Dr Simone Schroff; Guest: Dr Lisa Deblasio
In our final episode, Dr Lisa Deblasio shows how you can become a
researcher, the skills involved and how your chosen degree can support
your choice.
Careers Service, Student Hub, Charles Seale-Hayne Library
Monday to Thursday: 08:30–17:00, Friday: 09:30–16:30
