Challenges of becoming a lawyer
Law is a rewarding and fulfilling career but it is also challenging.
- You’ll face intense competition for trainee solicitor roles and pupillage. You’ll need to have excellent A level grades and preferably a 2.1 degree to have the best chance of success.
- You’ll be in a competitive working environment; trainee solicitors generally work long hours. Pupil barristers work hard for little pay.
- It can be emotionally challenging – you are after all working with real people, with real problems.
- The demanding and long work hours challenge your work/life balance.
- Barristers are self employed so have no regular salary. The earning potential is huge but it can take years to build up a practice and client base.
Is law right for you?
You need to be confident in difficult situations, enthusiastic, have a good academic background and excellent communication skills.
Skills for success in law
- Team work and people skills
- Communication and listening
- Research, analytical and problem-solving
- Ability to organise and prioritise
- Self-motivation and initiative
- Commercial awareness
You can also find out more about a career in law by joining our Future Lawyers Network – our unique new online community for everyone who's interested in working in law. Its free to join and open to anyone over age 16.