Changing careers is never an easy process, but moving into law can feel particularly daunting when you are competing with law graduates straight out of university. As you get older, values and priorities often change and for some, the urge to do something more meaningful may become more important.
Whatever your reason for wanting to change into a law career, the positive is that nowadays you don’t need to have a law degree to take the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) to become a solicitor. Regardless of your background, law is much more accessible and flexible to career changers.
Steph Day, Careers & Employability Manager at BARBRI, highlights the steps to take to make a successful transition.
1. Understand Why You Want to Change Careers
Law is competitive and at times intense, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. The first step is to ask yourself: why law, and why now? It’s important to understand your own motivations, what drives you, and what you value. Law firms and organisations will want to know this, so take the time to outline a clear and compelling story that shows them who you are and why you are serious about this career change.
2. Research The Industry in Detail
The legal world is vast and although you don’t need to know everything at the start, you do need to understand the options open to you:
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What are the routes into the profession?
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What practice areas interest you?
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Where do you see yourself working: a law firm, in-house, for a charity or in the public sector?
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What do you want out of your next career?
Now is the time to map out the route you want to take and be strategic: what are your short-term and long-term SMART goals?
3. Understand and Sell Your Transferable Skills
Changing careers does not mean starting from scratch. Your previous career or roles will have given you valuable transferable skills that you can sell to a future employer. Law firms and other legal employers increasingly value people who are from diverse backgrounds and bring something different to the table. That could be skills in leadership, building client relationships, project management, commercial experience, or simply emotional intelligence.
Take the time to really audit your existing skill set. Then learn how to translate it into legal language. Not only will it help your applications stand out, but it will boost your confidence when you get to interview.
4. Look Into SQE Prep Courses That Work For You!
Research the SQE route in more detail: what does it involve and how long does it take? BARBRI Prep courses are delivered online and designed to be flexible, so they can fit around work, family, or other commitments. If you are juggling a busy schedule, it's important to start planning your time and finances accordingly. Find out more about BARBRI's SQE1 Prep course and consider doing a a foundations in law course first.
5. Speak To Career-Changers Who Have Made The Change
Reach out to people who have made the move via LinkedIn, and consider joining the group Later On Lawyers for further helpful insight.
Be curious and ask lots of questions. Hearing real stories can help you understand what to expect, and give you great advice to help you move forward effectively.
6. Gain Legal Work Experience Now!
Any law work experience you can get will add value to your job applications and help you speak credibly in interviews, as well as build your network.
A requirement is to complete two years Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), so make sure you start early and record the work you are completing in detail. Find the SRA’s guidance on QWE here.
This could be through vacation schemes, internships, pro bono work, legal clinics, or paralegal roles. If you are working full time, you may need to look at online opportunities with organisations that provide virtual or simulated opportunities such as Forage and Sequentus, who both partner with BARBRI.
7. Learn the Legal Landscape
Keep up with legal news and understand current trends in the profession, particularly in areas you are interested in. Commercial awareness is something firms and organisations seek and being a career changer, it is likely you have gained some experience of this already and can use this to your advantage.
8. Think About Your Personal Brand And Build Your Legal Network Effectively
Be visible by attending networking events, webinars, or local Law Society meetings. Join LinkedIn groups and build connections to gain valuable insight. Quite often, it is about who you know in the legal world, so a casual chat could lead to advice, a mentor, or even a possible job lead.
9. Prepare For Applications
Understand recruitment cycles and be ready with a strong application form, cover letter and CV. Tailor every application to the firm or organisation – ensure you have in-depth knowledge of each firm or organisation’s culture and what makes them different. Make sure this is highlighted, so your application stand outt.
When writing your application and CV or preparing for interviews, don’t just say you have skills, ensure you give short, specific examples that show them in action and how they transfer to a law context.
10. Embrace Imposter Syndrome – And Then Move On!
It’s normal to have imposter syndrome when entering a new field, especially if you have had seniority or expertise in your previous career. Acknowledging your feelings and recognising that everyone has felt this at some stage of their career, can help. Starting out in anything new is hard... but it’s also exciting!
Is it possible?
Yes, it is! Stay realistic, but believe in yourself!
Law is a competitive profession and not every door will open the first time, so you need to remain motivated and resilient. People from all backgrounds become excellent solicitors and firms and organisations are getting much better at recognising the value career-changers bring, from maturity, professionalism, and real-world experience to people who can speak confidently to clients, work independently, and handle pressure – all things you have probably been doing for years.
Some firms are more receptive to career-changers than others. High-street or boutique firms, in-house legal teams or regional practices may be more receptive than a big city firm that may be more focused on a ‘cultural fit’.
However, with everything in life, if you are determined, capable, and committed, your age and experience can be an asset – not a liability. As I always say - someone has to get the job… why shouldn’t it be you?
Not sure where to start? Speak to our team here to get more help and information.
Join our community, SQE Future Lawyers and you'll find a wealth of resources and like-minded individuals within our group.
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