While many lawyers in the UK follow the traditional route of working in private practice or in-house legal teams, there are several alternative career paths worth considering. These roles still draw heavily on your legal training but can offer a different pace, focus, or working environment.
Some lawyers move into compliance or risk management roles within financial institutions or large organisations, where they advise on regulatory matters and help businesses stay within the law.
Others may work in policy or advisory roles for government departments, Think tanks, or NGOs, using their legal expertise to shape legislation or influence public policy.
Teaching, legal publishing, and consultancy are also options, especially for those interested in training the next generation or sharing their specialist knowledge.
Another growing area for lawyers looking beyond traditional practice is legal technology. Legal tech involves using software and digital tools to improve how legal services are delivered, whether that's through automating contracts, managing cases more efficiently, or using AI for legal research.
Solicitors working in legal tech might join startups, help law firms implement new systems, or even move into product development. This could be a good fit for those with an interest in innovation or who enjoy finding practical solutions to improve legal processes.
Legal Operations focuses on improving the efficiency of legal teams. Legal project management, involves planning and overseeing legal work like a formal project, setting timelines, managing resources, and ensuring tasks are completed on time and within scope. It’s especially relevant in large firms or in-house teams dealing with complex, high-value matters. Both areas suit organised, strategic thinkers who want to stay close to legal work but in a more operational or managerial role.
As the legal industry continues to evolve, these could all be areas with real potential for career growth, variety and a better work-life balance, depending on what you are looking for. Think about the skills you particularly enjoy using and consider your values and drivers – what is important to you in a job.
Remember careers are not linear and there are so many career paths out there to discover. So, why not start researching alternative options today.
If you are BARBRI Alumni, don’t forget that you can sign up to the BARBRI CareerHub, where you will gain access to tailored career resources, exclusive job opportunities and expert guidance designed to support your next steps. It is an excellent way to stay connected, stay informed and make the most of the professional advantages available to you as part of the BARBRI Alumni community. BARBRI CareerHub
Have you joined the SQE Future Lawyers LinkedIn group? It is one of the best ways to stay informed, build your professional network and access opportunities that can genuinely shape your career journey. By becoming part of the community, you will connect with likeminded future lawyers, gain valuable and keep up to date with news, events and guidance that can support your development as you progress in your career. SQE Future Lawyers LinkedIn Group
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