What can I do with my law degree?
Guest written by Law with Sophie

Sometimes the public portrayal of what a solicitor does can be quite one-dimensional, and – particularly in London – the assumption is often that solicitors mainly work at large firms in corporate law. 

But there are many different areas of law you can specialise in as a solicitor. The decision between 'criminal' or 'corporate' law, (and between advisory, transactional or litigious work within that), is an outdated notion, with many areas of practice having significant overlap. 

Once you've qualified as a solicitor, there is also scope to practise law in a number of ways, depending on your goals and desired lifestyle.  

And beyond even a legal career, a law degree opens many doors and there are several avenues you can pursue post-legal studies. A law degree – and legal training – and the skills that this bestows on you, will prepare you well for a variety of careers. 

Different types of law

Here are some practice areas you might be familiar with, and some more unusual ones: 

More common to larger, commercial law firms

• Commercial litigation, arbitration and investigations 
• Real estate 
• Corporate and M&A 
• Banking and finance 
• Restructuring & insolvency 
• Commercial contracts 
• Projects 
• Funds/investment management 
• Employment 
• Pensions 
• Tax 
• Intellectual property 
• Construction 
• Competition/antitrust 
• Planning 
• Insurance 
• Private client 

More common to high street or boutique firms

• Immigration 
• Wills & probate 
• Employment 
• Personal injury 
• Clinical negligence  
• Criminal law 
• Family law 
• Sports law 

Different career paths

Within the role of a solicitor

• If you're a private practice solicitor, the opportunity may arise to go on secondment to a client and experience life as an in-house lawyer – and vice versa, for in-house lawyers. 
• Some solicitors at large commercial firms also get the opportunity to take an overseas secondment to another office. 
• The Higher Rights course gives solicitors an extra qualification as a solicitor advocate and allows them to conduct advocacy in higher courts. This is particularly useful if you're a solicitor working in litigation. 
• Solicitors can offer their services to organisations on a flexible consultancy basis, either for specific short-term projects, or through an agency such as Lawyers on Demand, Flex, etc.  
• If you've always dreamt of business ownership, you could even set up your own law firm! 

Alternative career paths for solicitors or law students 

• Solicitors or law students who enjoy the more academic part of the role can find fulfilling second – or even part-time/complementary – careers in lecturing or tutoring.  
• Charities, not for profits and NGOs also require solicitors – some of the largest will have legal teams, or you could move into the sector in a non-legal role (for example, advising on policy or technical requirements).  
• For solicitors who work in real estate or planning, a career in town and country planning could be a natural next step. 
• A non-legal role within a law firm could 'scratch the itch' of wanting to work within the sector, but without practising law. Law firms can be very large organisations, with sophisticated Finance, Marketing HR etc. functions. 

A career as a company secretary utilises many of the same skills as a solicitor. Similarly, many qualified solicitors go on to work within risk and compliance functions.  

This blog is guest written by Law with Sophie, it is part of a six-part series on Becoming a Solicitor, helping you consider whether it is the right career move for you.

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Last updated May 2022