What are the best pathways to a career in the legal profession?
Becoming a solicitor is the first thing person thinks of when considering a career in the legal arena. Completing the FE-1 exams is the traditional path to joining the Law Society of Ireland and being registered as a solicitor. Most students complete an undergraduate degree in law before or while sitting their FE-1s.
Once registered, a new member of the Law Society will need to complete a traineeship. The traineeship lasts 2 years and 6 months; during this time, the trainee will typically complete 4 seats, e.g., corporate, funds, tax, and litigation. This gives the trainee a flavour of what area of law they prefer before committing their future career to any particular area.
However, there are many roles within the profession which do not require the completion of the FE-1s. People with undergraduate law degrees fulfil a variety of roles. Many provide legal advice or work in higher education or conveyance, to name a few.
What are the top soft skills needed for a career in legal?
For a successful legal career, it's vital to possess strong communication and time-management skills and the ability to think critically when problem-solving.
What benefits can legal candidates expect to be offered?
Legal candidates can expect to be offered benefits, including employer pension plans, annual bonuses, further education opportunities, and medical insurance.
What is the difference between private practice and in-house offerings?
The main difference is private practice roles often offer higher annual bonuses, while in-house positions tend to offer higher employer pension plans.
244 survey respondents who work in professional services
What flexible working arrangements can a legal candidate expect?
Legal positions now offer an optimal blend of both in-office and at-home work, with two days working remotely to maximise flexibility while three office visits ensure team collaborations remain strong.
