Lawyers provide a whole range of legal services, from litigation to matrimonial affairs. The work is suited to candidates with good analytical skills as much of a lawyer’s time is spent analyzing surveys, police and medical reports, and other legal documentation. Additional qualities necessary for the job include good interpersonal and negotiation skills and an aptitude for figures
Minimum entry requirements are usually a 2:1 honours degree, preferably in law, although a 2:2 may be accepted if it can be backed up with relevant experience. Those candidates whose degrees are in a subject other than law are required to take a conversion course: either the GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law) or the CPE (Common Profession Examination).
All graduates must then complete the Legal Practice Course, which is followed by a two-year training contract. Qualified lawyers can choose to specialise in a particular area of law, such as corporate law or tax law. Salaries average out at around £50,000 but vary greatly according to the legal speciality and the company worked for.