What Next After
Studying Law?

Graduating with a law degree or transitioning from a period of practicing law often presents a crossroad filled with numerous paths. Whether you are moving on from law school or seeking a change after years in practice, the question of "What next?" can be both exciting and daunting. From pursuing a career in academia, entering the business world, or even exploring opportunities in alternative dispute resolution, there are a multitude of avenues to consider. Each path offers its own unique challenges and rewards, so it's important to carefully evaluate your interests and goals before making a decision.

Let's explore your options after completing a law education or deciding to shift gears from traditional legal practice.

 Legal Practice

The most obvious route after law school is to become a practicing attorney. This involves passing the CLP or bar exam and potentially joining a law firm, starting a private practice, or working for the government. Within legal practice, there are various specialties such as criminal law, corporate law, family law, or environmental law, providing a range of career paths tailored to different interests and strengths.

Judiciary and Public Service

If you are interested in shaping the law rather than advocating within its bounds, pursuing a career in the judiciary or other public service roles may be appealing. This could involve working as a judge, magistrate, or in administrative roles within the justice system. Public service also includes roles in governmental agencies or non-profits where legal expertise is crucial in policy-making and implementation.

Academia

If the intellectual challenge of law is what drives you, academia may be a rewarding path. This route typically requires further postgraduate law studies. As a law professor, not only will you teach but also contribute to scholarly research, influencing legal thought and practice on a broader scale. You will also have the opportunity to publish articles, books, and other academic works that shape the future of the legal field. Additionally, you may also have the opportunity to participate in conferences and symposiums to share your expertise with other legal professionals.

Corporate Sector

A legal background is highly valuable in the corporate world. Lawyers often transition into roles such as corporate counsel, compliance officers, or in-house legal advisors, where they help companies navigate the complex web of corporate law, from intellectual property issues to contract negotiations and labor relations.

Entrepreneurship

Lawyers possess strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, making them well-suited for entrepreneurship. Starting a business, whether a law firm or venturing into another industry, can be a fulfilling opportunity to apply your legal knowledge in new and innovative ways.

 Consulting

Many law graduates move into consulting, offering their expertise to businesses or governments on legal matters, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Consulting firms often seek individuals with specialised knowledge in areas like healthcare, environmental law, or technology.

International Organisations

If you are interested in international law, working with international organisations such as the United Nations, World Bank, World Health Organisation or International Red Cross can be extremely rewarding. These roles often focus on areas like human rights, environmental protection, and global economic development.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

With the growing demand for mediation and arbitration, law graduates can pursue careers in alternative dispute resolution (ADR). This path is ideal if you excel in negotiation and prefer resolving conflicts outside the traditional courtroom setting.

Legal Tech and Innovation

The legal field is increasingly intersecting with technology. Opportunities in legal tech involve developing or managing technology products that help law firms and legal departments operate more efficiently. This includes everything from artificial intelligence in legal research to digital contract management and cybersecurity.

Media and Writing

If you have a flair for writing, you might want to explore careers in journalism, editing, or authoring books on legal subjects. The media often require experts who can decipher complex legal jargon for the public, particularly in reporting on major trials, new legislation, or judicial appointments.

The paths after completing a law degree or leaving a law career are as varied as they are numerous. Whether continuing within the field of law, shifting to a new industry, or embarking on an entirely different journey, the skills and knowledge acquired from a legal education provide a strong foundation for a multitude of professional avenues. Each path offers unique opportunities to utilise legal training in meaningful, impactful ways.