Alternative Careers

The knowledge and the transferable skills which students gain during their legal training and BVC course are highly valued commodities in many professions, both legal and non-legal. Many who have not pursued a career at the Bar have gone on to use their skills in successful careers ranging from politics to teaching to commerce. This section sets out some of the more popular alternative careers.

Government Legal Service (GLS)

The GLS employs around 1900 lawyers and is the umbrella title for the legal teams of the central governmental departments, agencies and public bodies. Working at the GLS, you will be involved in the enormous level of legal work generated by the government across several areas of law. GLS lawyers undertake drafting, advisory and litigious work and are given the opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of work. The GLS employs both barristers and solicitors and runs a training scheme for trainee solicitors and pupils. For more information, see the Government Legal Service webpage.

Cross-qualifying as a Solicitor

If you have difficulty obtaining pupillage or tenancy, or simply decide that the Bar is not for you, then cross-qualifying as a solicitor is an excellent alternative for those who want to stay in the legal profession. The introduction of solicitor-advocates also means there is also greater opportunity to make use of those advocacy skills. If you completed the BVC and have two-years of legal practice experience (e.g. as a paralegal) you can cross-qualify by taking the qualified lawyers’ transfer test (QLTT). For more information contact the Law Society.

Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB)/Law Centres

CAB and law centres provide the public, especially those from disadvantaged sections of society, with direct access to legal advice on their day-to-day legal problems (landlord/tenant disputes, parking fines, etc). The nature of the work makes it both interesting and rewarding. However, cuts to funding mean there are very few paid positions within CAB and law centres and most staff give their time on a voluntary basis.

Civil Service

The Civil Service serves the government and is responsible for implementing polices and initiatives over the entire range of governmental work. There are a large number of career opportunities within the Civil Service over several disciplines. Some departments (such as the Home and Foreign Offices and the Lord Chancellor's Department) will have more legal opportunities than others due to the nature of their work. The Civil Service also offers a Fast Stream Development Programme for graduates. For more information see the Civil Service Fast Stream website.

Legal Executives/ Paralegals

Paralegals and Legal Executives are legal support staff working in law firms and other legal institutions. Their role varies greatly and will depend largely on factors such the experience of the individual, the areas of law concerned and the size of the firm/organisation. Working as a Paralegal and/or a Legal Executive is an excellent way to gain experience and develop a relationship with a law firm whilst you are applying for pupillage. It is also a demanding and rewarding career in its own right that can offer senior positions with high levels of professional responsibility.

Court Reporting / Legal Publishing

Legal publishing is a steadily growing area as more legal publishing houses are offering a wider variety of legal reporting services, especially online services which must be updated quickly. This would be an ideal area for anyone interested in moving into media and journalism.

Court reporters are shorthand writers who record verbatim court hearings for official transcripts. Whilst it is not necessary to be legally qualified to work as a court reporter, it would certainly be an advantage.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)

The CPS is a government department that employs around 3,000 staff throughout the country and is responsible for the majority of prosecutions in criminal cases. The work is carried out by barristers and solicitors known as Crown Prosecutors who will review the evidence collected by the police to ascertain whether there is sufficient evidence and whether it is in the public interest to proceed). Once you have completed the BVC, you can apply for a one-year pupillage at the CPS and qualify as a barrister. This is an ideal alternative to private practice for anyone interested in working in the Criminal Justice System. For more information see the Crown Prosecution Service website.