Work experience woe
updated on 27 April 2010
Dear Oracle
I found it difficult (impossible, even) to gain any experience in a law firm or shadowing a solicitor while studying for my degree and LPC. It's been a year since I graduated and the sections for listing legal experience on my training contract applications are still blank. Have I missed the boat for a career in law?The Oracle replies
We hate to be the voice of doom, but it sounds to us as though you might have done. The legal profession is incredibly tough and excellent candidates are ten-a-penny, especially since the economic downturn. You need to be able to show employers that you are dedicated to a career in law and, frankly, with no work experience to speak of, this is going to be an uphill struggle! If you haven't spent time with lawyers finding out what they do, how can you know that it's your vocation and convince a recruiter of that?
Although this was probably not what you wanted to hear, we don't want to make light of what is an incredibly competitive process. It might be a good idea to start thinking about other career options - but don't panic, as there are plenty of roles out there for people with legal qualifications. Have you thought about working in insurance or the Civil Service, for example? Why not take a look at our "Alternative careers" section for some more ideas.
