For students considering a career in law, the path ahead may seem both exciting and overwhelming. We recently hosted a webinar with Commercial Chancery Barrister Jessica Lavelle, who offered a refreshingly honest and detailed look at what it really means to become a lawyer in the UK. From different routes into the profession to the daily realities of life in court, Jessica’s insights were invaluable for anyone contemplating a legal career.
It’s Never Too Late to Start
One of the most reassuring messages from Jessica was that the road to becoming a lawyer is not always straightforward and that’s okay. After studying Classics at Cambridge, she spent two years teaching before realising it wasn’t the right fit. She then retrained in law, proving that you don’t need to study law at undergraduate level to enter the profession.
If you have a degree in another subject, you can take a one-year course called the Diploma in Law (also known as the Graduate Diploma in Law or GDL). This course covers all the core subjects required for a qualifying law degree, enabling you to move on to the next stage of training to become either a solicitor or a barrister.
Solicitor or Barrister: What’s the Difference?
Jessica broke down the legal profession into its two main branches: solicitors and barristers.
Barristers, like Jessica herself, tend to focus on contentious work. This involves disputes where one party is taking legal action against another, such as in civil litigation or criminal trials. Barristers typically write legal arguments, appear in court, cross-examine witnesses, and make submissions to judges. It’s a career that calls for strong public speaking skills and a high tolerance for pressure.
Solicitors, on the other hand, may also deal with contentious work but usually handle the groundwork: preparing legal documents, communicating with clients, and working to resolve disputes before they reach court. Many solicitors also specialise in non-contentious areas like wills, conveyancing, or corporate transactions.
The Many Faces of Law
The legal profession offers a wide range of specialisms, so there’s something for everyone. Jessica works in commercial chancery law, which involves high-value disputes over things like trusts, insolvency, and corporate disagreements. Other key areas include:
- Civil Law : Non-criminal disputes between individuals or organisations.
- Family Law – Dealing with divorce, child custody, and related issues.
- Clinical Negligence – Cases involving alleged medical malpractice.
Each area comes with its own set of challenges and rewards, and Jessica emphasised the importance of finding the right fit for your interests and lifestyle.
Pros and Cons of the Legal Career Paths
Choosing between becoming a solicitor or a barrister often comes down to your personality and preferred working style.
Solicitors are usually employed by law firms. This brings job security, regular income, benefits like pensions and paid leave, but also expectations around billable hours and frequent office attendance. The job is collaborative, with a lot of client-facing work and team-based problem-solving.
Barristers, meanwhile, are almost always self-employed. This gives more flexibility in terms of managing your time and choosing which cases to take on. However, it also comes with the responsibility of managing your own workload. The role can be quite solitary and demands resilience, confidence, and excellent time-management skills.
Jessica also highlighted that barristers often travel for court appearances across the country. However, working in areas like commercial chancery law, where cases are longer and more complex, means you may only be in court occasionally. For Jessica, this provides a better work/life balance.
Money Matters (And That’s Okay to Talk About)
While it can feel uncomfortable to talk about money, Jessica stressed that it’s an important consideration. Some areas of law, like commercial law, are extremely well paid. Others, like general civil law or family law, may offer a more modest income.
What’s crucial is finding the right balance between your interests and your desired lifestyle. Pursuing a high-paying legal career might not be worth it if you dislike the subject matter or the working environment.
Getting Started: Tips for Aspiring Lawyers
Jessica closed her talk with some practical advice for students:
- Get the best grades you can. Law is highly competitive and academically rigorous.
- Build real-world experience. Whether it’s shadowing lawyers, volunteering, or working in service roles, practical experience is key. Jessica found her time as a waitress particularly valuable, as it taught her how to stay calm under pressure and deal with a variety of personalities.
- Practice public speaking. If you’re thinking of becoming a barrister, strong oral advocacy is essential. Seek out opportunities to debate or give presentations.
- Remember to enjoy the journey. A legal career is demanding, so don’t forget to “smell the roses,” as Jessica put it. Aim for a fulfilling life, not just a prestigious job.
Final Thoughts
Jessica Lavelle’s journey into law wasn’t linear, but it was driven by curiosity and resilience. For students considering law, her advice is both practical and inspiring: work hard, stay adaptable, explore different areas, and most importantly, make sure you enjoy what you do.
