No training contract secured but I need a job - can it be non-legal?
You’re about to graduate and you need a job. Whilst a legally related job is ideal, it’s not essential.
Some of the benefits of getting a legally focused job are:
You’ll be carrying out tasks which will build your legally specific skills
It’ll help show recruiters on a training contract or vacation scheme application, in a tangible way, your motivation to pursue a career in law
Confirmation that you would enjoy a legal career
A paralegal role could tick all the above boxes. I explained the benefits (with caveats) of getting a paralegal role in this previous article and what you could look for when you’re searching paralegal opportunities in this previous article.
However, you don’t need a legally focused role.
Here are four non-legal job ideas, which will still look good on a training contract/vacation scheme application:
Any job that has lots of learning and development opportunities - any role where you can develop the range of skills law firms typically look for in a prospective trainee (e.g. ability to manage deadlines, attention to detail, analytical, organisation, etc.) will help prove you have the competencies needed for a training contract.
A law firm key client - if you’re targeting City firms who focus more on corporate/m&a and finance for instance, working in a bank or private equity house (most City firms’ core client bases) as an analyst could impress. Similarly, working in financial regulation for a regulator or compliance at a bank will also stand you out on applications. Equally, working for a charity or in the Civil Service may interest public law firms. This is because your experience will provide an insight into how their clients operate, giving you a more informed perspective years later when you’re acting as their legal advisor.
A client-facing role - Firms want candidates who can show they can deal effectively with people, communicate well and resolve issues.
A commercial role - anything that shows you are building your commercial awareness will be useful. Commercial lawyers are ultimately business advisors. Clients value lawyers who can think commercially when providing legal advice.
Whilst you won’t be able to show your motivation for a career in law from a non-legally focused role in the same way as a legally focused one, you can more than make up for this by attending law firm events, law fairs, open days, informal legal work experience, virtual legal internships and vacation schemes.
Whilst not a job, you could also consider starting your own business - more on that in this article.