Are you considering a career as a solicitor? Many people have aspirations to become a solicitor as the work can be rewarding and interesting not to mention the excellent earning potential. While there are many perks to being a solicitor, you also need to know about the challenges as it is a unique career path and it is a lot of hard work. So, what do you need to know about a career as a solicitor?
There are Many Paths to Follow
One of the benefits of a career as a solicitor is that there are so many different avenues that you can specialize in. You could be a medical solicitor working on medical negligence claims, a property lawyer, an employment lawyer, or a banking and finance solicitor just as a few examples. This allows you to find an area that you are interested in and feel passionate about. An experienced lawyer will understand the latest laws impacting your contract and industry.
Progression Opportunities
You should also know that there are excellent paths for progression in law, which also means that your earning potential is high. In the UK, the average salary for a lawyer in the London area is £70k but can be much higher, especially when you factor in the annual bonuses.
There is a Lot of Learning
Of course, there is a tremendous amount of learning that needs to be done to be a lawyer. Even once you complete your studies, you will find that there is a lot to learn on the job and this is why it is so important to ask questions, find a mentor, and always be looking for opportunities to expand your knowledge.
Working Hours Will Vary
If you want a 9-5 office job that you can forget about once you clock off then this is not the career for you. Working hours can vary and often you will spend a huge amount of your time working on a case, which means that you need to have the flexibility and be willing to put work ahead of other things in your life at times. Being a lawyer is more a way of life than a career path and this means that it is demanding.
It is Stressful
Leading on from this, you will find that being a lawyer can be hugely stressful particularly when working on complex cases. It is also hugely rewarding and interesting, but you must be able to work under pressure and able to look after yourself.
These are a few of the main considerations that you need to make when deciding whether or not a career as a solicitor is for you. Being a lawyer certainly has its perks and allows you to earn much higher than the average salary, but it is also a big commitment and the work can be incredibly demanding, stressful, and complex.
