Lawyer career guide

What a Lawyer does

• Advises people, businesses, or public bodies on legal rights and responsibilities.
• Researches laws and documents, and explains how they apply to a situation.
• Drafts and reviews contracts, letters, and other legal documents.
• Negotiates settlements and represents clients in court or other hearings, depending on their role and qualifications.
• Lawyers may specialize in areas such as criminal law, family law, employment, property, or business law.

The work and the title “lawyer” vary by jurisdiction. Rules about who can give legal advice or represent clients also differ.

A typical day

• Read case files, legislation, contracts, and correspondence.
• Meet or speak with clients to understand their needs and explain options.
• Research legal questions and prepare advice or documents.
• Negotiate with other parties or their lawyers.
• Attend court, tribunals, or meetings when required.
• Track deadlines, update clients, and manage billing or administrative work.

The balance of these tasks depends on the area of law and workplace. Court appearances are only part of many lawyers’ jobs.

Skills you need

• Clear communication: Explain complex matters in plain language and write carefully.
• Research and analysis: Find relevant rules, assess evidence, and build a sound argument.
• Judgment: Weigh risks, facts, and possible outcomes.
• Attention to detail: Spot errors and meet deadlines.
• People skills: Listen well, handle sensitive information, and work with people under stress.
• Organisation: Manage several matters and keep accurate records.
• Resilience: Work through demanding cases and respond constructively to feedback.

How to become one

Requirements depend on the country or region where you plan to practise. Check the local regulator’s rules before choosing a course.

• Education: Complete the required legal education. This may be a law degree or a non-law degree followed by a legal conversion course, depending on the jurisdiction.
• Practical training: Many places require supervised work, a professional training course, or both.
• Certification and admission: You may need to pass professional exams, complete character and fitness checks, and be formally admitted or licensed. “Certification” requirements vary, and some specialisations require further credentials.
• Entry routes: Common routes include trainee or graduate roles at law firms, supervised placements, government legal departments, in-house legal teams, and legal aid organisations. Some jurisdictions offer apprenticeship-style routes.
• Keep learning: Lawyers usually need to follow ongoing professional development and conduct requirements to maintain their licence.

Career path

• Student or trainee: Build legal knowledge and gain practical experience under supervision.
• Newly qualified lawyer: Handle defined matters, often with guidance from more experienced colleagues.
• Experienced lawyer: Take responsibility for more complex cases or clients and may develop a specialisation.
• Senior roles: Progress to positions such as team lead, partner, senior in-house counsel, or a senior public-sector legal role. These roles usually involve greater responsibility for clients, strategy, or managing people.
• Other options: Some lawyers move into mediation, policy, compliance, teaching, or other roles that use legal skills.

Progression is not always a straight line and depends on the legal system, workplace, and area of practice.

Is it right for you?

• It may suit you if you enjoy careful reading, problem-solving, writing, and helping people make decisions.
• Consider whether you are comfortable with detailed work, tight deadlines, and situations where outcomes may be uncertain.
• Think about the costs and time involved in training, and whether the day-to-day work in your preferred area appeals to you.
• Speak with practising lawyers or seek work experience to learn what the role is like in your jurisdiction.

Current pay is in the salary guide.