If you have decided to become a solicitor, there are many options available to you. You can either choose to get a degree or complete a training course. The training involved is regulated by the SRA. You can also become a paralegal. However, this route is not as common and there are no guaranteed placements. Another option is to pursue a Solicitor Apprenticeship, a five to six-year programme. Typically, this is aimed at post-A-level students but is also opened to Chartered Legal Executives. There are many solicitors in Glasgow that are available to help you, and here is what you should know about becoming one:
Career As A Solicitor
A career as a solicitor requires a high level of dedication, and you must be prepared to put in long hours and gruelling days. This is a stressful job, and you may have to take time away from your family and friends. In some cases, you may have to work late into the night to help clients.
Depending on your interests, you can specialise in one of several areas. Employment law, for example, helps companies deal with problem employees. Personal injury lawyers work to protect the rights of clients. There are also corporate lawyers, who assist businesses with legal compliance. If you are a good lawyer, you can even set up your own firm and be your own boss.
Training Required
There are different routes to qualifying as a solicitor. Regardless of your route, you will need to complete a qualifying examination to become a solicitor. This examination is designed to ensure a high standard of legal knowledge, practical skills and intellectual ability. In addition, you will need two years of qualifying work experience. Depending on your route, you may be able to obtain this experience by working in the legal profession for a variety of different firms.
Salary
In some cases, a solicitor will start out as an assistant, where they work on a fixed salary under the supervision of an experienced partner. As their experience and skills increase, they will gradually be given more responsibility, gaining experience in client handling and business development. They will also often be responsible for supervising a team of junior solicitors.
Career Programme
There are many different ways to progress in a career as a solicitor. Many of these options require you to undertake a particular qualification. For example, you could become a member of the Association of Tax Technicians or the Chartered Institute of Taxation. Working in this sector is challenging and rewarding, but it also requires regular education and training to remain up to date with changes in the law.
