Earning a Law Degree: Your Path to Becoming a Legal Expert
Oct, 09 2023
Are you curious about what lawyers do all day beyond what you see on TV? If you are considering law as a career but aren't sure what options exist, this blog is for you. The legal field is vast and complex but can also be incredibly rewarding. For those interested in this dynamic profession, obtaining a law degree is the first step to unlocking many exciting career opportunities. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what it takes to become a legal expert, from understanding the day-to-day work of lawyers to exploring the different types of law careers available.
What do Lawyers do?
Lawyers are responsible for providing legal advice and representation to individuals, businesses, and organisations. They work in various settings, including law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organisations.
Some of the specific tasks that lawyers perform include:
Researching and analysing legal issues
Drafting legal documents
Negotiating and settling disputes
Representing clients in court
Advising clients on their legal rights and options
Types of Law Careers
There are many exciting career paths you can pursue with a law degree. Here are some of the most popular types of legal specialisations that may interest you if you are looking for the best career in law:
Civil litigation: Civil litigators represent clients in lawsuits and other legal disputes.
Criminal law: Criminal lawyers represent clients accused of crimes.
Family law: Family lawyers help clients with divorce, child custody, and adoption issues.
Business law: Business lawyers help businesses with various legal issues, such as contracts, mergers, and acquisitions.
Intellectual property law: Intellectual property lawyers help clients protect their property rights, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
Environmental law: Environmental lawyers help clients comply with environmental laws and regulations.
Immigration law: Immigration lawyers help clients with issues related to immigration and naturalisation.
Benefits of Studying Law
A few key advantages of pursuing a career in law include:
Stable Career Prospects: With the increasing complexity of laws in modern times, there will always be a demand for lawyers. Permanent career opportunities exist in both private law firms and government organisations.
Opportunity for progression: Law is a field filled with growth opportunities. Experienced attorneys can pursue specialisations, open their firms, or take on leadership roles like General Counsel or Partner later in their careers with a law degree.
Competitive salaries: While pay varies depending on location and field of law, median wages are attractive. According to data from UK Talent (2023), lawyers in the UK have an average annual salary of £50,000. In contrast, lawyers in the UAE can expect to start at around 30,000 AED monthly at a Magic Circle or top UK firm, as reported by My Dubai Career.
Transferable skills: Studying law builds invaluable skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, research, communication and advocacy - applicable to various industries if you want a career change.
Scope for travelling: Globalisation means legal expertise is needed worldwide. Ambitious lawyers keen to live abroad have options in most countries. International law practises also open work opportunities across borders.
How to Become a Lawyer
Earn a Bachelor of Law Qualification: No specific undergraduate majors are required for law school, but common majors include political science, history, economics, and English.
Take the LSAT: The three-hour LSAT test measures critical thinking, reading comprehension, and analytical reasoning skills.
Applying to Law School: The application process typically involves submitting your transcripts, LSAT score, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a resume.
Complete Bar Exams: Candidates must pass the bar exam - a series of rigorous tests assessing knowledge of legal principles and ability to practise law.
Apply for a License: With exams and training complete, lawyers apply to their jurisdiction’s bar association or law society for a license to practise independently.
Gain Work Experience: Many law students undertake internships, pupillages or paralegal jobs during or after university to gain hands-on experience.
Continuing Professional Development: Maintaining competence through ongoing education courses keeps skills sharp as the law evolves.
De Montfort University (DMU) Dubai Law Programme
DMU Dubai offers a full-time, 3-year LLB (Hons) programme for those interested in pursuing a law career. Our law degree course covers the core substantive areas in modules like Law of Tort, Land Law, Public Order, and Equity and Trusts. It also provides skills training through practical components like mooting and client interviewing. Graduates will have a broad understanding of legal principles and strong problem-solving abilities to kickstart a career with a law degree.
Conclusion
A law career can be exciting and meaningful, whether pursuing justice, protecting rights, or advising major organisations. Developing attributes like critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills are essential to excel in this field. These abilities can be acquired through a strong academic programme. For students passionate about joining the legal profession and making a positive impact, DMU Dubai offers an ideal learning environment with dedicated support to help them achieve their career goals.
