When the economy is booming and you are looking for a job in customer service or hospitality, it might not take you that long to find one.
However, when it comes to finding legal work, it can be a bit more of a challenge, regardless of the state of the economy. So, we've put together some different ways you can find legal work in an effort to help you launch your dream career:
Work Shadowing
Regardless of whether you're looking to become a Solicitor, Barrister or even a Paralegal, work shadowing can prove to be an invaluable experience that allows you to gain a much deeper understanding of the legal profession. You can also learn about the types of cases legal professionals work on and gain exposure to members of the legal community where you can form networks and relationships.
Work shadowing is seldom advertised so you might have to make some calls and send in some speculative applications.
Pro Bono Work
This is perhaps the easiest way to build up your CV in a hurry while learning many practical skills. The catch? You have to stomach working for free for a while, so make sure you have the resources to do this before you commit to anything.
If you have the resources to commit to this work temporarily, then this is highly advisable. Flexible working solicitors are increasingly in demand and are proving to be a great asset to businesses. It could lead to greater opportunities. Additionally, you get to build working relationships with other legal professionals, businesses, and firms, as well as explore new areas of the law that you may not have thought that much about before. You also get to interview potential clients as well as draft letters of legal advice, and the list goes on...You can find these opportunities through your university, and there are plenty of non-profit organisations that can be found with a quick search and would be happy to have someone with your skills works with them.
Court Visits and Marshalling
What better way to gain valuable insights into the legal profession than getting the opportunity to sit in court, meetings, lunches, and even shadow a judge (Marshalling). These events are available at your local court. Others may require you to send in a resume and CV, much like a speculative application. Aside from observing court proceedings and the work of judges first-hand, you, again, get to build relationships with others and network.
Law Fairs and Online Help
Law fairs are held all over the country at different universities and feature talks, lectures, and CV workshops. They are generally open to the public, but some universities only host them for their own students.
Online opportunities exist as well, such as websites that can match you up with available opportunities so be sure to look around for new ways of finding flexible work in the legal sector.
How did you start your career in the legal sector? Comment and share your experiences with Mum & Career.
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