Job Prospects for Solicitors Down the Line?

Chet Zar

So at the minute I am looking into pursuing a career in law through qualifying as a solicitor, aiming to take the FE1s in the Spring and starting a preparatory course in a few week's time.

The alternative is to head to abroad (Oz or Spain) and stay in my current area (Marketing) and live in the sun for a year or two before (probably) returning to Ireland.

Essentially, I know things are very tough for solicitors at present, but given I wouldn't qualify until mid-late 2015 at the earliest, what is people's outlook on job prospects approx 4-5 years down the line? I realise no-one has a crystal ball, but my thinking is that the Irish economy should be in significantly better shape by then...

For me it's either go abroad and enjoy myself for 1-3 years or so and then come back looking to buy a house etc...versus looking more at a 15 year timeline where I would want to be in a satisfying professional career, as opposed to various marketing roles (which can be nonetheless satisfying). I'm nearly 31 now...so I guess also I'd be relatively broke for the next few years if I do decide to go towards qualifying as a solicitor.

nuac

The legal jobs market is very flat at the mement. There is a demand for legal services but many who need the service cannot pay for it.

I doubt if things will improve much in next 4 to 5 years unless the economy improves dramatically.