Advice for newly qualified Solicitor...

zeroplay

I'm looking for some advice as to how make myself more employable. I did my apprenticeship in a specialised area of litigation but would prefer to work in commercial/corporate law, in house or for a firm.

I've looked at job ads for this kind of work in Ireland and England but most are looking for prior experience. Would it help much to do a law society diploma in finance, corporate or in house law? Or is there some other way?

Tom Young

Half the country is seeking this advice. Differentiate, be motivated, be brave.

xxlauraxxox

have you joned linkedin??join the discussion law society of ireland you often get companies recruiting for newly qualifed and junior lawyers

galwaybetty

Hi all, I think this is the appropriate thread to post this question on!

My query is along the lines of the original poster's post.

I trained with a general practice firm- Litigation (mostly PI), family, crime but limited conveyancing. I qualified in March and unfortunately I have no PQE.

At the moment I am a paralegal in one of the big 5 firms while I look for work as a Solicitor. While Im here I am trying to find ways to make myself more employable and distinguish my cv from all the others.

The areas I would like to practice in are Litigation, Family law or general practice. Im also keeping an eye out for jobs that arent strictly 'Solicitor' jobs.

Unlike the original poster, my experience is pretty broad and I think that's both an advantage and a disadvantage.

Ive been offered funding for a course in Mediation, which I think could make me more attractive to firms that practice family law? I am just concerned that I am committing time and money to the wrong course and that I would be better off improving my languages or looking into a qualification in compliance.

Any suggestions would be welcome including constructive criticism!

Bepolite

galwaybetty wrote: »

Hi all, I think this is the appropriate thread to post this question on!

My query is along the lines of the original poster's post.

I trained with a general practice firm- Litigation (mostly PI), family, crime but limited conveyancing. I qualified in March and unfortunately I have no PQE.

At the moment I am a paralegal in one of the big 5 firms while I look for work as a Solicitor. While Im here I am trying to find ways to make myself more employable and distinguish my cv from all the others.

The areas I would like to practice in are Litigation, Family law or general practice. Im also keeping an eye out for jobs that arent strictly 'Solicitor' jobs.

Unlike the original poster, my experience is pretty broad and I think that's both an advantage and a disadvantage.

Ive been offered funding for a course in Mediation, which I think could make me more attractive to firms that practice family law? I am just concerned that I am committing time and money to the wrong course and that I would be better off improving my languages or looking into a qualification in compliance.

Any suggestions would be welcome including constructive criticism!

Do what you enjoy.