Solicitor as a career choice?

lightspeed

Hey all

Im struggling with my conscience as to what career path I should choose. I have a business and law degree and just completed a postgrad in accounting and finance.

I may have a job in a large accounting firm lined up but its dependent on the results of an exam I recently repeated which im not fully sure if ive done well enough in for the job offer to remain.

However, I find myself wondering now as I did a few years ago if I should aim towards further study in law.

I know that accountancy is probably a safer career option right now but I feel I have a passion more for law.

Can anybody confirm are things as difficult not as it was a few years ago for solicitors to make a living?

Is it still just as difficult to secure a training contract as it was a few years ago?

What are the other potential career paths for a newly qualified solicitor? For example how difficult is it to become and in-house solicitor and what are the typical working hours like ?

The job im in now is just a customer services / admin based role but its flexible enough for working hours if I did want to do a masters in law etc.

nuac

Unless you really have a passion for law and all it's uncertainties, stay on your present path.

Careers in large accountancy firms are more predictable

lightspeed

Thanks, but I would like to gain a better knowledge of how uncertain and predictable the market is for both newly qualified solicitors and those seeking a training contract?

For example, if was to do a masters in law and pass all the FE1's, what would my chances be realisitically in securing a training contract?

I understand the market for accountancy is better and it probably would be the more sensible option for me to pursue ACCA where I would only have to do 5 more exams and gain the relevant experience tp qualify.

Would you have any idea how prospective employer's would few someone coming from an accountancy background if I pursued law in future years? ie,

Do you expect demand for solictors to grow significantly as the economy further improves?

Pat Mustard

lightspeed wrote: »

For example, if was to do a masters in law and pass all the FE1's, what would my chances be realisitically in securing a training contract?

No easy way to answer that question. If you have good contacts, it will be easier for you. Then again, if you have good contacts, you might already know the answer to that question. If you are competing on the open market, it will be tougher. You can increase your chances by being absolutely determined to do everything that is necessary to secure a traineeship. This is easier said than done.

lightspeed wrote: »

I understand the market for accountancy is better and it probably would be the more sensible option for me to pursue ACCA where I would only have to do 5 more exams and gain the relevant experience tp qualify.

Compare that to the time and cost of tuition and study for the FE-1s, the time and difficulty in passing the FE-1s, the time expended and difficulty in securing a traineeship, the cost of tuition fees in Blackhall Place (Law Soc) and the duration of time from the outset of these endeavours to qualification and subsequent achievement of a position which is satisfactory to you. There are significant costs in time and money.

The major things are securing an apprenticeship and covering the financial costs. The other issues are easier to resolve.

lightspeed wrote: »

Would you have any idea how prospective employer's would few someone coming from an accountancy background if I pursued law in future years? ie,

Not necessarily a major problem, I would think. Lawyers can come from diverse backgrounds.

lightspeed wrote: »

Do you expect demand for solictors to grow significantly as the economy further improves?

I suppose that demand will increase. If the economy grows significantly, then I suppose that demand for solicitors may increase. If the economy only grows slightly, I suppose that demand for solicitors may not increase very significantly.