JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018 - 86
Lay down the law Put in the time and effort and a successful career in the legal profession could be yours C hoosing a career in law will give you drama, excitement and variety, and no two days are likely to be the same. But becoming a lawyer takes commitment and hard work, a good brain - and the ability to use it. It takes time and money too. If you've got a law degree, you'll need to work for another three years. If you've got a non-law degree, it will take another four. If you're not a graduate, you'll be studying for at least six years to become a lawyer. That alone is a good reason to make sure it's the right career for you. Solicitor Solicitors act for a client, whether an individual or an organisation, on a massive range of legal issues, from divorce to debt recovery. You could work in a private practice or in a commercial office. Another possibility is working for the Crown Prosecution Service, deciding whether cases should go to court. Wherever you end up, you'll give legal advice, research new cases, write legal documents, liaise with other legal professionals and represent clients in court. Working hours are usually long - you may be required to 8 6 /// J O B S & C A R E E R S