How to Choose the Right Area of Law for Your Career

The legal profession contains many different paths that you can follow, each with unique challenges, rewards, and career trajectories. From corporate law to criminal defence, the area of law you choose isn’t completely set in stone for the rest of your legal career but can significantly shape your professional life. With so many options, how do you decide which path is right for you? Here’s a quick guide to help you find the legal speciality that best aligns with your interests, skills, and values.

Understand the Different Areas of Law

The first step is to familiarise yourself with the various fields within the legal sector. Some common specialisations include:

• Corporate Law: Advising businesses on their legal obligations, mergers, and acquisitions.
• Criminal Law: Defending or prosecuting individuals accused of crimes.
• Family Law: Handling cases like divorce, custody disputes, and adoption.
• Intellectual Property Law: Protecting the rights of creators and innovators.
• Environmental Law: Addressing legal issues related to the environment and public health.
• Immigration Law: Assisting clients with visas, citizenship, and asylum cases.

Each area has its focus, workload, and client base. Doing further investigation into these sectors will help you to familiarise yourself and better understand which is suited to your skill set and needs.

Reflect on Your Interests and Passions

Consider what draws you to law in the first place. Are you passionate about social justice? You might enjoy public interest or human rights law. Fascinated by innovation and technology? Intellectual property or data breach law could be a great fit.

Ask yourself: 

• What societal issues am I most passionate about?
• Do I prefer working with individuals, businesses, or government entities?
• Am I drawn to courtroom advocacy or behind-the-scenes work like contracts and negotiations?

Your interests can serve as a guiding light in finding your perfect area of law.

Evaluate Your Strengths and Skills

Depending on what area of law you choose to go into, different skills may be favoured above others. For example, family lawyers must excel in emotive communication whilst having strong empathy to navigate emotionally challenging cases. Whereas a litigation lawyer may need to have a sharp mind, clear communication skills, and confidence in their knowledge. 

Considering your personal skills and values can ultimately be the deal-breaker for choosing the area of law you are most suited for.

Consider Your Lifestyle Goals

Your chosen field can influence your work-life balance and career stability. It is key to take into account the risk you are willing to take as well as the potential impact it can have on your mental health.

• Corporate Law: Often associated with long hours and high salaries.
• Criminal Law: This may involve unpredictable schedules and emotionally difficult cases.
• Estate Planning or Tax Law: Often provides more predictable hours and less high-pressure work.

Ask yourself how much time, energy, and stress you’re willing to invest in your career and which areas align with your preferred lifestyle.

Talk to Legal Professionals

Networking with solicitors experienced in your chosen field can help you understand how day-to-day life will look. This can include reaching out and forming a connection on LinkedIn, networking with somebody you met at an event or consulting a friend within the sector.  

Ask them what you need to know. This can include:

• What does a typical day look like in your field?
• What are the biggest challenges and rewards in your role?
• What skills are crucial to succeeding in your role?
• How can I best prepare myself for starting a legal career in said sector

Choosing an area of law is an important decision in your legal journey that can help you find your desired specialisation. By reflecting on your interests, evaluating your strengths, talking to solicitors in the sector, and gaining practical experience, you can identify a field that’s both fulfilling and aligned with your goals.

If you are set on your specialisation and wish to start looking for job opportunities, check out our listings below.

https://www.jobs-in-law.co.uk/jobs/

What legal sector area are you considering, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!