Why Choose a Career in Law?

Law is a system of rules that governs the conduct of individuals and entities within a society. It consists of an ordered arrangement of rights and duties, enforceable by a government authority and backed by sanctions for those who violate the rules.

A legal system is the basis of civilisation. It provides a framework of stability and order that allows for the free flow of economic, social and cultural activities and prevents conflict between individuals and between nations. Without a functional legal system, the world would descend into chaos and disorder. The laws that regulate the behaviour of people and businesses — from employment law to taxation, banking regulations to property law — are essential for human wellbeing.

There are a wide variety of careers you can pursue with a degree in Law. Choosing the right one for you depends on your own personal qualities and career aspirations. If you’re considering a career in Law, try to gain an insight into the actual work involved by talking to professionals in a range of different industries about their daily tasks and what they enjoy about their jobs. It’s also worth considering whether you have the necessary academic skills to succeed in a Law degree, particularly if you plan to specialise in an area of law.

Generally speaking, a legal career is intellectually stimulating and rewarding. It offers you a broad spectrum of experiences and challenges, from dealing with highly complex issues to learning about the wider social and historical context in which those issues have arisen. As such, it can be an ideal career for those who enjoy solving difficult riddles and are fascinated by the way our society works.

For example, labour law deals with the tripartite industrial relationship between worker, employer and trade unions; criminal law covers a person’s right to a fair trial and evidence law deals with which materials are admissible in court. Additionally, the laws governing environmental protection and the financial services industry are just two of the many areas of Law that are changing rapidly to accommodate new technologies and economic trends.

Another reason to choose a career in Law is that it can be quite lucrative. It’s not uncommon for lawyers to earn a decent salary and enjoy perks such as their own office, expense accounts and decorating budget. Furthermore, working in a large Law firm often involves travelling, which can be a refreshing change of scenery and helps you to become more aware of the different cultures and laws that exist in the world.

However, it’s important to bear in mind that working in a Law firm can be quite stressful at times and it’s not for everyone. In addition, you can find yourself dealing with high-profile clients who have a lot of expectations and may be very demanding. You can also be exposed to a lot of political activism and advocacy in your role as a lawyer, which isn’t for the faint-hearted!