Alternative Careers for Law Graduates
Law degrees can equip you with skills such as legal research and legal reasoning, that are useful in other fields, such as business and politics. Many law graduates pursue alternative careers, either inside or outside the legal profession, sometimes combining further training with work.
Careers Within or Closely Related to Law
United Nations – Office of Legal Affairs
Law graduates with strong academic records and an interest in international law may pursue careers at the United Nations. Roles in the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) include legal officers, policy advisers and interns. All vacancies are managed centrally through UN Careers:
https://careers.un.org, legal.un.org.
CILEX Lawyer (formerly Chartered Legal Executive)
The role traditionally known as “Chartered Legal Executive” has evolved. Qualified professionals are now often referred to as CILEX Lawyers.
CILEX offers a flexible route to qualification that suits both law graduates and non‑graduates. It allows individuals to earn while they learn through the CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ), leading to rights of practice in specialist legal areas and, in some cases, advocacy rights.
https://www.cilex.org.uk
Court Usher (HM Courts & Tribunals Service)
Court ushers play a key role in the smooth running of court proceedings. Duties include preparing courtrooms, escorting judges, administering oaths, maintaining order in court, and liaising with legal professionals.
Vacancies are advertised via Civil Service Jobs:
https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk
Research Assistant – Law Commission
Each year, the Law Commission recruits Research Assistants to work on major law reform projects. These competitive posts typically last 12 months and provide excellent preparation for future legal and policy careers. A strong academic record is essential.
https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/placements-and-internships/research-assistants/
Costs Lawyer / Law Costs Draftsperson
The traditional title Law Costs Draftsman is still used, but many professionals now qualify as Costs Lawyers, a regulated role with rights of audience in costs proceedings. Costs specialists focus on billing, costs recovery, and compliance with court rules and regulations.
Training information is available via the Costs Lawyer Standards Board and professional bodies:
https://www.costslawyer.org.uk
Legal Cashier / Legal Finance Professional
Legal cashiers manage solicitors’ client and office accounts, ensuring compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Accounts Rules. This is a specialist finance role within legal practice, often supported by professional qualifications.
The leading professional body is the Institute of Legal Finance & Management (ILFM):
https://www.ilfm.org.uk
Legal Secretary / Legal PA
Legal secretaries (increasingly titled Legal PAs or Legal Assistants) provide administrative and organisational support to legal professionals. Many law graduates take these roles to gain practical insight into legal practice.
Professional training and job listings are available via ILSPA (Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs):
https://www.institutelegalsecretaries.com
Government Legal Profession (GLP)
The Government Legal Service is now part of the Government Legal Profession (GLP). GLP lawyers advise government departments, draft legislation, and conduct litigation in the public interest.
Recruitment is coordinated through:
https://www.gov.uk/government-legal-profession
Careers Outside Traditional Legal Practice
Law graduates also thrive in careers where legal reasoning, regulation, and public policy knowledge are valuable.
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Civil Service Fast Stream – especially the Generalist, Policy, and Diplomatic streams
https://www.gov.uk/fast-stream -
Working for an MP or political organisation
https://www.w4mp.org -
Police service (including direct‑entry investigator or specialist roles)
https://www.college.police.uk/careers -
Company Secretary / Governance Professional
The professional body is now known as the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI):
https://www.cgi.org.uk -
Teaching (including Teach First)
https://www.teachfirst.org.uk
Other Legal Support and Related Roles
CILEX Lawyers
CILEX Lawyers often carry out work very similar to solicitors, including managing their own clients and, in some cases, representing clients in court. The key distinction is specialisation: CILEX Lawyers qualify in particular areas of law rather than through a broad generalist route.
Barristers’ Clerks
Barristers’ chambers employ clerks to manage diaries, fees, and business development. While no law degree is required, familiarity with legal procedure and commercial skills are highly valued.
Paralegals
Paralegals assist solicitors and barristers with legal research, drafting, and case preparation. Although there is no single formal qualification route, most paralegals now hold a law degree or equivalent legal training, and the role is often a stepping stone to further qualification.
