Now that the SQE1 results are behind us, you may be looking toward your SQE2 exam. If you have not already started your two-year qualifying work experience, you might face a roadblock once you have completed the exam. We spoke to our legal recruitment team to understand their thoughts on the legal recruitment landscape and the career paths available for those looking to craft a strong career in the legal industry and for those looking to gain experience for their qualification.
The legal industry is ever evolving with multiple routes to a strong career, contrary to what would have been the case in years prior. Andrew Fragnito-Day, our Divisional Director, had this to say:
“Within the legal market, there are now a few options to qualify as a Lawyer if you’re not looking to go down the LPC/SQE route but of course, these routes remain the favourite. CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) and CLC (Council of Licensed Conveyancers) are two popular routes where you gain valuable experience while studying and, in some circumstances, your firm will fund the course too. Progression within CLC and CILEX has been proven, even toward partnership.”
This is great for professionals as it offers different ways to progress, thus reducing the rigidity of the career path. Andrew often talks with top law firms – and this opinion is shared and resonates with the industry. Each qualification differs in length but also in structure and thankfully provides professionals more options to succeed. The possibility to have a fully funded course is incredibly advantageous and dramatically lowers the barrier to entry.
Ella Britton and Jess Dodman work in our legal business support team. They speak to top firms frequently about the landscape for legal business support. Here are their perspectives:
“The Legal Business Support differs from one firm to the next, however the Top 100 Law firms offer similar salaries and benefits including hybrid working. The main criteria law firms are looking for in a good Legal PA is a strong career history within top law firms or solid experience within the regions. Individuals who have completed the ILSPA (Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs) or CILEX would have an advantage. The majority will want previous experience in certain practice areas, but some can be flexible.”
“Other areas within Business support including HR will always require the successful individual to be CIPD qualified or on the more junior side to have started the CIPD. The flexibility is open where firms will look at previous experience from Professional Service firms as the skills are more transferable.”
It is interesting to note that there is flexibility if the professional has transferrable skills, something that should be highlighted on the professional’s CV and explained further during the interview. This could unlock the opportunity for professionals to be recruited based on transferrable skills and then their course could be funded by the employer, creating yet another pathway into the industry.
The year may be young, but there will be plenty of jobs and opportunities available for professionals in the legal sector. We are committed to finding the right roles for professionals, and not just finding placements, but building careers.
If you would like to discuss your future, please get in touch.
AJ Chambers provide specialist recruitment, mergers & acquisitions services and expert market intelligence across the Accounting and Legal practice sectors.
If you would like insight on careers guidance, talent attraction or M&A advice, please email us at: hello@aj-chambers.com
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