This article is part of the “Interview Questions tips” series.
If you’re considering a career in law, you will doubtlessly have many questions. So, to help you take the first steps into a law profession, check out the answers to the following key questions.
How do you prepare for the LSAT?
The Law School Admission Test assesses potential law school candidates’ verbal and logical reasoning proficiency. The half-day standardized exam is administered seven times a year at testing centres around the world. In many countries, the LSAT is an integral element of the law school admission procedure. Before you can take the examination, it’s essential you select an excellent online LSAT prep course. There are a number of preparation courses available, so it’s important you choose the one that best suits your learning style and specific circumstances. Score high in the LSAT, and you should get into the law school of your dreams.
Do you need to go to university to become a lawyer?
If you want to be a lawyer, you will need to have excellent academic qualifications. Most law firms will not even consider graduates who have less than a 2:1 degree. So, if you want to work in law, you will have to study hard and obtain the best grades possible. And if you want to progress in your career to become a bigtime lawyer, getting excellent qualifications is even more critical. If you have a specific goal in mind for your law career, it’s a good idea to research and learn how high-flying lawyers got to where they are. For example, check out this story of how a kid from New York became the top lawyer for a group of Colorado ski resorts.
Can you do an apprenticeship?
In just the last few years, it has become possible to join the legal profession via an apprenticeship. Some law firms have begun schemes in which school leavers can work in roles similar to that of a paralegal. Apprentices receive on-the-job training as they work towards gaining a qualification.
Can you do work experience?
Yes, you can do work experience in the legal industry. Law firms are increasingly relying on work placement schemes to determine which candidates they could take on as trainees. By getting on a scheme, it’s an excellent opportunity for you to impress and gain a training contract. Even if the work placement doesn’t lead to a job, it will still give you invaluable and crucial experience. You can find placements by searching online or writing to firms or chambers that are local to you.
What skills and attributes do you need?
To be a lawyer, you will need to possess several core skills and attributes. Many of the key skills can be learnt via academic studies and work experience. If you have the majority of the following skills and attributes, a profession in law could be the right career path for you:
- Communication skills
- Academic ability
- Attention to detail
- Motivation
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Commercial awareness
What is commercial awareness?
You’ll often hear law companies stressing they need lawyers who are commercially aware. But what is exactly meant by that phrase? Essentially, it refers to lawyers needing to be able to handle more than just the law. To be commercially aware, you must understand your client’s business and the industry in which it operates. You need to be proactive in noticing and suggesting ways to avoid potential problems that the client could face. You don’t have to be an expert in commercial awareness when you first start out working in the legal industry. But you will need a combination of basic business knowledge, common sense, and a willingness to learn about commercial awareness.
