Legal Recruitment Agencies Directory

The UK legal sector

Law professionals can work within a diverse range of job roles and will aim to support businesses or individuals by carrying out / advising on legal processes. This is worth over £20 billion to the UK economy and offers excellent job opportunities for those with a passion for justice or serving society.

Candidates can work for public or private organisations, with paralegals and solicitors making up the largest percentage of industry staff across England and Wales. A paralegal will usually work within a particular specialism, but won't be qualified to the same level as a solicitor. The latter contributes more than 50% to the sector's total worth, with London being home to around 45% of these jobs. Other staff include legal secretaries, law executives, practice managers and litigation support.

Salaries in the Legal Sector

Salaries vary greatly in the Legal sector, starting at around £15K and £20K annually, while the highest salaries for senior solicitors and partners can exceed £40K-£50K+. Overall, the average income is about £25K. Despite the fact that many in the sector are employed in small firms, some of the largest employers in the UK are Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance and Slaughter & May.

Qualifications Required to Work in the Legal Markets

Qualifications are typically needed to enter the sector as is a two year training contract. This two year period within a firm is compulsory for graduates looking to become a solicitor, however they must have completed a Legal Practice Course (LPC) before applying for a placement. Alternative routes into the field can include apprenticeships and accreditations via the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). The specific discipline of law will determine the route a candidate takes.

An employment agency that offers a law recruitment service can help place new entrants or experienced professionals into jobs within the Government Legal Services, Crown Prosecution Service and public / private law firms.