improving your CV | Work experience | Law Careers | Legal

While the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Vocational Course (BVC) will provide some practical course work, nothing else can get you acclimatized as a job in a law-related field will. 

Taking up some work during vacations while you are studying, before the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) training begins or even during the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) adds tremendous value to your CV and provides solid proof of your interest and commitment to a legal career. 

Jobs available with relevant legal experience could be short or long term, paid services or unpaid volunteer work. We will discuss some of the work available which will help you in getting good, relevant work experience.

Jobs available

There are many opportunities for relevant legal experience, with the following organisations providing many opportunities. The Free Representation Unit, although unpaid, provides the perfect opportunity to get some hands-on experience with real cases. 

You do not need any rights of audience to participate, although you will have to qualify as a certified worker. Working as a paralegal is another way to bolster your CV credentials. 

It involves providing administrative support to solicitors and only requires candidates to have completed a law degree. Opportunities can be anything from your local high street firm to some of the top city players in the capital. Remuneration can also be very healthy for this position.

Many people choose to be Outdoor Clerks as a way of gaining further experience and a tidy little income. Clerks attend court proceedings on behalf of solicitors and record the actions of the court. 

It can be a good way to widen your understanding of the law and can provide a useful insight into the everyday workings of a barrister. There are various opportunities at Courts throughout the land, whether in the county, magistrates of the court of Appeal. 

Clerks are often needed to explain particular legal details to magistrates, who usually have no formal legal training. As for positions within the court of Appeal, assistants are usually at hand to summarise cases for the judge, however such jobs are highly in demand. 

There are also various legal research jobs available, whether for universities, institutions or government bodies. Knowledge of the law is well sought after by many research bodies, so spread your bets and get in touch. 

23-10-2009