Does A Career In Law Live Up To Expectations?

Awkwardly, the answer to this question is no, according to two-thirds of lawyers.

A recent survey of over 800 lawyers found that only 35% found their job to have matched their expectations. 14% admitted that their expectations compared to reality is a ‘world away’. Top tip: if you’re expecting a legal career to be akin to TV drama Suits, you’re going to be disappointed.

So why do people go on to pursue a career in a law firm or at the Bar? 97% of respondents said that attractive salaries were a major influence on their career choices. 51% also mentioned that they were influenced by their parents, with 57% wishing they had chosen another career path.

Christopher Stoakes, an ex-lawyer who has worked at Hogan Lovells and Freshfields, said, “The reality of a legal career is less glamorous than people outside the industry generally tend to believe. It is highly demanding and requires long hours and resilience, so it’s not for everyone.”

Not put off? Didn’t think so. Get applying for vacation schemes and training contracts to prove the haters wrong! 

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