Job Searching for Solicitors
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One of the sectors most affected by the slow down in the economy is the legal profession. Yes it's true that the areas of insolvency and litigation are busier than ever, but for conveyancing lawyers and those working in smaller general practices the work load has certainly reduced.
The larger commercial firms are redeploying people throughout the firm to the busier areas, but this approach alleviates only some of the pressure, particularly for newly qualified lawyers who are not necessarily being kept on after their training contract.
Alternative career choices for Solicitors to consider:
Chartered Secretary:
Your professional qualification will render you exempt from 50% of the 8 examinations necessary to qualify as a Chartered Secretary with The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administration (ICSA). This profession will enable newly qualified solicitors to gain exposure to the financial sector while also gaining additional relevant legal skills and expertise.
Public Service
Although there is a recruitment freeze on in the Public Service at present this will eventually be lifted. Many of the Departments have a legal function or a legal section such as the Court Service, the Chief State Solicitors, the Department of Public Prosecution, and the Legal Aid Board. Your qualification means you are eligible to apply for competitions for roles such as Executive Officer/ Higher Executive Officer (HEO) and Assistant Principle Officer when they are advertised. An average salary for a HEO entering the Public Service is €45,000 - €55,000.
Lecturer
Lecturing in legal studies in any of the Universities in Ireland, as well as the private colleges, is an alternative way to use your qualification. It will also help you keep up to date with any changes in the market and profession.
www.gcd.ie - Griffith College
www.dbs.ie - Dublin Business School
www.ncirl.ie - National College of Ireland
www.portobello.ie - Portobello College Dublin
www.ibat.ie - Institute of Business & Technology
Journalism
A career as a Journalist is another route many solicitors explore. The writing skills that have been nurtured and polished throughout your traineeship are key skills for a successful career in this field.
Legal Aid Board
If you're finding it difficult to secure a new position either directly as a solicitor or in another field, the option of offering your assistance to the Free Legal Aid Board is advisable.
This keeps you working within the legal sphere ensuring that you continue to network with your peers. The time you've spent there is experience that you can add to your CV.
Self Employment
Starting your own business in a downturn is possibly a daunting idea. However self employment is not something to be ruled out. Some solicitors work on a consultancy basis using their network of contacts to help jump start their business.
If you work from home you'll have less overheads than setting up an office. If you've specialised in an area of law look at how you can offer your skills to clients that might undercut the bigger players. Talk to colleagues who are in the same situation as you, perhaps you could work together.
Talk to your business contacts to see what they advise, research the area to see what kind of work you could pick up. Remember other people may not even think of this as an option due to the downturn, however some sustainable and successul businesses are often born out of a recession.
For some more ideas have a look at www.sfa.ie
