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What comes to mind when you think about a career in law? Written by Sienna Ahri, while on work experience.
For me, I couldn’t help but fall prey to the common stereotypes about being a solicitor: a job fuelled on coffee, late nights and endless meetings. But if my work experience placement at Lanyon Bowdler taught me anything, it is that working in a law firm means no two days are the same, and it couldn’t function without all the work that goes on behind the scenes.
Whilst I’ve only been here for a week, my perception of a career in law has dramatically changed. So here I present to you, my legal myth-busters:
Myth: You need a law degree to pursue a career in law.
Reality: There are many routes into law, none of which disadvantage you compared to someone who took a degree!
One thing that surprised me after spending time in Lanyon Bowdler is the variety of backgrounds people came from. I spoke to employees only a few years older than myself, who have all ended up in the same place via different mediums. From your conventional law degree graduate to your trainee apprentice, there is no ‘one straight path’ into law. Everyone learns different, and sometimes prefer the practical skills gained from going straight into the workplace, over the theory heavy degree route. Either way, different experiences are always celebrated, as they bring fresh perspectives that enrich the world of work.
Myth: Working in law means becoming a solicitor.
Reality: There are many jobs that make up a law firm!
On the best TV shows, the focus is often placed on the high stake’s cases. However, having actually spent time in the different departments of Lanyon Bowdler, it quickly became clear that law is a team effort. For example, without the Marketing Department, how would clients know how to contact you? If there was no IT Department, who would ensure the smooth running of all the systems that allow the law firm to function? Even if you do become a solicitor, there are so many different areas you can specialise in. From Family law to Personal Injury, the variety allows you to work in an area that appeals to you, and that you’re passionate about. Whilst all jobs are complex, the multitude of departments help build a working environment that puts people at the front of the agenda.
Myth: Working in law is a solo job.
Reality: Law is all about teamwork and communication!
Yes, we’ve all had that mental image of the legal adviser, typing away and working through the checklist. Whilst documentation is a big part of law, its so much more than that. During my time in Clinical Negligence for example, I sat in on a meeting between a team of solicitors and a medical professional. When it comes to decision making, its equally as important to collaborate with others to ensure the best outcome, and seek advice when needed. Working in a law firm isn’t just a desk job: it involves networking, meetings (virtually or face-to-face), and perhaps most importantly, putting the community first. One thing that surprised me during my placement with Marketing was the focus placed on charity work and local outreach. For instance, you may have seen a Lanyon Bowdler dotted around local career fairs. Without the trust of the people around you, you can’t effectively represent others.
Did I shatter any life long illusions that you believed? If you have an interest in law, or even if your skillset is suited towards it, I highly recommend checking it out. Sometimes you need to experience law in real life, to truly see yourself there. Who knows - you might surprise yourself! After reflecting on my placement, I realised how multifaceted and robust the legal sector is.
If you’re curious about what a law firm is really like, I highly recommend applying for work experience at Lanyon Bowdler!
For more information about work experience at Lanyon Bowdler visit https://www.lblaw.co.uk/about-us/careers/work-experience/
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