When you choose to study law, you open the door to a vast range of careers.
Most people choose to become either a solicitor or barrister, but you can go down plenty of other paths. And within those paths, you have plenty more practice areas and work environments to consider.
What’s the difference between a lawyer, a solicitor and a barrister?
The word ‘lawyer’ is an umbrella term.
Both solicitors and barristers are lawyers, but with different roles and responsibilities.
In simple terms, solicitors hold a practising certificate and provide general legal advice on a variety of issues. Barristers specialise in certain legal fields and most often appear in court on behalf of their clients, usually when instructed by a solicitor
A career as a solicitor
Most lawyers start out as solicitors.
Practising as a solicitor allows you to build foundational skills essential for everyday legal practice (which are also transferrable to alternative legal and non-legal roles).
As a solicitor, you are often the first point of contact for a person or organisation seeking legal advice. Responsibilities typically include:
- Advising clients about their legal rights and obligations
- Assisting corporations and other organisations with compliance
- Preparing legal documents (including contracts and wills)
Some solicitors specialise in disputes. These lawyers spend most of their time out of court focusing on litigation. This typically involves preparing claims and evidence or conducting settlement negotiations.
However, many solicitors do also appear in court – unless a barrister is required.
Life as a barrister
Barristers are experts in court advocacy.
They spend much of their time representing individuals and businesses in court, but they also provide specialist legal advice in specific areas of law.
To become a barrister, solicitors must pass specific exams and satisfy the requirements for their state’s Bar authority.
As a barrister, you will work independently and represent clients in court, usually receiving work by referral from solicitors. You are generally required to:
- Have a sound knowledge of court procedure and the rules of evidence
- Determine the appropriate strategy and arguments to be presented in court
- Advise on matters of law within your expertise (either verbally or in writing)
Different legal specialties
There are dozens of types of law. However, you can divide most lawyers into two categories: those who do commercial work and those who work with individuals and families.
Whether you're scrutinising complex financial transactions as a banking lawyer or championing the rights of those injured at work as a personal injury attorney, each area offers its own unique challenges and rewards.
Below is a snapshot of what the most popular specialisations entail.
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ASEAN+6 cross-border legal practice |
Business law & transactions |
Commercial litigation |
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As an international lawyer working in the ASEAN+6 region, you’ll uphold the principles of cross-border practice by safeguarding client interests in complex agreements and disputes. |
Want to be the first line of defence for businesses when legal issues arise? A career in business law and transactions will empower you to do just that. |
When business disputes extend beyond negotiations, it falls to commercial litigation lawyers to settle the issue. You’ll apply your legal knowledge to protect the rights and interests of companies. |
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Dispute resolution |
Family law |
Government & public sector law |
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With more and more legal issues being resolved before trial, advanced dispute resolution skills have never been more valuable. As a dispute resolution practitioner, you will protect clients from the court system and steer them towards less conflict-orientated alternatives. |
Do you consider yourself empathetic and people-oriented? Then family law may be for you. One of the most rewarding areas of practice, you’ll work closely with families, supporting them through the most pivotal moments in their lives. |
As a government and public sector lawyer, you’ll act as a guardian of public welfare and a champion of social justice. You can choose from multiple different paths, from working as a government legal adviser to advocating for civil and social justice issues. |
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In-house practice |
International arbitration |
Legal business management |
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As an in-house lawyer, you will guide decision-making for the business you work for while seeking to understand the pressure points, strategy and objectives unique to the organisation. It’s both challenging and rewarding work. |
As an international arbitrator, you will play a key role in dispute resolution across international borders. You will represent clients' interests while navigating different legal, linguistic and cultural backgrounds. |
To meet the demands of today’s legal profession, lawyers and business professionals need a new set of skills – and cutting-edge knowledge. Legal business management is an excellent field if you want to gain a competitive edge. |
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NewLaw |
Property law |
Wills, estates & estate planning |
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Working in NewLaw, you’ll help come up with new approaches, business models and technologies that disrupt traditional legal practices. It's an ideal path if you want to be at the forefront of the field, leading the charge for more efficient and accessible legal services. |
Property law remains the cornerstone of many law practices. You will support clients through various property-related issues, including buying and selling land, transferring titles and navigating tax implications. |
Wills, estates and estate planning require a thorough understanding of the law. You'll play a crucial role in guiding clients on the strategic distribution of their assets, ensuring their wishes are carried out effectively and legally. |
Beyond the law: Alternative careers
Want to put your legal knowledge to use in another field? Legal training provides you with countless transferable skills that will prove invaluable in other industries.
Below are just a few of the different fields you might consider.
- Academia: Shape future legal minds as a professor or lecturer.
- Banking and finance: Navigate complex financial landscapes for a bank or financial services firm, ensuring compliance as you facilitate transactions.
- Consulting services: Offer strategic guidance and problem-solving expertise to businesses and organisations.
- Contract administration: Ensure smooth operations and legal compliance in contractual agreements and transactions.
- Entrepreneurship: Put your creativity and perseverance to the test by launching your own legal venture or start-up.
- Government and politics: Bring your legal knowledge to bear as you help draft policy or campaign for political change.
- Health services: Navigate healthcare regulations, safeguard patient rights or manage the operation of hospital clinics using your finely-tuned organisational and critical thinking skills.
- Human resources or recruitment: Provide legal guidance on employment matters or advocate for employees facing unfair work conditions.
- Journalism or writing: Weigh in on legal issues and current affairs through legal writing or journalism.
- Negotiation and conflict resolution: Mediate disputes and help parties reach agreements in various settings, from corporate boardrooms and government agencies to community centres and divorce courts.
- Not-for-profit: Champion social causes and advocate for marginalised communities through legal advocacy at a charity or non-profit.
- Public interest advocacy: Fight for justice and equality, advocating for systemic change and policy reform.
- Public relations, advertising or marketing: Leverage your legal expertise to craft compelling narratives and campaigns, shaping public perceptions while mitigating risks.
With your legal background, a good work ethic and a determination to succeed, you’re sure to thrive in whatever industry you choose.
Wherever your career journey takes you, start it on the right foot with the College of Law.
NAVIGATING YOUR PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING
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