Published on July 19, 2018 by isabellaford

For aspiring lawyers studying non-law degrees, it is difficult to know how to demonstrate your interest and commitment to law when you’re not pursuing the traditional law degree.  

Taking an unconventional route towards becoming a lawyer can be tricky and stressful as you’re up against people who have been immersed in law for three years. However, you are not at a disadvantage, as there are several ways in which you can boost your legal CV and impress firms.


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Step 1: Work Experience

Work experience is invaluable for any aspiring legal profession. Practical experience in a legal environment will offer an insight into the roles and responsibilities associated with a legal career. It will also help you to decide whether you actually want to convert to law and what areas of law you would like to pursue.

Obviously, work experience helps you stand out to employers and is an asset in your applications for further work experience, training contracts and vacation schemes as well.

For non-law students, emailing firms directly or applying to summer internship programs for work experience shows a continued dedication towards a legal career.

5 Non-Law Students on How They Secured Law Work Experience >>

Step 2: Campus Ambassadorships

Campus ambassadorships are brilliant ways to demonstrate commitment to a legal career. They also develop and hone attractive qualities such as proactivity, leadership, communication and organisation.

Various firms look for student representatives at universities whose job is to advertise the organisation. This also offers networking opportunities and a chance for you to get your foot in the firm’s door for future internships and training contracts.

You can also get exclusive access to useful events and either get free tickets or the chance to book your tickets first.

The Lawyer Portal also has a campus ambassador programme designed to help aspiring legal professionals build a network of peers and show an active interest in law – non-law students are also encouraged to apply!

Find out more about The Lawyer Portal’s Ambassador Programme.

Step 3: Online Courses

Online courses allow you to brush up on your knowledge  of law and get a head-start on your legal education. Explaining and clarifying legal structures in great detail, these courses also highlight overlaps between other disciplines, such as history, economics and law, which is particularly helpful for non-law students.

Various university professors offer lectures online, complete with course materials, assignments and reading lists. These only take a few weeks and are often free to enrol and participate.

7 Free Online Courses to Make Your CV Stand Out >>

Step 4: Societies

Societies are a great way for you to integrate into university life and become an active member of the university.

Joining your university’s law society is a must for any aspiring lawyer. Amazing networking opportunities, support and advice on your applications, mentoring programs, mooting, mock interviews, workshops, and debates – these are just some of the ways law societies boost your employability and develop skills that can aid you in legal careers.

Law societies also often host events and invite guest speakers to offer students a helpful insight into life as a lawyer. You can also apply for various positions within the society to get involved and make your CV stand out to employers.

Step 5: Law-Related Events

Events such as open days at law firms and balls, workshops and firm networking days organised by your university or law society are a great way to build a network of like-minded peers.

You can also attend law-related conferences such as the Law Conversion Conference and the Training Contract and Vacation Scheme Conference. These offer the opportunity to get unique and helpful insight from experts themselves, offering tips for application forms, CVs, interviews etc.

You can also introduce yourself to firms and make a positive impression as they might remember you when you apply for vacation schemes and training contracts.

More articles that are useful for non-law students:

Author: Siobhan Ali

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