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An arbitrator is a professional usually seen as “impartial and objective.” Therefore, they are given the power by the disputing parties to help resolve conflicts in certain situations outside the court.
Arbitrators are usually retired judges, business professionals, or lawyers. It is one of the few legal careers that do not require high expertise in national or state laws. However, in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, arbitration is governed by the Arbitration Act 1996. Becoming an arbitrator does not require you to meet any formal prerequisites. On the other hand, legal education is usually your best bet when a dispute involves legal matters. A specialist in the relevant field may make the best judge if the disagreement centers on questions of fact.
A paralegal works closely with barristers, solicitors, and chartered legal professionals and are responsible for a wide variety of administrative and legal work. Although they have extensive knowledge of the law, they are not qualified lawyers.
The National Association of Licensed Paralegals is the body that regulates and sets the standard for paralegals in England and Wales. Nevertheless, all paralegals are expected to be registered members of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx).
A paralegal’s primary duty is to assist lawyers in the work. As a result, they experiment with different aspects of the law and gain many skills quickly. In the UK, this is one of the legal careers with easy entry and exit. Generally, you do not need a degree to work as a paralegal. Many legal firms offer on-the-job training for desired candidates. Even though many professional bodies have recently clamored for a change and seek to see paralegals as experienced legal practitioners. A paralegal law job is one of the most accessible ways to get into law and explore the legal profession.
Being a solicitor is an exciting but challenging legal career. Solicitors often specialise in different areas of the law. Therefore, their work is usually diverse and multifaceted. A solicitor may provide legal guidance and assistance, but they aren’t the same as a barrister. Although both professionals offer legal advice and represent clients in courts, a barrister usually represents clients in higher courts.
If you’re aspiring towards a career as a solicitor, your first target is to get a law degree. Then, you should complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). But that’s not all; you also need at least two years of legal work experience in a specific aspect of law.
Find out more about the skills you need to become a solicitor in the UK.
Our list of top legal careers in the UK wouldn’t be complete without mentioning this popular legal profession. If you are looking for a law job with an excellent reputation, consider becoming a barrister in the UK. It’s not an instant process; it takes years of dedication and hard work to achieve this feat in law.
A barrister is responsible for investigating matters, advising clients and businesses, appearing in court on their behalf, questioning witnesses, and negotiating settlements. In most cases, the Bar Professional Training Course is the next logical step for aspiring barristers after earning a law degree. To gain hands-on experience with cases, you must also complete a year of practical training called a pupillage.
Learn more about the skills you need to become a barrister.
Investigative psychologists, also referred to as forensic psychologists or criminal psychologists, aid law enforcement by analysing criminal cases and suspects to establish intent. They assist investigators and frequently give testimony in court.
These experts are needed in both correctional facilities and government organizations. Some forensic psychologists enter private practice, while others start consulting firms—some study methods for preventing criminal behavior that stems from mental illness.
Expertise in psychology and forensic science is necessary for a career in forensic psychology. However, a law degree is an added advantage. As part of their duties, these experts conduct interviews and assess candidates’ answers and body language, requiring them to have excellent communication and strategic thinking abilities.
If you have a law degree and wish to explore this law job, you may get a Master’s in Psychology or enroll in a bridge program offered by many universities in the UK. These programs seek to help law graduates explore related careers in psychology.
Immigration consultants are experts who help people from all walks of life determine if they qualify for visas, asylum, and permanent residency. In place of a four-year university education, these workers typically undergo an apprenticeship or other specialised training programmes.
You can become an immigration consultant through different pathways, which are listed below:
You may work as a volunteer for an organisation that deals with asylum, refugee, and migration cases. That way, you can gain some experience while on the job, which will be helpful when you apply to work for an agency as a paid employee.
You may enroll as an apprentice for a chartered legal executive degree in the UK. Or if you’ve already qualified as a barrister or solicitor, you can then choose to specialise in asylum and immigration cases.
The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) sets standards and periodically offers training to enable anyone interested in legal consultancy to embrace a career in immigration law and practices. After attending the necessary training from the OISC, you must also pass an exam before qualifying as an immigration expert.
In both criminal and civil proceedings, judges listen to testimony and make decisions and impose punishments depending on the evidence given.
Above all other branches of government, the judiciary is fundamentally predicated upon the bedrock of public trust. Judges, devoid of any authority to wield military or law enforcement personnel, cannot allocate financial resources for endeavors and are devoid of legislative prerogative. Instead, they render decisions based on the applicable legal principles.
The pronouncements, as mentioned earlier, which the populace is obliged to accept as originating from duly qualified, legal, and impartial judiciary members.
In the UK, judges are employed based on appointment by the Judicial Appointments Commission. You may need to apply before you can be selected. Also, you need to be a licensed attorney (solicitor, barrister, or CILEX). Having spent five to seven years in the legal industry, your choice of judgeship reflects your experience level.
With the increasing integration of technology in the legal field, legal tech specialists bridge the gap between law and technology. They develop, implement, and manage software and tools that streamline legal processes, improve research efficiency, and enhance client services. A background in law combined with technical skills, such as coding or data analysis, is essential in this role.
Human rights advocates work to protect and promote human rights on both national and international levels. They address issues such as discrimination, social justice, and civil liberties. Human rights advocates may work for NGOs, international organizations, or government agencies.
Mediators are skilled professionals who help parties in dispute reach mutually acceptable agreements. They facilitate communication, guide negotiations, and assist in finding common ground. Mediators play a vital role in resolving conflicts outside of the courtroom, promoting collaboration and peaceful resolution.
The legal industry is one of the most sought-after professions in the world. From paralegals to barristers and solicitors, there are many career options to choose from. Each role has its own prerequisites and qualifications, and it’s important to research them carefully before making a decision. With the right qualifications and experience, you can find a career in the legal industry that suits you and provides you with a rewarding and challenging job.
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