Job seeking
Planning your career
By the time you've qualified and reached the stage of applying for jobs, you should have a clear idea of what area of law you want to work in.
If you’re newly qualified, you'll probably have some relevant work experience from volunteering and your period of training.
If you’re already working and want to take the next step in your career you should think about how you want to progress.
If you’re changing career, your experience and industry insights may be useful for certain law firms, especially if the firm has clients in your previous industry.
Look at firms’ recruitment information to find out which may value your skills and experience.
Find out more about career options in law.
Preparing for job seeking
Before applying for jobs, look at your knowledge, experience and skills. Think about:
- your strengths and weaknesses
- your experience
- the types of work and areas of law that interest you
- skills that you want to develop
- the qualities you can bring to an employer
- where you want to work and the opportunities that are available
You should leave enough time to research and prepare applications to improve your chances of success.
Resources
Articles from the Law Society Gazette
- How to prepare for a video job interview
- A new world of work – Maria Shahid reports on life for solicitors in the 'new normal'
- A junior lawyer's guide to cover letters
- Your guide to writing the best personal injury lawyer CV
- Three things recruiters want candidates to know about the legal recruitment process
- A guide to negotiating your salary as a solicitor
Blogs
Webinars
Recharge: practical tips for CVs, applications and interviews
Date: Wednesday 14 January 2026.
This free online classroom and Q&A is aimed at solicitors across all levels of PQE who need help with strengthening job applications and performing confidently in interviews.
Working flexibly as a consultant
Date: Wednesday 11 February 2026.
This free online classroom and Q&A is for solicitors across all levels of PQE considering working flexibly as a consultant.
Navigating the jobs market as an overseas qualified lawyer
Date: Wednesday 15 April 2026.
This free online classroom is aimed at overseas or foreign qualified lawyers across all levels of experience and areas of law who are exploring job opportunities in England and Wales.
Past webinars
Recordings of previous career related classrooms can be found on our courses and CPD for lawyers page.
Podcasts
Career clinic: book a consultation
Our monthly career clinics offer a free one-to-one consultation with a legal careers coach.
Each 30-minute consultation takes place over the phone or by Zoom for those based overseas (subject to agreement).
The clinics are suitable for:
- paralegals (including those completing qualifying work experience)
- trainee solicitors
- qualified solicitors (including those admitted overseas)
- returners and career changers considering a switch to law
Our coaches can share sector insight and offer objective practical advice and tips on:
- CVs, applications and interviews
- job search strategies
- career planning, including progression or changing direction
- options for trainees approaching qualification
- options for overseas lawyers to work in England and Wales
- how to plan a return to practice after a career break
- how to work more flexibly, including options for a portfolio career
- how to break into law as a career changer
- how to leave practice and change careers
Our coaches are not qualified to:
- offer tax advice, regulatory advice or business consulting services about setting up a firm or working as a freelance lawyer
- advise on applications for practising certificates or professional indemnity insurance
Your consultation can be booked at Law Society Career clinic online booking 2026.