Finding a way to swim in the legal world

Getting into the legal industry is a daunting task for law students, but to try and find a way in from a non-law background is even more challenging - however, it’s an established pathway and therefore possible if you know what firms are looking for.

I'm a third-year Classics student, studying the Roman world and the histories of Thucydides in Greek - so how am I suited for the career of a solicitor or barrister? You may be surprised to know that many commercial law firms place a lot of value in the transferrable skills that humanities students develop within their course. These attributes can include critical thinking, ability to work in a team, and leadership skills.

Whilst I developed my critical thinking skills through writing essays and commentaries for my degree on topics like languages and history, those same skills are directly transferrable to the role of solicitor, and law firms recognise this. Several of the people I have spoken to over the last year who broke into the legal industry were from similar non-law backgrounds - so they are proof that this is a viable path to take.

So, what does the process look like - what is the pathway from humanities to law? Some readers might find themselves in a similar position to the one I found myself in a year or two ago, when I was in my second year of a humanities degree, thoroughly enjoying the course and learning about things that genuinely interested me, but realising that I didn't want to pursue a career in Classical Studies and wanted to find a career that suited my needs and interests.

The legal industry is a good fit for a lot of humanities students in this position because it allows you to use your critical thinking skills, your essay-writing skills and any presentation-giving skills that you will likely develop in assessed presentations. Once you have made that decision, you'll quickly realise that the legal industry is like a vast ocean with thousands upon thousands of people trying to swim in it.

Fortunately, the University of Birmingham is a perfect place to develop the skills that will make you stand out amidst this great shoal and truly swim to the top and secure your dream job in the legal sector. 

The university has a fabulous careers network team that organise events, awards and projects that teach a lot of the professional skills that will ensure success.

In my first year, I completed the Birmingham Award, an employability award that encourages you to think about writing successful CVs and creating a LinkedIn page to connect with people and businesses that can give you inspiration for how to improve your chances at getting to a major firm.

I also took part in the Birmingham Project, a brilliant entrepreneurial opportunity, where you can develop critical thinking skills and presentation skills in a purely commercial context.

The university also runs several insight events and has support systems that, if utilised, can set you up brilliantly for a career in law, even if you're starting from a humanities degree.