Edinburgh law graduates are highly regarded by employers both within and outwith the legal profession and there will be many opportunities open to you.

Although the highest percentage of Edinburgh LLB graduates enter the Scottish legal profession (after successful completion of the one year Diploma in Legal Practice and a two year traineeship in a law firm), study of law is not necessarily a vocational choice, and you have many career options outwith law, in the UK and abroad. These include finance (investment banking, accountancy, tax, retail banking, insurance...), management consultancy, central and local government, research, journalism, human resource management, social work, housing and more. You can enter some of these professions immediately after your LLB, though for others you will need to complete further vocational study. Postgraduate study, in the UK or abroad, law-related or otherwise, is another popular option.

• Information on what Edinburgh law graduates have gone on to do Further information on your options with a law degree, and Career Choices with a Law Degree (PDF download).

 It's important to make the most of your time at the University – your career planning should start in your first year – here’s why….

…… although it’s important to get the best degree you can, a degree alone is not enough to impress an employer, legal or otherwise. In the current economic climate, and with more graduates in the market place than ever before, you need to make yourself stand out. Employers want evidence of a whole range of skills from their new graduates, including communication skills, problem solving, interpersonal skills, leadership and organisational skills, motivation and commitment, and self-management. Yes, you'll gain some of these through your academic studies, however, employers also want evidence that you use them in your work or outside activities.  Find work experience and volunteering opportunities via the Careers Service website, and get involved  with clubs and societies.

Watch and listen to Edinburgh students and graduates talk of their Edinburgh experience - vacation work, travel, volunteering - and where it has led them, plus see the Careers Service in action.

So, make the most of your time whilst at university, get involved with activities outside your studies and develop the skills to give you the edge in the graduate market place.

‘At a recent vacation-work interview at a commercial law firm, my academic results and university work were never mentioned. I talked about my activities as Vice President of the Law Students’ Council, my volunteering commitments, part-time job and even school projects from over three years ago! I got the job.’ Third year Law student

NB It's vital to remember that as things currently stand, admission to the Diploma in Legal Practice is based on your exam results in your professional courses, studied in your first 2 years, not on your subsequent degree classification. Your first 2 years really matter if you want to gain entry to the legal profession in Scotland.

• For help with your career planning whilst at the University, and for more information and advice on your options on graduation, consult the Law School Careers Webpage at www.law.ed.ac.uk/careers
• Consult the Careers Service website at www.ed.ac.uk/careers for full details of what the Careers Service does and what’s going on at the Careers Service.
• Alternatively, call in to the Careers Information Centre at 3rd Floor, Main Library Building, George Square and consult the folders – no appointment necessary – and there’s always someone to help you find what you’re looking for.

We look forward to working with you throughout your time at Edinburgh.

Ruth Saville, Careers Adviser

University of Edinburgh Careers Service
3rd Floor,
Main Library Building,
George Square
EH8 9LJ
UK

Tel. 0131 650 4670, or email careers@ed.ac.uk