Ambitious students

Law students’ confidence is riding high despite the economic gloom, new research by the College of Law and The Times newspaper has shown. 

Prospective barristers expect to earn £38,600 on average when they qualify, compared with £33,400 last year. Aspiring solicitors expect to earn on average £38,800 compared to £37,600 last year. 

More than half say they are likely to consider practising outside the UK. Prospective barristers prefer the US and the UAE. Aspiring solicitor favour the US and Australia. 

All the law students had completed legal work experience or a legal internship. Prospective solicitors mainly wanted to go into commercial law, while the barristers were attracted to criminal law.

Professor Nigel Savage, President of The University of Law, said: “The students have clearly put a lot of thought into why they want a career in law. 

“They show commitment to the profession and are well aware of the practical steps they need to take in order to achieve success. At the same time their confidence in their career prospects as well as in the economy as a whole is growing. 

“Students are clearly switched on to the increasing globalisation of the legal services market and the overseas career opportunities that this offers.”