Nelson Mandela, Andrea Bocelli and Barack Obama are just three well-known figures who studied law but chose not to dedicate their careers to legal practice.
In the UK, more than seventeen thousand students were accepted onto Law courses in the 2016 to 2017 period, with women making up over two thirds of the cohort. Yet far fewer students go on to qualify. In the year ending July 31, 2016, the Solicitors Regulation Authority reported that only 6346 people were admitted to the roll. The gap between those who study law and those who practise full time is significant.
So what are the thousands of law graduates who are not solicitors or barristers doing?
Entrepreneurship in the legal industryLaunching a business is an exciting prospect, and a law degree can be a powerful foundation for doing so.
Some graduates create legal solutions companies. Tower Legal Solutions in New York generates tens of millions of pounds each year by offering legal staffing, permanent placement and contingent workforce services. In the UK, The Law Support Group provides legal personnel for document review, recruitment and other services.
Starting a company requires investment. Some graduates use personal savings, others turn to revenue-based financing, crowdfunding or startup investors. Experience in a law firm can help you identify gaps in the market, but many entrepreneurs also partner with legal professionals to support their early ventures.
Online legal recruitmentOnline recruitment platforms are another growing area.
Anakin Seal Legal Recruitment is a strong example. It specialises in legal roles across major UK cities and offers an efficient online system that allows users to search by practice area, experience level and location. These platforms also help graduates find in-house roles, paralegal positions and part-time opportunities.
Working in the Foreign ServiceIf you enjoy politics, international relations or modern history, the Foreign Service may appeal to you.
Diplomats at the Foreign or Commonwealth Office earn between thirty-one thousand and eighty-one thousand pounds depending on seniority. The role suits those who enjoy travel, cultural exchange and building international networks. Time spent as a diplomat can open doors to future opportunities and significantly expand your professional connections.
Journalism and the power of wordsMany law graduates find journalism a natural fit.
Both fields rely on precise language, clear writing and careful analysis. Law students spend years reading contracts, interpreting complex texts and paying close attention to grammar. These skills transfer well to journalism, where clarity and accuracy are essential.
A law degree develops analysis, organisation and communication. These skills are valuable in any career that requires careful writing or structured thinking.
Entrepreneurship may appeal to those seeking high earning potential, but it can also be worthwhile to complete a clerkship, prepare for the bar exam or spend a few years in practice. Doing so can help you identify gaps in the market and may even spark a renewed interest in the law itself, which remains one of the most intellectually stimulating careers available.
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