Is law a good career in England?

Asked by: Prof. Layla Hodkiewicz  |  Last update: January 22, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (1 votes)

The law sector offers high salaries and a range of careers, making it an attractive prospect for graduates. Find out what qualifications and training you'll need to join this highly-competitive industry.

Is law a good career in the UK?

Well, Yes! Law is a challenging study field, but totally worth-attending, taking into consideration the benefits it brings later. UK law schools are amongst the oldest in the world and upon this long and rich tradition, they have built a reputation as some of the best legal education provider.

Are lawyers in demand in England?

Corporate lawyers are in high demand, driven by the UK's dynamic business environment. Companies, both large and small, require legal expertise to navigate complex regulations, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and corporate governance.

Are lawyers paid well in England?

Job site Indeed reports the average salary for a solicitor is just under £50,000 a year, based on almost 11,000 reported salaries. Of course, this figure can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned earlier, with some London based, Magic Circle firms paying experienced professionals well over £100,000 a year.

Is it easy to get a job as a lawyer in UK?

The legal profession is really competitive in the UK as there are so many pathways to entry and many foreign students/qualified lawyers want to practice in the UK.

This Is How Much UK Lawyers Make - Solicitor And Barrister Salaries REVEALED!!

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Do lawyers earn more in the UK or US?

At a glance. Trainees in London earn more than those working outside the capital. You'll earn less in smaller firms but will likely rise up the ladder quicker. USA based firms pay the highest trainee and newly-qualified salaries, followed by Magic Circle then City firms.

Is there a shortage of lawyers in the UK?

However, there are now growing concerns about whether there are enough qualified solicitors and barristers to ensure its proper functioning. Recent analysis and reports highlight that the system is strained by a combination of workforce shortages, funding constraints, and structural inefficiencies.

Who earns more doctors or lawyers UK?

Lawyers are earning an average of £92,606 each year; they are the second highest earners and beaten only by chief executives, who earn an average of £130,734, according to the ONS' 2021 data. By contrast, doctors took home £74,588 this year and dentists £59,669.

In which country do lawyers earn the most?

The top countries which offer the highest average Lawyer's salary are the USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland. The legal field presents numerous opportunities for skilled professionals to create significant impacts locally and globally.

How many years to become a lawyer in the UK?

How long it takes. It usually takes at least six years to qualify as a solicitor if you study law full time. It will be longer if you study a different subject for your degree and decide later you want to follow a legal career.

Can a US lawyer work in UK?

From September 2021, lawyers from abroad and overseas students who wish to qualify in England and Wales can sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE allows you to qualify as a solicitor by taking the same exam as domestic candidates.

Which field of law is best in UK?

Corporate law

If you thrive on challenges, want a high salary and have an excellent academic background then you'll suit this area of law.

Is law saturated in the UK?

'2023 was not an easy year. The market was saturated with lawyers and work was drying up,' says Orrick partner Mark Beeley. 'We swung it around in the back half of the year, though, thanks to our ruthless sector focus,' he adds.

How long is law school in England?

A law degree typically runs for three years in the UK if studied full-time.

Which field of law pays the most UK?

The area of law you work in

The most profitable legal area is commercial and corporate law, where solicitors can easily earn over £100,000 a year. Commercial lawyers provide business-related advice to companies, making sure that they comply with regulation and a particular country's legal system.

Is law a hard degree in the UK?

A law degree is challenging. You will read complex cases, historic legal principles and plenty of academic commentary on subjects, so it is critical that you can extract relevant information and digest it properly. Law degrees can appear daunting but do not let that get in the way of your ambition.

Which country is best for a law career?

7 Best Countries to Study Law Abroad
  • United States. The United States is recognized for its law degree, and most of the best universities for law come in the US, according to the QS World University ranking. ...
  • United Kingdom. Why is the UK the best country to study law? ...
  • Australia. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Germany. ...
  • Japan. ...
  • Netherlands.

Which type of lawyer is the richest?

As of 2024, the top five highest paid types of lawyers are:
  • Patent Attorneys.
  • Intellectual property (IP) Attorneys.
  • Trial Lawyers.
  • Tax Attorneys.
  • Corporate Lawyers.

Where is the best place to live as a lawyer?

Some of the best cities for lawyers in the US, such as New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, offer high-paying opportunities and access to prestigious law firms, making them attractive destinations for legal professionals.

Is law harder than medicine in the UK?

If you can tough it out through the first couple of years, the ceiling for doctors is definitely higher than lawyers. Betting on making it to an MC firm can be a bit of a gamble, but doable if you lock in early and are generally interested in the career.

Are lawyers underpaid in UK?

As part of its annual salary research, Realm Recruit found that on average, pay for legal professionals has been outpaced by inflation and has increased by two per cent since 2023. However, firms are still willing to pay more for lawyers with the 'right level of experience', according to the research.

Do American doctors get paid more than UK?

Good news—consumer prices are lower, and living is slightly more affordable than in the States. But at a price: UK MDs get paid less than American MDs. A single person's monthly living costs in the UK are around £2,500. Most physicians make more than that monthly, depending on experience.

What type of lawyer is most in demand UK?

According to recent insights from the LexisNexis GLP Index, property, immigration, restructuring, and insolvency law are projected to experience the strongest demand growth in 2025. This mirrors the increasing demand across several core practice areas, each driven by unique economic and social factors.

What are lawyers called in the UK?

The term lawyer is a generic term used to describe anyone who is a Licensed Legal Practitioner qualified to give legal advice in one or more areas of law. A solicitor and a barrister could both be considered a 'lawyer' in the UK.

What percentage of lawyers are white in the UK?

And 77% of lawyers are from White groups, down from 78% in 2021. The Office for National Statistics employment figures from 2023 showed that 15% of the workforce in England, Scotland and Wales were from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds (6% Asian, 4% Black, 2% Mixed/Multiple and 4% Other) and 85% were White.