Career guides / Careers in law

46 employers, including councils, central government and police, are seeking legal professionals across the UK.

Types of legal roles in the UK

Public sector roles in law range from paralegals to qualified solicitors. Lawyers practice across multiple specialisms with broad types of caseloads. The profession also encompasses information governance, investigations, and enforcement.

Qualification as a solicitor, barrister, or CILEX Fellow is essential for practising roles.

The most common job titles advertised on Jobs Go Public for law staff include:

• Lawyer / Solicitor
• Investigation / Enforcement Officer
• Legal Assistant
• Information Governance Officer
• Paralegal
• Licensing Officer
• Compliance / Regulatory Officer
• Legal Adviser
• Litigation Lawyer
• Intelligence Analyst
• Head of Legal Services
• Trainee Solicitor
• Crown Prosecutor (CPS)

Salary overview for legal jobs in the UK

Salaries vary depending on the role, experience level, employer, and location. Public sector legal vacancies command high salaries at the entry level.

In addition to remuneration packages, public sector legal roles come with fantastic benefits, including defined benefit pensions, flexible working, work-life balance, and varied types of work.

Typical average salary ranges in 2026:

• Entry level: £37,682 - £41,049 per year
• Mid-level: £52,916 - £58,214 per year
• Senior level: £69,762 - £81,000 per year

FAQs about legal careers

How do I become a solicitor in the UK?

To become a solicitor in England and Wales, you must pass the Solicitor Qualifying Examination (SQE), which replaced the Legal Practice Course in 2021. The SQE has two stages: SQE1 tests legal knowledge, SQE2 tests practical skills. You'll also need to complete two years of qualifying work experience, which can be gained across multiple employers.

This doesn't need to be a traditional training contract, though many firms still offer structured programmes. Once you've passed both SQE stages and completed your qualifying work experience, you can apply for admission to the roll of solicitors with the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

How much do solicitors and lawyers earn?

Solicitor salaries in the public sector typically range from £45,000 to £60,000, based on recent vacancies on our job board. Newly qualified and standard solicitor roles average around £50,000 to £56,000, while senior solicitors typically earn £55,000 to £62,000.

Principal lawyers and heads of legal can reach £60,000 to £85,000 or more. Public sector salaries are generally lower than City law firms but come with benefits, including the Local Government Pension Scheme, predictable hours, and better work-life balance.

Paralegals typically earn £34,000 to £38,000, while legal assistants and secretaries earn £26,000 to £32,000 depending on experience and location.

What is the difference between a lawyer and a solicitor?

"Lawyer" is a general term for anyone who practises law, while "solicitor" is a specific professional title regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in England and Wales.

Solicitors provide legal advice, draft documents, and handle transactions. They can represent clients in some courts but historically instructed barristers for complex courtroom advocacy. Barristers are the other main type of lawyer, specialising in court representation and legal opinions.

In everyday UK usage, "lawyer" and "solicitor" are often used interchangeably. However, only those admitted to the roll can legally call themselves solicitors - it's a protected title.

What A-levels and subjects do you need to become a solicitor?

There are no mandatory A-level subjects to become a solicitor. Law isn't required at A-level or degree level, though many aspiring solicitors choose this route.

Universities and employers generally value essay-based subjects that demonstrate analytical thinking and written communication. English, history, politics, and economics are popular choices. Sciences and languages are equally valid if they're your strengths.

What matters most is achieving good grades. Competitive training programmes often require ABB or higher. If you don't take A-levels, alternative qualifications like BTECs or Access courses can also lead to qualifying as a solicitor.

What qualifications do you need to become a solicitor?

Since 2021, the main qualification route is the Solicitor Qualifying Examination (SQE). You'll need to pass SQE1 and SQE2, plus complete two years of qualifying work experience.

Most candidates hold a law degree or a non-law degree plus a conversion course. Many employers still expect degree-level education.

You'll also need to pass character and suitability checks before being admitted to the roll. Preparation courses for the SQE are widely available but not mandatory - you can self-study if you prefer.

Can I become a solicitor without a degree?

Yes. The Solicitor Qualifying Examination (SQE) route itself doesn't require a degree. You must pass both SQE stages and complete two years of qualifying work experience. However, you will need a degree or equivalent (in any subject) to be admitted as a solicitor to the SRA.

An alternative is the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) route - a pathway frequently mentioned in public sector job adverts. You can qualify as a legal executive through work-based learning, then convert to solicitor status.

Solicitor apprenticeships combine work and study over six years, leading to qualification without university debt. While non-graduate routes exist, many employers still prefer degree-level candidates.

What does a legal secretary do?

Legal secretaries provide administrative support to solicitors and legal teams. Day-to-day tasks include typing legal documents, managing diaries, handling correspondence, filing, and liaising with clients and courts.

You'll prepare bundles for court hearings, maintain case files, and manage deadlines. Accuracy is essential - legal documents must be error-free. Knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures is important, though often learned on the job.

What does a paralegal or legal assistant do?

Paralegals and legal assistants support solicitors by conducting legal research, drafting documents, managing case files, and liaising with clients. The role sits between legal secretary and qualified solicitor.

Responsibilities vary by employer. In public sector legal teams, paralegals often handle substantial casework under supervision in areas like property, child care, or litigation. Tasks include preparing court bundles, summarising evidence, and drafting contracts.

The role is often a stepping stone - many paralegals study for the SQE while working, using their experience as qualifying work experience.

What does a legal executive do?

Legal executives are qualified lawyers who specialise in specific areas of law. They're regulated by the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) and can do much of the same work as solicitors within their specialism.

In the public sector, common specialisms include property, child care, adult social care, and litigation–reflecting local authority service areas. Legal executives conduct their own cases, advise clients, and appear in certain courts.

The CILEx route offers a flexible pathway into law, combining work and study without requiring a degree upfront. Experienced legal executives can later qualify as solicitors through the SQE if they choose.

What types of lawyers are there?

In England and Wales, the main types are solicitors and barristers. Solicitors handle legal transactions, advise clients, and increasingly appear in court. Barristers specialise in courtroom advocacy and providing specialist legal opinions.

Legal executives are qualified lawyers who specialise in particular areas. Paralegals provide legal support but aren't qualified lawyers.

Within these categories, lawyers specialise by practice area. In public sector legal teams, common specialisms include property and conveyancing, commercial contracts, employment law, child care, adult social care, planning, housing, and litigation - reflecting the services councils and government departments deliver.