Five career options for law graduates

1. Private practice

Private practice is one of the more recognisable legal paths on offer, thanks in part to popular TV shows like The Good Wife, Suits and Better Call Saul – so it’s no surprise that many law graduates choose this line of work. As a private practitioner, you’ll be employed by a for-profit law firm. These come in all shapes, sizes and specialties: depending on where you wind up, you could become a general practitioner or build expertise in a particular legal area such as commercial, taxation or intellectual property law.

2. In-house counsel

In-house lawyers are employed by companies and other organisations to be part of their internal legal teams, looking after an organisation’s legal interests, obligations and risk. Many organisations have in-house teams, which means you can build specialist legal expertise in an industry that interests you, such as telecommunications, technology or health, to name just a few. When you work as an in-house lawyer, you’ll likely enjoy a variety of legal work across the organisation’s projects and departments.  

3. Public service

If you’re passionate about social justice or the processes that drive the engine of government, a career in the public service – such as in a government agency or department, the courts or a public policy organisation – offers unrivalled opportunity. Depending on the role, you could find yourself handling civil and criminal litigation, writing legal documents or policy, defending or prosecuting cases in court, conducting research or working on legislative reform. And you can apply your skills to some pretty meaningful issues, too, from native title to civil and criminal justice, and more. 

4. International practice

Dreaming of working overseas? A law degree can prepare you for work with the United Nations, the International Criminal Court and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, among others, while employment with a global law firm can streamline the process of moving your job from one country to another. Take your Australian law degree to comparative jurisdictions, work on global issues and collaborate with professionals from all around the world.  

5. A career at the bar

If you’ve ever imagined yourself delivering a persuasive argument in a courtroom, a career at the bar – that is, as a barrister – might well be for you. Barristers are specialist advocates who represent people in court and act as mediators, arbitrators, referees and conciliators on a range of matters in judicial and non-judicial environments.  Many barristers work as solicitors before pursuing a career at the bar, as part of the typical journey to beginning a law career.  To become a barrister, you’ll need to be admitted as a legal practitioner and pass the bar exams in the state or territory in which you wish to be admitted, and then complete a 12-month reading program. 

Where can a UTS Law degree take you? Meet some of our graduates