Newly Qualified Lawyer Jobs

Which Direction Should You Take?

When you qualify, the decisions you make will shape the future of your legal career. As a newly qualified lawyer, you will want professional guidance to ensure that you make the best choices. At Thomson Legal, we understand that you will have lots of questions and we have the answers.

As you approach qualification we will strategically discuss the options that are in front of you. As a newly qualified lawyer or solicitor, you can expect:

An initial meeting in person to ascertain and understand your goals and motivations;
Advice on how to develop an effective CV and social media presence;
Update you on current and forthcoming vacancies;
Assist with interview preparation;
Offer management and the resignation process.

Starting Your Legal Career as a Newly Qualified Lawyer

While it is not impossible to change direction, the choices you make on qualification are of the utmost importance. Currently, demand at NQ level remains within banking, corporate, finance, commercial contracts and real estate. If you are thinking of a lateral move, then make sure your experience is marketable. There will always be competition for popular disciplines resulting in limited roles at NQ level. This means that if you were unsuccessful in your internal process, it is unlikely you will see these roles on offer with other firms. This would include in the current market: employment, litigation, competition and IT/IP.

Opportunities to move in-house at NQ level are rare. However, we do find a number of companies in the oil & gas market in Aberdeen looking to hire at NQ level to focus primarily on commercial contracts. This can be advantageous to those looking to get into this lucrative sector but it should be noted that it may be potentially limiting for moves in the future.

Working Overseas

As well as NQ lawyer and NQ solicitor jobs Scotland, we can also help you start your career overseas.

For a move overseas some locations will be prohibitive at NQ level due to visa issues (such as in Cayman and BVI) and there will be more options available with the right level of experience under your belt. However, there have been openings overseas at NQ level for candidates able to demonstrate a high level of experience in a niche discipline such as construction, projects and energy. If this is enhanced by secondment experience or a 12 month seat, then a move abroad at NQ level can be more achievable.