Last Monday, the Sixth Form Society invited Principal Solicitor to the Scottish Executive, Victoria Ayre, to speak to pupils in Years 11 to 13 to discuss the route one should take to become a lawyer. Below is the report provided by Captain of Hockey, Jamie Gibbs.
"The lecture began with Mrs Ayre giving an introduction into the different roles of a lawyer. She explained that the role of a solicitor is mostly a desk bound advisory job, while a barrister is someone who actually goes to court with the people they represent.
The process of qualifying seems to be a long journey; earning a degree in law would be most suitable to become a lawyer. Nevertheless, there are other degree subjects that would support a career as a lawyer, but not before studying a year-long conversion degree to direct you towards becoming a lawyer.
On top of this, one year at law school is required and another two years as a trainee solicitor/barrister is necessary. Alternatively, a person could shadow someone in the type of role you want to work towards. In Victoria’s words, this is essentially work experience as you are learning from those who are the most skilled and trained.
It is for these reasons that the earning potential for a lawyer is so high; the salary of someone in a high-street firm is estimated to be around £30,000-50,000 while someone in a London office would be looking at a starting salary of £50,000+. A judge can earn £100,000+, but this depends on how good the judge is and what court they are in. A private barrister with a good amount of experience can also start on £50,000 but this can range into the hundreds of thousands within just a few years.
However, if you do study a law degree, it does not mean you have to become a lawyer. A law degree teaches you to think things through logically and systematically which can set you up for other jobs like becoming a politician, stockbroker, banker or analyst.
I personally found the experience intriguing as it gave me a greater understanding of what a lawyer is required to do and how you qualify to be one."
Thank you to Victoria Ayre for visiting the College and sharing such valuable advice with our pupils.
