Career options in law: A detailed guide
A career in law can be noble, respected, and fulfilling. It allows you to contribute to justice and the betterment of society. Lawyers play a critical role in upholding the rule of law and advocating for the rights of individuals and organisations. The profession offers diverse opportunities, from courtroom litigation to advisory roles in multinational corporations.
You can specialise in various fields such as corporate, criminal, family, environmental, or labour and employment law. With enough experience, you can even set up your own practice. Additionally, the dynamic nature of legal work ensures continuous learning and professional growth.
If you are considering a career in law or planning to switch between legal professions, you have come to the right place. In this guide we help you understand the diverse opportunities within the legal profession. We will equip you with the knowledge and skills to find the right fit for your interests and goals.
Here is what we will cover:
What are careers in law?
Careers in law encompass various roles, from attorneys to support and administrative positions. Legal professionals can work in diverse settings, including private law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organisations. Essential skills for a successful legal career include strong verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
To pursue a career in law, you need a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree, an advanced diploma in law, or a related degree from a recognised university. This typically 3 year course provides extensive knowledge about law and legal systems. If the course includes a professional year, the duration extends to four years.
In Malaysia, after completing your LL.B, you must pass the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) exam, which can take up to nine months. During this time, gaining practical experience through an internship at a law firm is crucial. Upon completion, you can enter the Malaysian Bar to work as an advocate or solicitor. The cost of obtaining a law degree in Malaysia ranges from RM75,000 to RM120,000.
Careers in law you can explore in Malaysia
There are various career paths in the legal field that you can pursue in Malaysia. Each path offers unique roles and responsibilities, depending on your interests and specialisation. Here are some options:
Practising law
Practising law involves providing legal services and representation to clients. Lawyers apply legal principles and judgment to their clients' situations or objectives. They represent clients in court proceedings, offer advice, and draft legal documents. The roles of lawyers vary depending on their area of specialisation.
Finance law
Finance law regulates financial services, such as banking, insurance, securities, and consumer protection. It ensures fairness in the financial system and the proper functioning of financial markets. Financial lawyers structure financial transactions to comply with regulatory standards and represent clients in financial disputes.
To become a finance lawyer, you need to complete a pre-university or equivalent program and obtain a law degree from an accredited university. This can be a three-year program or a four-year program that includes a professional year, followed by earning a Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP).
Environment law
Environmental law focuses on protecting the natural environment, human health, and natural resources through regulations and policies. It deals with issues like pollution control, biodiversity preservation, and waste management. Environmental lawyers ensure regulatory compliance, represent clients in legal disputes, and advise on environmental policies.
To pursue a career in environmental law, start with an LL.B in Law from a recognised university. Degrees in humanities, economics, or political science can also provide a strong foundation.
Criminal law
Criminal law involves defining conduct related to dangerous actions to protect society and includes the punishment and rehabilitation of offenders. Criminal lawyers defend individuals and organisations charged with crimes, aiming to resolve cases ethically and professionally. To become a criminal lawyer, pursue a degree in criminal law through a Bachelor of Laws program.
International law
International law sets standards and rules governing relations between states, covering issues like human rights, economic relations, and diplomacy. International lawyers handle legal relationships between nations, international organisations, and private parties. They often work with bodies like The United Nations and the World Trade Organisation.
To specialise in international law, earning a degree in international studies or a Master of Law (LL.M.) in International Law can be beneficial. Practical experience can be gained by working for a law firm specialising in this field.
Law enforcement
Law enforcement involves a system of government members and agencies that enforce laws and maintain public order. Law enforcement officers aim to protect the public, life, and property to maintain peace in society. Many law enforcement agencies require a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant work experience in the field.
Legal advisors
Average monthly salary: 8,235 MYR
Legal advisors provide legal guidance and support to various organisations, including law enforcement agencies. They specialise in specific areas of law and offer advice on legal matters such as labour disputes, workplace conflicts, contract disputes, and harassment suits. You can pursue this position after completing an LL.B or LL.M in Law.
Working in court systems
Working in the court system can be both challenging and rewarding, with various roles and responsibilities. Below are some legal jobs in this domain:
Judges
Average monthly salary: 17,708 MYR
Judges preside over court proceedings, ensure adherence to court rules, and issue rulings on cases. They make legal rulings on motions and determine appropriate sentences upon conviction. A strong knowledge of politics, criminal justice, legal studies, or business is important. Experience practising law as an attorney is beneficial for those seeking a judgeship.
Law clerks
Average monthly salary: 3,048 MYR
Law clerks conduct legal research, write legal opinions, and assist judges with case preparation. They draft trial briefs and other legal documents and verify briefs. An LL.B in Law is typically required for this position.
Court reporters
Average monthly salary: 5,308 MYR
Court reporters create verbatim transcript of court proceedings using specialised stenography equipment. They keep track of documentary exhibits used during the proceedings and may offer real-time translation services. Essential skills for this role include the ability to type at speed, attention to detail, and often, proficiency in shorthand.
Law consulting
Law consulting involves legal professionals providing expert advice, analysis, and guidance on legal issues to clients. Here are some jobs in legal consulting:
Legal consultants
Average monthly salary: 8,156 MYR
Legal consultants provide specialised legal expertise to businesses or individuals on specific legal issues, such as compliance, intellectual property, transactions, risk management, litigation, and governance. Specialising in areas like employment law, real estate law, or medical law can be beneficial.
Management consultants
Average monthly salary: 8,050 MYR
Management consultants analyse business operations and recommend solutions, often with legal implications. They provide expert advice in areas such as organisational structure, finance, strategy, and operations. A bachelor's degree in business administration, business, economics, marketing, or IT is often beneficial.
Compliance officers
Average monthly salary: 4,500 MYR
Compliance officers ensure that an organisation adheres to relevant laws and regulations. They also provide training and guidance to employees on compliance matters. Popular bachelor's degrees for this career include legal studies, economics, accounting, and management.
Legal education
Legal education involves providing education and training in the principles, practices, and theory of law. Below are some jobs in this field:
Law professors
Average monthly salary: 12,755 RM
Law professors teach law courses at universities and train future generations of lawyers. They serve on committees within the law school and publish academic articles, books, and other publications. Starting with an LL.B in Law, you would typically need further qualifications such as an LL.M to pursue a career in academia.
Legal writing instructors
Legal writing instructors help law students develop strong legal writing and research skills. They design and deliver a curriculum on legal research and writing. Typically, an LL.B in Law is required for this role. Joining campus organisations and participating in pro bono opportunities after law school can provide valuable practical experience.
Legal administration
Legal administration involves organising and managing legal operations in corporations, government agencies, and law firms to ensure compliance with legal procedures and processes. Some jobs in legal administration include:
Paralegals
Average monthly salary: 3,100 MYR
Within the legal profession, there are different levels of lawyers. Paralegals assist lawyers with various legal tasks such as case preparation, legal research, and document drafting. Completing a bachelor's degree in legal studies or a related course followed by a paralegal associate degree is a common pathway into this role.
Legal assistants
Average monthly salary: 3,491 MYR
Legal assistants perform administrative and clerical tasks in legal settings. Their responsibilities include preparing legal documents, filing paperwork, and managing client intake. Many firms require a completed LL.B in Law and a call to the Bar for this job.
Conclusion
A career in law can be morally fulfilling and financially rewarding, offering opportunities to influence policies and positively impact lives. There is increasing demand for legal professionals in various domains, including finance and business. You can specialise in areas such as corporate, criminal, family, tax, and intellectual property law. Typically, an LL.B in Law is required for legal roles in Malaysia.
Your workload and environment will depend on your specialisation and place of work. For example, corporate lawyers in large firms may face high-pressure environments and long hours, while family lawyers might have more predictable schedules. When choosing a specialisation, consider your interests, strengths, values, and preferred lifestyle.
FAQs
Here are some FAQs you can refer to:
- What is the best career in law?
One of the top careers in law is the head of legal, particularly in the banking and financial services sector. However, the best career in law ultimately depends on your interests and career goals. - What type of lawyer is high in demand?
Corporate lawyers and legal professionals with experience and expertise in compliance and regulatory affairs are currently in high demand due to the growth in the business and finance sector. - What type of lawyer is the highest paid?
Heads of legal in banking and financial services are among the highest-paid legal professionals. Tax and litigation lawyers working for prominent law firms also earn substantial salaries. - What is the best paying law job?
Legal positions in banking and financial services are highly lucrative due to the increasing complexity of business regulations and compliance requirements. - Which type of law is best to study?
Popular areas to consider include business, criminal, constitutional, and family law. Research these areas to ensure they align with your personal goals and interests. - What type of lawyer is the least stressful?
Areas such as estate planning, health law, labour and employment law, and intellectual property law are typically less stressful. These areas often offer more predictable schedules and less adversarial work environments. - Besides being a lawyer, what jobs can I get with a law degree?
With a law degree, you can work in fields such as journalism, academia, human resources, and tax consulting. Your degree demonstrates strong communication, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. - Are there any high-paying legal careers that don't require a law degree?
Compliance officers often have high-paying jobs that usually require degrees in business, public administration, or related fields. They ensure companies follow industry guidelines and regulations. - What are some entry-level jobs in the legal field?
Entry-level legal jobs include legal assistant, paralegal, administrative assistant, and legal support staff roles.
