How to become a legal advisor
There are several routes to becoming a legal advisor. You could do a university degree, a college course, an apprenticeship or apply to an employer directly if you have relevant experience.
You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
University
You could complete an undergraduate degree in law, or a postgraduate degree such as a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), and specialise in legal matters relating to construction.
Graduate training scheme
If you have a relevant university qualification, you could apply to a legal company’s graduate training scheme to gain experience as a legal advisor, or specialise in construction.
College
You could qualify as a legal advisor by completing a Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice or a Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice.
After completing a college qualification, you would need to complete a further three-year period of qualifying employment. This means you would carry out legal work under the supervision of a solicitor, senior chartered legal executive, barrister or licensed conveyancer. You could do this in a legal practice, a legal department of a private company or in a government department.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship with a law firm is a good way into the industry. You could complete a chartered legal executive higher apprenticeship to become a legal advisor. This is usually done after completing a paralegal apprenticeship.
To complete a higher or degree apprenticeship you will usually need 4 - 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), and A levels, or equivalent.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.
Work
If you have previous experience within a legal company, you may be able to apply directly to a large construction company for a job within its legal department. You could then gain experience and receive further training to specialise in legal matters related to construction. You may then start as an assistant to a more experienced legal advisor and progress as your abilities improve.
Work experience
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a legal advisor. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
Skills
Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a legal advisor include:
- Knowledge of legal matters
- Excellent communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Administration skills
- Good team working abilities
- Ability to use your initiative.
