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Highest paying jobs with a law degree

Thinking about pursuing a law degree to gain specialist knowledge and enhance your career opportunities? Find out everything you need to know here.

lawyers at table

In our complex society,  the study of law is crucial for maintaining order, protecting rights, and ensuring justice. Law permeates every aspect of our lives, influencing businesses, governments, and individuals alike. If you’re eager to delve into the legal world and aim for a lucrative career, a law degree could be the perfect stepping stone. In this article, we’ll explore what a law degree entails, the highest paying jobs in the field, potential salaries, and how studying online can help you balance work, study, and life.

What is a Law Degree?

A law degree provides comprehensive knowledge of legal principles, systems, and practices. It equips students with the skills to analyse complex legal issues, construct logical arguments, and understand the intricacies of statutes and case law. Law degrees cover various areas such as criminal law, contract law, tort law, property law, and human rights law.

In the UK, the most common law degrees are the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) for those who have completed an undergraduate degree in another discipline. These qualifications are the first step towards becoming a solicitor or barrister, but they also open doors to numerous other high-paying careers in and out of the legal profession.

What Are the Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs with a Law Degree?

1. Corporate Lawyer

Corporate lawyers advise businesses on their legal rights, responsibilities, and obligations. They handle contracts, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and compliance issues. Working for top law firms or large corporations can be highly lucrative.

  • Salary: £70,000–£150,000+, with senior partners earning significantly more.
  • Key Skills: Commercial awareness, negotiation, contract drafting, and analytical thinking.

2. Intellectual Property Lawyer

Intellectual property (IP) lawyers specialise in protecting the rights of creators and inventors. They deal with patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, often representing clients in the technology, pharmaceutical, and entertainment industries.

  • Salary: £60,000–£120,000 annually.
  • Key Skills: Attention to detail, technical knowledge, problem-solving, and communication.

3. Barrister

Barristers provide specialist legal advice and represent clients in court. They are self-employed and work within chambers, focusing on advocacy and litigation. High-profile cases and specialisations can lead to substantial earnings.

  • Salary: £50,000–£200,000+, with top QCs (Queen’s Counsel) earning considerably more.
  • Key Skills: Public speaking, critical thinking, legal research, and persuasion.

4. Judge

Judges preside over court proceedings, make rulings, and ensure justice is administered fairly. Becoming a judge requires extensive legal experience and a strong reputation in the legal community.

  • Salary: £110,335–£267,509 annually, depending on the level of the court.
  • Key Skills: Impartiality, legal expertise, decision-making, and integrity.

5. Law Firm Partner

Partners in law firms own a share of the firm and share in its profits. They lead teams, manage client relationships, and drive the firm’s strategic direction. Equity partners in top firms can earn exceptionally high incomes.

  • Salary: £100,000–£1,000,000+, depending on the firm’s profitability.
  • Key Skills: Leadership, business development, client management, and legal expertise.

6. Legal Consultant

Legal consultants provide expert advice to organisations on specific legal matters without being a full-time employee. They may work on compliance, risk management, or legal strategy, often in niche areas.

  • Salary: £60,000–£200,000, depending on expertise and client base.
  • Key Skills: Specialised legal knowledge, analytical skills, flexibility, and communication.

7. Oil and Gas Lawyer

Specialising in the energy sector, oil and gas lawyers handle contracts, regulations, and disputes related to the extraction and distribution of natural resources. The complexity and global nature of the industry contribute to high salaries.

  • Salary: £70,000–£150,000+, with potential for more in senior positions.
  • Key Skills: Industry knowledge, contract law, negotiation, and regulatory compliance.

8. Tax Lawyer

Tax lawyers advise individuals and corporations on tax legislation, helping them minimise liabilities and navigate complex regulations. They may represent clients in disputes with tax authorities.

  • Salary: £60,000–£130,000 annually.
  • Key Skills: Numerical ability, attention to detail, problem-solving, and up-to-date knowledge of tax laws.

9. Chief Legal Officer (CLO)/General Counsel

As the top legal executive in a company, the CLO or General Counsel oversees all legal matters, advises the board, and ensures compliance with laws and regulations. This executive role comes with significant responsibility and remuneration.

  • Salary: £100,000–£250,000+, depending on company size.
  • Key Skills: Leadership, strategic thinking, risk management, and broad legal expertise.

10. International Lawyer

International lawyers deal with legal transactions and disputes that cross international borders. They may work in areas like international trade, human rights, or international arbitration, often requiring knowledge of multiple legal systems.

  • Salary: £65,000–£150,000+, with higher earnings in international firms.
  • Key Skills: Multilingual abilities, cultural awareness, international law knowledge, and adaptability.

Highest Paying Law Degrees

While a standard LLB provides a solid foundation, certain specialised degrees can lead to higher-paying careers:

  • LLM (Master of Laws) in Corporate Law: Focuses on business and corporate legal matters, ideal for aspiring corporate lawyers.
  • LLM in International Law: Prepares graduates for careers in international legal practices.
  • LLM in Taxation Law: Specialises in tax legislation and regulations, perfect for future tax lawyers.
  • LLM in Intellectual Property Law: Equips students with expertise in protecting intellectual property rights.
  • Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC): Required to become a barrister, leading to high-earning advocacy roles.

Final Thoughts

A law degree opens the door to a multitude of high-paying careers that are both challenging and rewarding. Whether you aspire to represent clients in court, advise corporations, or shape legal policies, the opportunities are vast. With dedication, continuous learning, and a passion for justice, you can achieve a lucrative and fulfilling career in law.If you’re ready to embark on this journey, FutureLearn offers a range of online law courses and degrees from top universities and industry experts. Studying online provides flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments. Explore your options on FutureLearn Law Courses and take the first step towards a successful legal career.

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