As Director of the Sydney Law School Careers Program, Jessie Scriven has seen countless students with questions about clerkships, WAMs, and what it takes to stand out in a competitive legal landscape.
She says one of the most common misconceptions about studying law is the belief that there is a single, linear route into the profession.
"In reality, our graduates thrive not only in traditional law firm practice and the Bar, but also across a wide range of equally rewarding pathways. This includes in‑house and government roles, regulatory and community justice work, international and policy careers, legal tech, and business and governance positions, just to name a few," she says.
For Jessie, there is no single “right” pathway after a law degree - only the one that aligns with your interests, strengths and goals.
"I encourage you to explore widely, reach out to professionals whose work interests you, and shape a career that feels like yours," Jessie says.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of potential pathways to consider following a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) at Sydney Law School.
Career possibilities
Private practice lawyer / solicitor
Private practice lawyers work in law firms and advise clients on legal issues, often specialised in a specific area of law. Law firms come in all shapes and sizes, from small sole practitioner firms to large multinational law firms.
Typical pathways include:
- clerkships
- graduate programs
- paralegal/law clerk/intern
- other casual legal roles
- PLT programs
- lateral hires
In-house lawyer
In-house lawyers are employed within organisations or companies to do legal work and provide legal advice to the business. In short, this means they only serve one client, as opposed to private practice lawyers who have many clients.
Typically, in-house lawyers are generalists, meaning they advise on a range of different legal issues that affect their business (think of them as the “GPs of the legal world”). However, some in-house legal teams also have specialists depending on the needs of the business.
Typical pathways include:
- transitioning from private practice after a few years
- law firm client secondments
- graduate programs in some large companies
While fairly rare, there has been a slight increase recently in organisations who offer in-house paralegal or clerk opportunities.
Barrister
Barristers are specialist advocates who appear in courts and tribunals, and provide expert legal opinions, usually on complex or disputed matters. They are generally briefed by solicitors and work independently, often within barristers’ chambers. Barristers are self-employed.
Typical pathways include:
- being a Judge’s Associate or Tipstaff
- transitioning from private practice
You must complete the Bar exam, Bar course, and reading period to be a barrister.
Government lawyer
Government lawyers work across local, state and Commonwealth government departments, agencies and statutory authorities. Their work can include advising on legislation, litigation, government decision‑making, procurement, regulatory frameworks and public administration.
Typical pathways include:
- government graduate programs
- clerkships or internships
- paralegal roles
- transitioning from private practice
Regulatory lawyer
Regulatory lawyers work within regulators and oversight bodies such as commissions, authorities and boards. They focus on enforcement, investigations, compliance and regulatory advice in areas such as financial services, competition, environmental protection, health and safety, planning and professional regulation.
Typical pathways include:
- regulator graduate programs
- compliance and investigation roles
- transitioning from private practice
Community Legal Centre (CLC) or public interest lawyer
These lawyers provide legal assistance to individuals and communities who face barriers to accessing justice. Their work commonly involves family law, criminal law, migration, tenancy, and discrimination matters.
Typical pathways include:
- volunteering or paid roles at Community Legal Centres
- paralegal positions
- graduate or early career programs
- public interest internships
Judge’s Associate / tipstaff
Judges’ Associates (or tipstaff) provide direct legal and administrative support to judges in courts and tribunals, including legal research, judgment drafting, case preparation and court work. These roles offer a unique insight into judicial reasoning and court processes. It is often a year-long appointment available for recent graduates or early career lawyers.
Typical pathways include:
- strong academic results
- research assistant roles
- clerkships
- applying directly to judges
- transitioning from private practice
Judge (eventually!)
Judges preside over court proceedings and make binding legal decisions. Judicial appointment usually follows a long and distinguished legal career. Courts include Local, District, Supreme, Federal, High, and specialist courts.
Typical pathways include:
- extensive experience as a barrister or solicitor
- senior leadership within the profession
- appointment through formal processes
Mediator or arbitrator
Mediators and arbitrators assist parties to resolve disputes outside of the court system through alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Typical pathways include:
- legal practice experience
- barrister work
- specialist ADR training and accreditation
- transitioning from litigation or commercial practice
Diplomat
Diplomats represent Australia internationally, working on foreign policy, international law, trade, development and security issues.
Typical pathways include:
- graduate programs
- policy or international relations roles
- overseas postings
Policy advisor
Policy advisors work in government, NGOs or think tanks. Their role mainly involves research and developing public policy. Legal training is particularly relevant for legislative analysis and regulatory design.
Typical pathways include:
- government and policy graduate programs
- research roles
- advocacy and advisory positions
Academic / lecturer
Academics teach, research and publish in specialised fields of law at universities.
Typical pathways include:
- strong academic results
- honours
- PhD
- research assistant
- tutoring roles
Legal technology / digital legal / legal AI
These relatively new roles have emerged to improve the way legal services are delivered through technology, automation and AI. These roles can be within law firms, in‑house teams, consultancies, legal tech companies, or startups.
Typical pathways include:
- legal practice combined with technology skills
- innovation teams
- startups
- consulting roles
Legal operations
Legal operations professionals focus on how legal teams function, including process improvement, budgeting, technology implementation and project management.
Typical pathways include:
- experience in legal practice
- in‑house roles
- project management
- operations backgrounds
Start‑up founder
Law graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit can apply their skills to founding or joining startups across many industries. Legal training assists with governance, contracts, compliance and risk management.
Typical pathways include:
- entrepreneurial ventures during or after study
- accelerators
- industry experience
Company director
Company directors oversee the governance and strategic direction of organisations. Legal knowledge is particularly useful in understanding directors’ duties and regulatory obligations.
Typical pathways include:
- senior professional experience
- governance training
- in-house leadership roles
- business/commercial experience
Company secretary
Company secretaries play a key role in corporate governance, compliance and board operations, particularly for listed companies.
Typical pathways include:
- legal or in‑house experience
- governance qualifications
- corporate training
Risk or compliance manager
These professionals identify and manage legal, regulatory and operational risk within organisations.
Typical pathways include:
- legal practice
- regulatory roles
- in‑house legal or compliance teams
Plus so much more....
- legal writing/journalism
- management consulting
- investment banking
- project management
- recruitment
- contracts management
- procurement
- politics
- knowledge management
- roles enabled by other degrees you have studied (e.g. in a combined LLB)
As you explore these pathways, remember that you don’t have to navigate them alone. Our career events are a great way to learn more about your options, hear directly from the legal profession, ask questions, and build the connections that will shape your next steps. You’ll also find tailored guides, resources and top tips on my Canvas page - so make sure you check it regularly and make the most of the support available.