Finding vacancies

Magazines and newspapers

The Law Society Gazette’s Gazette Jobs website allows you to search for jobs by practice area and location. You can apply online and sign up for job alerts.

Newspaper websites also have jobs sections.

Find out what other legal publications are available online, especially any used by potential employers in your area and organisations in the area of law you wish to practise in.

Job sites

There are many job websites, some of which specialise in legal jobs. You can sign up for email notifications when new vacancies are added.

LinkedIn

Employers may use LinkedIn to post jobs and source candidates. You can create a professional profile to show your skills and experience, similar to your CV, and to build professional contacts. The more complete your LinkedIn profile, the more likely you'll be found.

You can follow organisations you’re interested in to keep up to date with their news and to help you decide if they’re right for you.

See our practice note on social media.

Recruitment agencies

Many recruitment agencies specialise in legal positions. You can discuss your CV with a recruitment consultant – they may be able to help with your CV and send it to employers.

Even if they do not have a vacancy that suits you, keep in contact with them so they remember you when something suitable comes up.

Networking

Building a network of contacts is a good way of hearing about vacancies. Useful contacts can include:

• former and existing colleagues
• past managers
• business acquaintances
• professional advisers
• friends and relations, if they work in the legal sector
• members of professional associations and groups

Let your contacts know that you’re job seeking, as they may be able to tell you about opportunities and introduce you to more contacts to build your network.

Careers service

The careers service at universities, and those provided by some local authorities, can be a valuable source of information and advice.

Internal vacancies

If you’re already working, you can look into opportunities with your existing employer, such as a promotion or a change in role. You may have an advantage over other applicants because you already know the organisation.

Volunteering and work experience can sometimes lead to a job opportunity, as well as giving you experience.

If you have a disability

Look out for the Disability Confident logo on job adverts. This means the employer is committed to employing disabled people. This guarantees you an interview if you meet the minimum job requirements.

Speculative applications

If you haven’t seen any suitable vacancies, think about applying speculatively. Draw up a shortlist of organisations in your area doing the kind of work that interests you. Read the national and local press to find out if the organisations you’re approaching are expanding in your area. You'll have the advantage of contacting them even before they advertise vacancies.

When applying speculatively, always explain why you have approached that organisation.

Use our Find a Solicitor service to search for firms by location and areas of practice.

Your local Citizens Advice is also a useful resource for finding firms in your area.