Exploring the Legal Profession: RGS Pupils Gain Insight into Careers in Law
RGS pupils and parents enjoyed an insightful Careers in Law Seminar featuring speakers from across the legal profession. The panel included experienced solicitors from Knights, Jill Roberts and Cerith Rees, a current solicitor degree apprentice and former RGS School Captain, Callum Lockett, and University of Worcester law lecturer, Dr Chris Monaghan. Together, they offered a clear and honest overview of the varied routes into Law and the many opportunities available within the profession.
The seminar opened with a helpful explanation of the distinction between two key legal career paths: barristers and solicitors. Jill Roberts, a Family Law Partner, and Cerith Reece, a Private Client Partner, outlined how barristers typically focus on courtroom advocacy and are often based in chambers, whereas solicitors tend to work more closely with clients, preparing cases, managing documents and building long-term relationships. Jill also shared her experience qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive, demonstrating how practical experience can be an equally valuable route into the profession. Both speakers emphasised that the right path depends entirely on an individual’s strengths and interests.
The audience then gained an overview of the breadth of legal specialisms. Business-to-business areas, such as Company or Commercial Law, were contrasted with fields that support individual clients, including Criminal, Family and Private Client Law. Jill spoke candidly about the challenging yet rewarding nature of guiding families through difficult circumstances, while Cerith explained how he enjoys the personal aspect of working in Private Client Law, particularly when preparing Wills or managing estates. They also highlighted the vital skills needed for success, stressing the importance of communication, attention to detail, teamwork and real-world experience in customer-facing roles.
RGS alumnus Callum Lockett provided a valuable perspective on the solicitor degree apprenticeship pathway. Now in the second year of his six-year programme, Callum explained how the apprenticeship enables aspiring solicitors to gain a fully funded qualification while earning a salary from the outset. With one study day each week and four days in the workplace, he described the balance of work and study as demanding but “really rewarding.” He dispelled common misconceptions about apprenticeships by outlining the meaningful responsibilities he has undertaken, from drafting correspondence to contacting clients. Callum also noted the impressive retention rate for apprentices, illustrating how invested Law firms are in training and supporting this route into the profession.
The seminar concluded with an academic perspective from Dr Chris Monaghan, who discussed the structure of a traditional Law degree and the growing emphasis on practical learning at university. He described opportunities such as mooting, mock trials and supervised legal advice clinics, all of which help students develop essential advocacy and analytical skills. Dr Monaghan also clarified the steps required for those pursuing careers as barristers or solicitors, including the Bar Training Course, Pupillage and the new SQE examinations. His closing advice encouraged pupils to explore the variety of law schools available and to choose a course that best aligns with their interests and preferred learning style.
The seminar gave pupils a valuable and well-rounded understanding of the legal profession. Whether through academic study or hands-on apprenticeship routes, the speakers demonstrated that a career in Law is built through perseverance, practical experience and a clear sense of personal ambition. Our grateful thanks for all of the panel members for giving their time to support this event which gave our students such a valuable explanation of what lies ahead in a career in Law.
