Different Types of Legal Practices in the UK: Find the Right Specialism for Your Career

The UK legal profession is dynamic and diverse, offering a wide range of specialisms that cater to different interests and skills. The options are vast, from commercial law to human rights law and emerging fields like cybersecurity law to traditional areas such as family law. Choosing the right practice area is crucial for long-term job satisfaction and career success. Whether you’re a law student, an early-career legal professional, or a career changer interested in entering the legal field, understanding the different types of law in the UK is essential. To explore these options effectively, consider using tools like Clio to streamline your practice and focus on what matters most—your clients and career growth.

The most common types of law in the UK

The UK legal system encompasses various practice areas, each with unique challenges and opportunities. Here are some of the most common types of UK law:

• Corporate & commercial law: This area involves advising businesses on contracts, mergers, acquisitions, and compliance. It requires strong analytical skills and the ability to navigate complex legal frameworks.
• Criminal law: Criminal lawyers represent defendants or prosecute criminal cases. This field demands strong advocacy skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• Family law: Family lawyers handle divorce, child arrangements, and financial settlements. They need excellent communication skills and empathy to manage sensitive client situations.
• Employment law: Focuses on advising on workplace disputes, discrimination claims, and employment contracts. Employment lawyers must be knowledgeable about employment regulations and able to negotiate effectively.
• Personal injury law: Lawyers in this field represent clients in claims for accidents and negligence. They need to be persuasive and skilled in litigation.
• Real estate & property law: This involves dealing with land transactions, leases, and property disputes. Property lawyers must be detail-oriented and able to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
• Wills, trusts & probate: These lawyers draft wills, manage estates, and advise on inheritance issues. They require tact, diplomacy, and excellent organisational skills.
• Litigation & dispute resolution: This area involves handling legal disputes through courts, mediation, or arbitration. Litigation lawyers need strong analytical and negotiation skills.

In Scotland, many legal areas are governed by distinct Scottish law, which differs from English law, particularly in property and criminal law.

High-growth & emerging areas of law

Several emerging fields are gaining prominence due to technological advancements and regulatory changes:

• Cybersecurity & data protection law: This area involves advising businesses on GDPR compliance and data breaches. Cybersecurity lawyers must stay updated on the latest data protection regulations and technologies.
• Environmental law: Environmental lawyers address climate change regulations, corporate sustainability, and land use disputes. This field requires a deep understanding of environmental policies and regulations.
• Intellectual property law: IP lawyers protect trademarks, patents, and copyrights in creative and tech industries. They need to be highly analytical and knowledgeable about intellectual property rights.
• Financial services & banking law: This area regulates financial institutions, investments, and fraud cases. Financial services lawyers must be well-versed in financial regulations and compliance.
• Sports & entertainment law: Lawyers in this field advise athletes, clubs, musicians, and production companies. They need to understand the unique legal challenges of these industries.
• Technology & AI law: This area covers legal issues related to artificial intelligence, automation, and digital ethics. Technology lawyers must understand complex technological concepts and their legal implications.

Cybersecurity, environmental, and technology law are expected to grow in importance due to digital transformation and regulatory shifts.

Learn more: Emerging Areas of Law in the UK: The New Opportunities for Legal Professionals

Legal career paths: solicitors, barristers, & in-house counsel

Legal professionals in the UK can pursue several career paths:

Solicitors (England & Wales)

Solicitors provide legal advice, draft contracts, and handle client matters. They can specialise in any legal practice area and work in law firms, in-house, or government. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Barristers

Barristers represent clients in court and specialise in advocacy and litigation. They are often self-employed but may work in chambers or for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The Bar Standards Board (BSB) regulates barristers.

In-house counsel

In-house lawyers work within businesses or organisations rather than in law firms. This role is familiar in financial services, technology, and the public sector. It offers an attractive work-life balance and varied legal exposure.

In Scotland, solicitors qualify through the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (PEAT 1 & 2), while advocates (Scottish barristers) represent clients in higher courts.

Salary ranges by legal practice area

Salaries in the legal profession vary significantly based on experience, practice area, and location:

• Entry-level salary expectations: Training contracts and pupillages typically offer £25,000–£50,000+, with London firms paying higher. High-street law firms usually pay £20,000–£30,000 for newly qualified solicitors, while city law firms and Magic Circle firms offer £80,000–£120,000+ post-qualification.
• Practice areas with high earning potential: Corporate law offers salaries over £100,000 at senior levels. Intellectual property law can reach £80,000+ in private practice. Due to its demand for AI and cybersecurity specialists, technology law ranges from £70,000 to £120,000.
• Lower-paid but rewarding areas: Family law typically pays £35,000–£60,000 for mid-level lawyers. Criminal law ranges from £25,000 to £45,000, especially in legal aid. Human rights and public interest law often offer lower pay but high personal fulfilment.

Salaries in Scotland and Northern Ireland are slightly lower than in London and South East England.

Deep dive: UK Lawyer Salaries: What to Expect at Every Career Stage

How to choose the right practice area

Choosing the right legal practice area involves several considerations:

• Interest: What excites you? Business, human rights, technology, or advocacy?
• Work-Life Balance: Do you prefer high-pressure corporate law or a steadier, high-street practice?
• Skillset: Are you analytical (IP law), detail-focused (tax law), or persuasive (litigation)?
• Growth Potential: Fast-growing fields include cyber law, fintech law, and environmental law.

Gain experience through vacation schemes, mini-pupillages, and pro bono work to explore different areas.

Diverse career paths in the UK legal profession

The UK legal profession offers diverse career paths across traditional and emerging fields. Choosing the right legal specialism is crucial for long-term job satisfaction and career progression. Aspiring lawyers should research practice areas that align with their skills and interests, gain work experience through internships and placements, and stay informed about legal industry trends to make future-proof career choices.

To take control of your legal career, consider using tools like Clio to streamline your practice and focus on what matters most—your clients and career growth. Whether you’re just starting or looking to specialise, exploring different legal practice areas and connecting with mentors can help you make an informed decision about your future in law.

Frequently asked questions

What type of law protects whistleblowers?

Whistleblowers are typically protected under employment law, specifically through the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. This law safeguards employees who report wrongdoing or malpractice in the workplace.

How do I become a solicitor in the UK?

To become a solicitor, you must complete an undergraduate degree (in any subject), pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), and gain two years of qualifying work experience. You must also meet the character and suitability requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Read more: The Essential Guide to Educational Requirements for UK Lawyers

What are the main differences between solicitors and barristers?

Solicitors provide legal advice, draft documents, and handle client matters, often working in law firms or in-house. Barristers specialise in advocacy and litigation, representing clients in court. While solicitors are typically employed, barristers are often self-employed.

We published this blog post in March 2025. Last updated: March 28, 2025.

Categorized in: Business