WHILE demand is high for lawyers with up to five years’ experience, it is certainly a different story at the lower end of the market.
Recruitment consultants and law firm managing partners report little demand for law graduates at the moment.
However, law firms are looking for graduates who have chosen a second degree that supports the area in which they wish to practise, such as a Commerce-Law or Engineering Law degree.
Another tip for budding lawyers is to make the most of winter and summer clerk-ships.
Evidence shows that those who make the most of these opportunities greatly boost their chance of being given an articled clerkship.
Once in the door, a lawyer taking articles can earn around $25,000.
After articles, the pay rate during the restricted prac-tice year ranges from $35,000 to $42,000.
With the restricted practice year over, their salary jumps to around $53,000.
Lawyers with four years’ experience are taking home upwards of $80,000.
