If you are just leaving school or university a career in a solicitor's office is a great career move to consider, especially if you want to work your way up the legal ladder. Many people start as a secretary or administration assistant to gain experience in the legal world and once you have your foot in the door it is easier to look for further opportunities.

Starting in a solicitor's office at a lower level is varied and includes tasks that you would do in many offices. Making appointments, typing, dealing with post and international parcel shipping and eventually even dealing with clients. However if you are bright and looking for extra responsibility there is the chance to progress further.

It also gives a new employee the chance to see whether they fit in with this type of profession and whether they can handle stress and people well. Some people are attracted to the legal profession only to find that they are really not cut out for it.

It is also possible for bright promising young people who have joined in this way to be given the opportunity to study for a law degree by distance learning – paid for most generously by the employer who also gives study leave near exam time.

Solicitors, like many employers, know a promising employee when they see one and will do their utmost to help them to develop their career.