How Legal Candidates Are Landing Their First Role Right Now
Breaking into the legal industry as a graduate can feel tough right now — but there are ways to stand out. Here are a few practical tips we’ve been sharing with candidates recently — with real examples
Be flexible with your first role
Your first step doesn’t have to be your “forever” role. Paralegal work, legal admin, compliance, or even roles in financial services can all open doors into law.
We’ve seen candidates start as a legal admin or compliance assistant in a financial services firm, then move into paralegal roles within 6–12 months once they’ve built up relevant exposure.
Focus on transferable skills
Firms are looking beyond academics. Communication, organisation, stakeholder management, and attention to detail all carry real weight — especially in client-facing environments.
For example, candidates coming from retail or hospitality often stand out by highlighting client interaction, handling complaints, and working under pressure — all highly relevant in legal environments.
Get commercially aware
Understanding how law firms make money and the industries they serve (real estate, finance, tech) will set you apart quickly in interviews.
One candidate recently secured a role by discussing how interest rate changes were impacting property transactions — showing awareness of how external factors affect legal work.
Don’t underestimate smaller firms
Boutique and regional firms often provide broader exposure and quicker responsibility — a great way to build experience early.
We’ve placed graduates into boutique firms where they’ve gained hands-on experience across multiple areas of law within their first year — something often harder to access in larger firms early on.
Consistency beats perfection
It’s easy to get discouraged, but the candidates who succeed are usually the ones who stay consistent — applying, networking, and improving their approach each week.
Use recruiters as a resource
A good recruiter can offer market insight, CV advice, and access to roles that aren’t always advertised.
At Kingsgate Recruitment, we regularly help candidates reposition their experience (e.g. turning admin experience into “stakeholder coordination” or “case support”), which can make a big difference in securing interviews.. Whether you’re exploring career options, refining your CV, or looking for your first break, we’re here to support your journey.
Drop us a message or connect if you’d like tailored advice or job opportunities.
For our clients, we specialise in the recruitment of talented and multi skilled candidates for a range of businesses. We are committed to helping you find the best talent for your team. With a wealth of experience across a diverse range of industries, our expert team can support you in every step of the recruitment process, from sourcing top candidates to helping you make informed hiring decisions. Our team are also on offer for help and support on how to land that perfect role. Provide advice and career guidance from creating the perfect CV to securing your ideal job.
You can contact us via our website, drop us an email, or give us a call on 020 8549 7212.