The path of higher education is often considered to be a straightforward one. You go to University, study for three or four years in a primary subject field, then you go out into the real world and get the corresponding job. On paper, that’s the route that is laid out for so many, especially those studying law.

Most people go into their law degrees with the intent to become a lawyer or an attorney – but a tiny proportion of people end up achieving this goal. The market is incredibly competitive, and law firms can only take on a certain amount of people to train every year.

However, not going into a career as a lawyer may be a decision you have made all on your own. It takes many years to become qualified as a lawyer, and you may not always end up working in the particular area of law that interests you regardless.

That said, you may face some level of adversity from other people when you say that despite your law degree, you are not going to become a lawyer. But that doesn’t mean to say that there are not other careers available for you within the remit of law. Here are a few examples of routes to go down if you are a law graduate.

A mediator

If criminal law sounds like it’s a little too heavy for you (for example, if you are very emotional or a very squeamish person), why not consider mediation? A mediator, or arbitrator, as they are sometimes known, is a person in civil law who helps two parties come to an agreement.

For example, you could have a case on your hands where one party is accusing the other of stealing their business idea. In order to avoid this having to be settled in a courtroom, the parties involved will often choose mediation instead, allowing an independent body to guide them.

A court reporter

Want to be in on all the action but don’t feel confident enough to make the decisions yourself? Working as a court typer allows you to sit in on some of the most interesting cases around, without needing to be directly involved in the legal proceedings.

Depending on where in the world you work, you may be allowed to use a computer or even a tablet to make your notes on. But in many countries, such as the UK, electronic devices are banned in courtrooms, meaning you have to rely on your shorthand abilities instead.

A paralegal

Becoming a paralegal is an attractive option for those with good knowledge of the legal system and strong organizational skills.

Paralegals work by helping clients through a court case, such as by managing documents, undertaking a significant research, and helping to arrange meetings. No self-respecting law firm would be able to keep its head above water without a dedicated team of paralegals.

You may not be representing the client yourself, but you will play an important role in bringing about the carriage of justice.

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.