7 transferable skills you’ll develop by studying law

Many people think that a law degree is only suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in law, but this couldn’t be further from the truth; studying this exciting and challenging discipline helps you develop a number of valuable transferable skills that will support you in almost any career. These include…

1. Negotiation

A key part of studying for a law degree includes developing your negotiation skills. And this isn’t limited to verbal negotiation; a significant part of a law degree requires students to develop their written communication skills as part of assignments and projects. The ability to successfully argue a point or challenge a decision is extremely important as this is desirable in many higher-level job positions.

2. Analysis

Throughout a law degree programme, students are required to gather data and form conclusions based on their own analysis of the facts and figures. Students must learn how to recognise reliable data, perform complex analysis, form logical conclusions and produce solid recommendations. The skill forms the bedrock of many senior business roles.

3. Presentation

Presentation skills are essential in almost every industry; the ability to communicate an idea, sell a product or pitch a proposal can really help you get ahead in your career. Presentation is often linked to confidence, and a law degree programme will help you to build on your confidence and develop tips and techniques via oral presentations.

4. Problem-solving

Law is a subject full of difficult decisions and complicated situations. Over the course of a programme, students must develop the ability to find solutions and resolutions to these potentially difficult situations. This skill is invaluable in a business situation; employers value employees with the ability to ‘think outside the box’ and quickly propose answers to problems.

5. The ability to work under pressure

Studying for a law degree is challenging but extremely rewarding. And particularly when you’re studying online and part-time, there can be a lot of pressure to meet deadlines and complete reading assignments. However, with the right support and practise, law students graduate from their courses with the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments in any industry.

6. Conflict resolution

Law requires a deep understanding of the decisions made by others. As students develop this skill, they also learn how to view problems from other perspectives and to take a neutral standpoint. This leads to an ability to resolve conflicts fairly and quickly, an invaluable skill for those in management and leadership

7. An understanding of the law

It might seem obvious, but law students graduate with a thorough understanding of the law. And as a country’s laws and legal systems influence many decisions within a business, this knowledge can be invaluable to an employer. Even if a graduate is employed in a non-legal role, they are often able to provide valuable advice as a result of their understanding of contract law, land law, company law and much more.

In summary, although a law degree is the perfect step for those wanting to work in a legal field, a law degree also benefits anyone wanting to get ahead in practically any industry.