Additional hurdles for emerging career builders
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Navigating the complicated world of law might feel akin to scaling an insurmountable cliff for new lawyers, particularly those fresh out of college, and it's an obstacle that tends to influence their career decisions.
Let's take a peek at the dwindling number of law students enrolling in universities, a trend illustrated by the 2025 Report on the legal profession by Cassa Forense and Censis. A staggering drop of over 10,000 new law students compared to 2010 has been recorded! Moreover, the number of candidates preparing for the state exam in 2024 has decreased significantly, from 22,199 in 2019 to 10,316, demonstrating a shift in the landscape of aspiring lawyers.
The application of public competitions and the advent of alternative professional paths post-graduation also play a role in this shift.
Dive Deeper
The time it takes for a law grad to secure a spot in the legal fraternity is more daunting than it seems. According to the same report, about 34.2% of graduates spend anywhere between four to six years to clear that hurdle. The bar exam—administered only once a year—requires patience as many candidates choose to wait and perfect their skills, boosting their chances of success. However, this prolonged wait also adds to their career timeline. To add to the woes, the results of the written exam take months to be announced, further delaying the process. And those valuable learning years aren't compensated with a guaranteed income.
Even after the hurdle of the bar exam, the road to financial independence is filled with potholes. About 21.8% struggle to achieve a self-sufficient income level within five to six years after admission to the Bar. To make matters worse, a considerable 21.1% of lawyers take more than six years to reach that financial milestone, and only one fifth manage to achieve it within two years.
Intriguing Factors
The extended delay in new lawyers starting their careers could be attributed to multiple factors:
- Strict Educational Requirements: The Italian legal education and qualification process can be demanding with a five-year law degree, two-year legal practice course, and the bar exam. This extended educational journey may delay the entry into the workforce.
- Job Market Competition: The competitive legal job market in Italy poses challenges for many graduates seeking employment due to the surplus of qualified candidates and limited job opportunities.
- Economic Challenges: Economic conditions can affect hiring practices, with companies and government agencies potentially reducing staffing during times of uncertainty, leading to a longer entry timeline for new lawyers.
- Regulatory and Legal Frameworks: Legal and regulatory frameworks have an impact on the hiring speed of lawyers. For example, alterations in labor laws or retirement policies could affect job availability and the overall legal landscape.
- Cultural and Professional Expectations: In Italy, there may be cultural or professional expectations emphasizing the importance of internships or networking before securing a permanent position, leading to a protracted transition period for new entrants.
- Despite the obstacles of stringent educational requirements, intense job market competition, and economic uncertainty, many law graduates in Italy are still determined to further their education and self-development, such as pursuing career development courses or undertaking political involvement, to increase their employability and career opportunities.
- In an effort to keep up with general news and stay informed about the fluctuating legal job market, some law graduates choose to engage in networking, attend career development workshops, and monitor trends in politics to ensure they are prepared for any future changes that may impact their work in the legal field.
