Is being a lawyer the way to make your career recession-proof?

Despite continued banker-bashing and the belief the financial industry pays exceptionally well, it is those practising the law who are more likely to say: "Recession, what recession?"

Although the UK economy is growing, wages are increasing at the slowest pace on record. Yet more than a third of lawyers believe their careers are recession-proof, according to a new survey by private bank, Investec.

Less than half of law professionals said job opportunities were hampered by the economic downturn.

The report, entitled The Future of Work, questioned 2,100 professionals across a range of industries from legal services to healthcare, teaching and construction.

Lawyers appear to be enjoying more positive prospects with almost three quarters of those asked saying they are more confident about future working prospects now than they were five years ago.

The findings show lawyers and professionals working in the finance industry were also less likely to say low pay rises and pay freezes were a problem.

Less than half (47pc) said they were suffering compared to more than two thirds of civil service and healthcare professionals.

Although lawyers were the most likely to say their career was recession-proof, it was in fact teachers who were more likely to say the recession did not limit their opportunities.

Compared to an average of 50pc across all professionals, four in ten teachers said the recession limited job opportunities.

Despite the more positive findings about lawyers, Wayne Preston, head of banking products at Investec, said there was no guarantee any career was recession-proof but advised choosing a career carefully.

"The recession has hit most people in some capacity. There is a small percentage of professionals who have made it through with minimum impact.

"There is no guarantee that any career is recession proof, however choosing a vocation with a specialist element will help you get the best possible outcome," he added.

The UK came out of its recession in the last quarter of 2009 after a period of negative growth lasting six quarters, but the report found the legacy of the period continues.

Nearly 60pc of those asked said their employers had become more demanding since the recession, while two thirds of civil service and healthcare professionals felt this more.

In the survey, two in five respondents said the recession had put them off moving jobs.

But Mr Preston believes the outlook is more positive. "Confidence in the economy is soaring compared to five years ago and along with it some professions are exhibiting more career confidence.

"There does appear to be more hope for professionals now with a brighter outlook and better prospects."