Becoming a solicitor

[Lil H]

I am thinking of becoming a solicitor, I wanted to train straight after uni but I was up to my eyes sin debt and didn't fancy adding to it by another 2 years at college. I graduated with a 2:1 in Classics in 2002 and have worked in financial services in the City since then. I have looked into doing the GDL and LPC part time but what worries me is the possibility of not finding a suitable training contract afterwards. All the literature I have read advises me to do work placements and work experience, however I will need to continue in my current employment to pay for the course and my mortgage. Does anyone have any experience in changing to a career in law? The only idea I have had is to gain some experience with the CAB. Any advice will be gratefully appreciated!

[erimus1]

Hi Lil. I graduated in law and then did a postgrad in International Criminal Law. Although I am not practicing, I do have a fair knowledge of what is required. Basically, the GDL (CPE as was) is for your conversion from your UG degree for the exemption. This covers the compulsory modules, and is cramed into a year - I know a lot of people that have done this (assisting a few) and it is extremely difficult.

Before I go any further, do you know what being a solicitor actually entails? - sounds stupid, but most people don't know the difference between Barristers and Solicitors - you have no rights of advocacy in High Courts or above, and so most of the work is what I would term as being legwork and formfilling - you do have the option of doing your advocacy exams in addition - becoming a solicitor advocate, which would give you rights of audience in the aforementioned courts.......
cont.

[erimus1]

cont.

You could do the BVC instead of the LPC (to become a Barrister), which is basically the smae price. From my experience, the fact that you have done another degree, and then the conversion, actually looks very good to law firms.
It is difficult to get a training contract or a pupilage. In my law UG, we were advised to get experience asap for either. I have done two mini-pupilages at chambers in London - one of which was a two-stage interview for two weeks experience, so they are very keen.
I also did CAB, but I think that the fact that you have already been in the work market in the financial industry will hold you in good stead. Work experience at courts is also good - I know of somene that got quite well in with a DJ, which proved to be quite useful.

Hope this has been a little assistance. Good luck.

[Lil H]

Thanks Erimus, that was most helpful. I do have some understanding of the legal system, I studied Law at A level and did some work experience in the local court while I was still at school. Solicitor is definitely the route I would like to take. I guess the problem is I have a good job at the moment (a mortgage and other bills!) and so it would be risky for me to quit and follow my dream.

[erimus1]

Lil. If you have a decent job at the moment, try getting sponsored to do your courses. I was sponsored by a construction Contract Litigation Company throughout my UG, and got paid about �8,000/ year for doing a few weeks work with them in the holidays. This does tie you to them after you have completed, but this can be seen as a good thing as you have a guaranteed job at the end. You could try a financial institution - you would then work for them in their legal dept.

I also know a girl that was sponsored my the Navy - she then represented people in Courtmarshalls.
Hope you follow your dream.

[lard]

My girlfried is doing the LPC now, having done a law degree and ILEX course. She worked in a solicitors for 5 years prior to starting the LPC and with all of those added together she is now a Fellow of the Law Society. Once she completes her LPC and some other conversion course she will be qualified as a solicitor with no training contract required.

Just another option in case you are still reading this thread.