[TommehR]

Originally Posted by preet_123

I have given it a lot of thought but I am still unable to come to a decision about whether or not to do the LPC. I know that there are people out there who have completed the LPC and do not manage to get a training contract. I do not want to be amongst them!

You don't have to commit to the LPC for a few months. Try all out to get a Training Contract in that period and then reassess your position in a few months.

[preet_123]

Most law firms recruit 2 years in advance don't they? I did not manage to secure a training contract in my second year. Are there any firms out there that recruit a year in advance?

[drums_856]

Originally Posted by preet_123

Most law firms recruit 2 years in advance don't they? I did not manage to secure a training contract in my second year. Are there any firms out there that recruit a year in advance?

Yep, usually smaller firms though, i.e. mostly not those you find in Lex 100/ Chambers' Student guide. Look at the TC deadlines on LawCareers.net

Having said that, a girl I know managed to get her training contract brought forward a year so she's now starting after finishing her LPC instead of the year after and a national firm was offering TCs starting in a year's time in certain locations in the last recruitment cycle (but these may be exceptions).

[preet_123]

I have lost count of how many times I have changed my mind in relation to commencing the LPC!

I am on track for a First at a decent University, albeit not at a Russell-group University. I suppose this has been the main hindrance for me so far.

Do law firms put a lot of emphasis on an applicant's University?

[preet_123]

Originally Posted by qc_in_training89

Hey,

thought I'd reply to your post as I'm in my third year law LLB at the moment and don't know whether to apply for the lpc or not. (BTW ignore the user name, chosen a while ago )

I haven't secured a training contract yet, I'm thinking £10,000 is a lot of money and a waste if I do the LPC and can't find a job at the end of it.

I dunno whats best though, I want to enter the legal profession obviously but I'm leaning towards another way, perhaps legal advisor/ paralegal, which could work out cheaper.

Any advice welcomed, thanks

Joanne.

Hi Joanne,
I'm in a similar predicament therefore there is not a lot I can say by way of advice.

You, as well as I, have to be realistic about the chances of securing a TC. If you satisfy the bare minimum requirements stipulated by most law firms then I suppose you are in for a shot!

[strawberry90]

What are the chances of getting whichever law school you select as your first choice?

[drums_856]

Originally Posted by strawberry90

What are the chances of getting whichever law school you select as your first choice?

100% - they just want your money.

[TommehR]

Originally Posted by strawberry90

What are the chances of getting whichever law school you select as your first choice?

You'll invariably be accepted by all three of your choices. The whole first/second/third choice thing is a bit pointless really. Law Schools don't really care which choice you put them is and your second and third choices will pursue you to accept their offer as fiercely as your first choice will.

[blinkbelle]

I applied for my LPC about a month ago. I'm doing it at BPP in London, and it is funded by my TC. xx

[Brave the Storm]

So why does everyone hate the LPC so much?

I have it all to look forward to.

[elephantay]

Originally Posted by drums_856

100% - they just want your money.

so this means that youre guranteed a place, regardless of things like work exprience (which they ask for in the application) and stuff, because i dont really have actual legal work exprience but have done about two weeks in a solicitors office.

basically what im getting at is are my chances of getting a place on the LPC going to be affected because i dont have the relevant work exprience?

[TommehR]

Originally Posted by elephantay

basically what im getting at is are my chances of getting a place on the LPC going to be affected because i dont have the relevant work exprience?

Not at all.

[iwwhty]

I've applied to do the LPC in 2010, with BPP in Manchester as my 1st choice, and the College of Law in Manchester as my 2nd choice. Having recently attended open days at both though, I'm thinking of going to the COL, assuming I get an offer!

In terms of funding, I think I'm going to have to get a Professional Development Loan from the bank. I'm going to apply for the Law Society scholarship and I've submitted an article for the Lawyer2B essay competition, which has a prize of a free place at BPP Law School.

I'm not taking anything for granted though so a bank loan is my likely option at the minute!

[iwwhty]

Originally Posted by preet_123

Most law firms recruit 2 years in advance don't they? I did not manage to secure a training contract in my second year. Are there any firms out there that recruit a year in advance?

I was told at the LPC open days I attended that most of the LPC students, don't have training contracts. They also had statistics about how many of their students went on to gain legal employment, and they were quite high, 90% and above I think. The careers service at both BPP and COL seem to be very good.

It could be that those students are employed as paralegals and not trainee solicitors but it's better than nothing I guess, and I've heard that some people work as paralegals at a firm first and then manage to secure training contracts later on.

There are also some Law Firms that only hire people who have recently completed the LPC, or who are on the LPC, so I wouldn't be too dispirited if you arrive on the LPC, with no training contract.