[~*Kate*~]

Hello all

I've just finished the first year of the part time distance learning GDL so am looking ahead to apply for the full time LPC to commence in mid/late 2013 or early 2014.

I'm not sure where to apply and have no geographical preference. So I wondered if others could share their experiences of where they went, how they found the local area and most importantly what the course itself was like.

Thanks!

[jjarvis]

What sort of training contract are you looking for? If you're seeking a commercial/city TC, I wouldn't pay for the LPC myself--your firm will almost certainly cover it.

Can't offer much useful information otherwise, I'm afraid. My firm dictated the provider (BPP) and location (London Holborn), so I never looked into any other provider and don't know much about them.

[nulli tertius]

(Original post by ~*Kate*~)
Hello all

I've just finished the first year of the part time distance learning GDL so am looking ahead to apply for the full time LPC to commence in mid/late 2013 or early 2014.

I'm not sure where to apply and have no geographical preference. So I wondered if others could share their experiences of where they went, how they found the local area and most importantly what the course itself was like.

Thanks!

Assuming you have no training contract lined up, I think the two drivers should be cost and careers service. I would stick with one of the ex-Polys that have been in this game for a long time; Trent, Manchester Met, Northumbria, UWE. A London location is harder to choose. There are pluses and minuses to the various London providers.

[h-g-1]

Re: where to do it - look into where you want to work. Do you want to work regional or in the City? I know that a lot of City firms will specify you have to study in London and sometimes even the exact institution. If you have absolutely no preference after that then I know courses not in London cost a little cheaper than in London so there's a financial bonus there - plus if you live out of London, you'll be saving on living costs too.

I did mine in London but that was because my uni was in London so I liked living there and just thought I'd carry on. Plus for interviews, it was pretty handy as well as I knew I wanted to work in the City. As for how I picked the different institutions, I'm not sure - just kinda went along with BPP in Holborn and it was pretty enjoyable. Nothing amazing but not bad either.

Re: what the LPC is like - it's more about quantity than quality. So the concepts I thought were very simple to grasp and easy to understand but there was just SO MUCH to take in. However, if you tab well and have a good memory then it's pretty straight forward. Also, it's quite easy to get a good mark on the LPC. I roughly did the same amount of work for LPC as I did at uni and came away with a much better grade than a 2.1.

But yes, I suppose the other point is - paying for it yourself. I did it and I got a TC afterwards (about a year after). I don't regret self-funding even though my firm doesn't do retrospective LPC payment because at the time I could afford it and it wouldn't have left me financially destitute. You just have to have the mindset that even if you don't get a TC, you won't regret paying for this.

[~*Kate*~]

Thanks for your replies. I probably should have said that I live in the Isle of Man and this is where I want to practice - we have our own legal system and training contracts are done differently to the UK. I can't do the LPC locally and I don't mind where I go to do it, so I'm interested in others' experiences

I'm probably going to practice in Commercial/Litigation/Corporate if that makes a difference.


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[nulli tertius]

(Original post by ~*Kate*~)
Thanks for your replies. I probably should have said that I live in the Isle of Man and this is where I want to practice - we have our own legal system and training contracts are done differently to the UK. I can't do the LPC locally and I don't mind where I go to do it, so I'm interested in others' experiences

I'm probably going to practice in Commercial/Litigation/Corporate if that makes a difference.


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

In that case I would recommend the College of Law's Commercial and Private Route. If you are practising off-shore you really should do a trusts/private client elective but you don't want to be teaming that up with family or conveyancing or other High Street work. You want your corporate electives focussed on smaller companies (either for the local commercial world or as an adjunct to off-shore practice). No-one is going to be asking you to do a flotation.

[The University of Law]

Hi ~*Kate*~

We reckon the most important thing is to pick the course and provider that's right for you. We recommend attending open days at your favourite law schools - it's the best way to get a feel for what it will be like to study there and you often get a chance to speak to current students about their experiences. Also a handy way to pick up info about the course, check out the careers support and meet the tutors who will actually teach you. Details of College of Law open days

Let us know if we can help with any queries about our LPC - and we're always available on Facebook and Twitter if you need us:

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Hope this helps and good luck with your decision