Thinking of converting to Law and need advice!

I've just graduated from a Russell Group university with a 1st in Modern Languages. I've always been a bit unsure of what I actually want to do career-wise, but I've recently been thinking that a legal career could suit me well.

I realise that July is probably a bit late in the day to start applying for things (??). I see that quite a few training contract applications are open until July 31st, but is this what I should be focussing on if I want to do the GDL as soon as possible? Do people normally apply to training contracts and then apply for a conversion course when (if!) they've secured funding?

I have a very good academic record and graduated with a high 1st, but don't have much legal experience except a week during secondary school. Is this likely to be a massive stumbling block?

Can anyone offer me some advice? At this point I think it's probably most likely that I'll spend a year doing something else and then embark on this later, but I would like to get the ball rolling this year if possible! Any advice?

I've just graduated from a Russell Group university with a 1st in Modern Languages. I've always been a bit unsure of what I actually want to do career-wise, but I've recently been thinking that a legal career could suit me well.

I realise that July is probably a bit late in the day to start applying for things (??). I see that quite a few training contract applications are open until July 31st, but is this what I should be focussing on if I want to do the GDL as soon as possible? Do people normally apply to training contracts and then apply for a conversion course when (if!) they've secured funding?

I have a very good academic record and graduated with a high 1st, but don't have much legal experience except a week during secondary school. Is this likely to be a massive stumbling block?

Can anyone offer me some advice? At this point I think it's probably most likely that I'll spend a year doing something else and then embark on this later, but I would like to get the ball rolling this year if possible! Any advice?

Lots of law firms run all year round recruitment.


If you wnat to pay for the GDL yourself then do so and if you get a TC, then they may pick up the tab.

Alternatively get the TC offer, get them to pay and start on the next available course.

When you apply you have to persuade them of your interest in being a lawyer and why you want to work for them. That will be more challenging if you know relatively little about the profession. Might not be fatal, but it would be better if you had some.

Thank you! Should I be applying for 2018-start TCs (which most seem to be?) or 2019?