Help with learning!

Hi all,

Im 22 with only 1 GCSE above C. I want to learn to become a 'Legal Executive'. I understand you need tons of grades to get onto a course. Just wondering if anyone knew the best way for me to make it onto a course and become a 'legal E'?

Thanks
Wannabe

Reply 1

chalks

This website is probably a good starting point for you. http://www.ilex.org.uk/

From a quick look at their entry requirements it looks as though you will need a minimum of 4 GCSEs above grade C, although there are alternative entry requirements (GNVQs etc). Do you have any other qualifications other than your GCSEs?

It may be a matter of retaking some of your GCSEs before you're able to sit the course. Alternatively, the site suggests there may be a way of avoiding the entry requirements by taking a paralegal course.

Reply 2

lawwannabe

Hi, I only have my GCSE's :frown:

I did think about maybe resitting them, but wasnt too sure on how long that would take! I did look at the Ilex website before, I also sent them an e-mail but did not get a reply, hence why im on here for help. The 'paralegal course's' sound as though there not going to help me much in becomming a 'legal E', they also sound like courses for people wanting to do 'minor' jobs within law firms and not exactly for what I would like to do.

Reply 3

Purple

Is there a college close to you which does GCSES? Maybe you should look into it?

Reply 4

lawwannabe

I will do that.

Out of this list what would you recommened would be the best four to take? obviously Law being one of them.

English Language
English Literature
English
Languages (other than English)
Economics
Law
British Constitution
Geography
History
Mathematics
Science Subjects
Religious Knowledge
Business Studies
Sociology
Accounts
General Studies
Computer Studies
Music

Reply 5

britishseapower

You don't need to do Law, from what I can gather, universities prefer that you haven't studied Law at A level so I imagine the same would apply in your case although I'm not 100% sure as your not doing a degree.

Reply 6

lawwannabe

Interesting bit of infomation. I will have to speak with the college about that, when I go there. What would you say is a definate one to pass, apart from English lang.

Reply 7

Purple

britishseapower

He's not doing a Law degree?

What GSCE do you have?

Are those GCSE's you have posted?

If they are you should do the following:

English Language: You will need it!
English Literature: Is more analytic, which will help with Law.
Law: So you get a basic knowledge of the subject!
History: The skills you learn will be useful for Law.

I know you said 4 but a Modern Language is always valued and would increase employability in a lot of other careers.

Reply 8

lawwannabe

I got an A in Art, which doesnt really help me.

English Language: You will need it!
English Literature: Is more analytic, which will help with Law.
Law: So you get a basic knowledge of the subject!
History: The skills you learn will be useful for Law.

All those sound right, I cant stand history, but if its what I have to do then so be it. The list is the list that ILEX gave me, they are the only subjects I can get GCSE's in to get onto the course.
I thought that maybe 'British Constitution' would have been a useful subject for me to take.

Reply 9

Purple

Well I didn't know what British Constitution was so I didn't say anything about it :p:

I am not quite sure what a legal executive does? Could you elaborate :smile:

Reply 10

lawwannabe

Legal Executives are qualified lawyers specialising in a particular area of law.
They will have passed the ILEX Professional Qualification in Law in an area of legal practice to the same level as that required of solicitors.
They will have at least five years experience of working under the supervision of a solicitor in legal practice or the legal department of a private company or local/national government.