[victoryshinesonus]

I should be starting a History degree at Manchester this September, how do I get into commercial law. I know it's a long way off, but for Law I understand you need to think things through/prepare etc. rather than with your typical grad scheme which you can just apply for without much relevant experience.

Say if I gained/ on course for a 2:1 in my second year, what sorts of firms should I look at applying to that will pay for GDL/LPC, if any? I would like to specialise in commercial/property/company/corporate law in the future, as I'm quite interested in that side of things atm. Would any firms look at me, or would I need to take a risk and pay for the GDL myself? Also, my GCSEs are straight C's with a couple of A's, let's assume I got 340 UCAS Points from 3 A-levels.

Secondly, what's it like working in commercial law? Are the hours very long and unsociable, are there no ways around this. I've also heard law is very stressful, and whilst I'm attracted to the sector, those two things are factors which are putting me off slightly.

Sorry if I've posted in the wrong place, and been a bit boring

[slowdowngandhi]

Chambers Student Guide
Training Contract and Pupillage Handbook
Inside Buzz
Lex 100

Go through them all, and not only are most of your questions solved but you'll develop much more of an idea of what specifically you want to do and what kind of firm you like the look of. Don't just assume that because X and Y are commercial law firms in the city they'll be the same. The differences can be quite surprising.

No idea what 340 UCAS points at A Level is so can't help you there I'm afraid. And not sure if your GCSEs will hold you back, depends where you're applying.

Try and get on Open Days in first year if they'll take you, vac schemes in second year (a few take non-lawyers, many don't) vac schemes and TCs in your third year. That gives you the best chance, because a lot of people turn to law late on in their uni career so you'll be on step ahead of them.

Yes the hours are long, that's part of the reason City lawyers get paid so much. You have to be really dedicated in that respect (and every other one!). And yes it'll probably be stressful at times, but then most jobs worth having are.

[Tsunami2011]

(Original post by victoryshinesonus)
I should be starting a History degree at Manchester this September, how do I get into commercial law. I know it's a long way off, but for Law I understand you need to think things through/prepare etc. rather than with your typical grad scheme which you can just apply for without much relevant experience.

Apply for Vacation Schemes in Year 2. Try and attend workshops for the city law firms during your first year. Go to all the employers presentations on campus in an attempt to brush up your knowledge. Whilst, a Law degree isn't required, if you're doing an unrelated subject, you need to try that bit harder to prove that you have a genuine interest in a legal career and and are not in it just for the money.

Say if I gained/ on course for a 2:1 in my second year, what sorts of firms should I look at applying to that will pay for GDL/LPC, if any? I would like to specialise in commercial/property/company/corporate law in the future, as I'm quite interested in that side of things atm. Would any firms look at me, or would I need to take a risk and pay for the GDL myself? Also, my GCSEs are straight C's with a couple of A's, let's assume I got 340 UCAS Points from 3 A-levels.

It depends really on how high you're aiming. There are so many law firms out there who practise commercial law, so it'd probably be good for you to do some research. I think the top city firms so MC/SC and the other well regarded city firms will pay for your GDL/LPC and provide you with bursuaries and grants. I personally wouldn't advise paying for the GDL out of your own pocket, unless you're financially secure. Doing a History degree and then converting is a pretty conventional route into Law, so no worries on that front. Your GCSEs won't really matter much, if you meet the A-Level filters, but a few eyebrows may be raised.

Secondly, what's it like working in commercial law? Are the hours very long and unsociable, are there no ways around this. I've also heard law is very stressful, and whilst I'm attracted to the sector, those two things are factors which are putting me off slightly.

I've a few weeks experience in the industry and have relatives in it, and it seems like at the very top of the chain, i.e Magic circle/Silver Circle, the hours are comparable to IB at times, especially when you're starting out. The people I know working in commercial law say that the hours are very unstable, so one day you could leave the office at 1am and the next at 7.00. It all depends on the climate and context and the type of firm you're at, commercial law isn't a 9-5 job at the top end. A career as a city lawyer is going to be stressful, especially if you aspire to work in the city of London, which is as big as it gets. If stress don't do wonders for your blood pressure, maybe a regional firm would be better suited.

[victoryshinesonus]

(Original post by Tsunami2011)
Apply for Vacation Schemes in Year 2. Try and attend workshops for the city law firms during your first year. Go to all the employers presentations on campus in an attempt to brush up your knowledge. Whilst, a Law degree isn't required, if you're doing an unrelated subject, you need to try that bit harder to prove that you have a genuine interest in a legal career and and are not in it just for the money.



It depends really on how high you're aiming. There are so many law firms out there who practise commercial law, so it'd probably be good for you to do some research. I think the top city firms so MC/SC and the other well regarded city firms will pay for your GDL/LPC and provide you with bursuaries and grants. I personally wouldn't advise paying for the GDL out of your own pocket, unless you're financially secure. Doing a History degree and then converting is a pretty conventional route into Law, so no worries on that front. Your GCSEs won't really matter much, if you meet the A-Level filters, but a few eyebrows may be raised.



I've a few weeks experience in the industry and have relatives in it, and it seems like at the very top of the chain, i.e Magic circle/Silver Circle, the hours are comparable to IB at times, especially when you're starting out. The people I know working in commercial law say that the hours are very unstable, so one day you could leave the office at 1am and the next at 7.00. It all depends on the climate and context and the type of firm you're at, commercial law isn't a 9-5 job at the top end. A career as a city lawyer is going to be stressful, especially if you aspire to work in the city of London, which is as big as it gets. If stress don't do wonders for your blood pressure, maybe a regional firm would be better suited.

I don't mind stress, im just concerned above high levels of depression, alcoholism and high divorce rates amongst lawyers. I'd also want some sort of a life. I guess I need experience or something to test the waters but will probably have to wait a bit to get anything useful cheers

[pleb1]

(Original post by victoryshinesonus)
I should be starting a History degree at Manchester this September, how do I get into commercial law. I know it's a long way off, but for Law I understand you need to think things through/prepare etc. rather than with your typical grad scheme which you can just apply for without much relevant experience.

Say if I gained/ on course for a 2:1 in my second year, what sorts of firms should I look at applying to that will pay for GDL/LPC, if any? I would like to specialise in commercial/property/company/corporate law in the future, as I'm quite interested in that side of things atm. Would any firms look at me, or would I need to take a risk and pay for the GDL myself? Also, my GCSEs are straight C's with a couple of A's, let's assume I got 340 UCAS Points from 3 A-levels.

Secondly, what's it like working in commercial law? Are the hours very long and unsociable, are there no ways around this. I've also heard law is very stressful, and whilst I'm attracted to the sector, those two things are factors which are putting me off slightly.

Sorry if I've posted in the wrong place, and been a bit boring

I know it's just a meaningless forum post but...

While at university, work on your written English. As you may have guessed, it's a very important skill for a lawyer. Please note: I'm not trying to take the piss, just offering frank advice (unlike usual).

[lyrical_lie]

I'm not sure if I'm the best person to help, doing a) Scots Law and b) from undergrad. However, I will recommed doing as much work experience as humanly possible. It may not hugely impact your application but it isn't going to negatively affect it. Additionally, it will give you more a feel for law than anything we can say on here.

[yothi5]

Didn't know there was a university in Manchester.

[PVisitors]

(Original post by yothi5)
Didn't know there was a university in Manchester.

Well aren't you a funny one.