[anaplian]

I'm about to complete my GDL and i would like to take a couple of years off to, A) Travel and B) put in some decent time with FRU/get fluent in a third language. What i'm worried about is how old i'll be when i apply for pupillage (25) if i hypothetically did the above. Would the time i took out be looked down on? Would my increased age hamper me in any way?

Thanks.

[charly533]

I can't really comment about taking some time out as I have never done so myself. However, I would imagine that as long as that time out included legal or relevant experiences, it wouldn't hinder your application. Some chambers like to see some life experience rather than simply coming straight from education. I would however warn you that it is rare to secure pupillage the first year of trying, so be aware that a planned year out may end up being longer.

Your age would definitely not be an issue. I know many who are older who are commencing pupillage this year. I will in fact be in my late twenties when I start in October.