[jjt22]

Hi. I'm a non-law (politics) undergraduate about to go into my final year at uni. I want to do the GDL/LPC after I graduate but I'm really confused about the vacation scheme and training contract. I would seriously appreciate any advice!

These are my questions -

1. When is it best to do a vacation scheme? Before starting the GDL? After the GDL? I've heard it can be dangerous embarking on the GDL without having set up a vacation scheme first.
2. Does one do the training contract after completing both the GDL/LPC? So you'd apply for that once starting the GDL?
3. I've heard that BPP is better than CoL because most of the material is online? Is this true?
4. How much can A-level results help or hinder me in succeeding in law? Unfortunately I got very average results (ABB), will this put me at a disadvantage?

Thanks so much for any help!

[jacketpotato]

(Original post by jjt22)
1. When is it best to do a vacation scheme? Before starting the GDL? After the GDL? I've heard it can be dangerous embarking on the GDL without having set up a vacation scheme first.

It doesn't really matter. A vacation scheme is no guarantee of getting a Training Contract, so I don't think doing the GDL before a vac scheme adds any particular "danger".

However, doing a vac scheme will get you on the inside of a law firm and will give you some idea of what you are getting yourself into. You might also get a feel for which area of law interests you the most. If you aren't sure whether you want to do law, then obviously its preferable to do a vac scheme first if you can.

2. Does one do the training contract after completing both the GDL/LPC? So you'd apply for that once starting the GDL?

Some people get a TC before starting the GDL, some get one during the GDL, some get one during the LPC, some get one after finishing the LPC and spending some time as a paralegal, some never get a TC at all.

In an ideal world you would want to secure a TC which pays for your GDL and LPC fees before starting. This is easier said then done. I didn't do the GDL myself, but a lot of my fellow trainees picked up their TC whilst doing the GDL.

3. I've heard that BPP is better than CoL because most of the material is online? Is this true?

They are both well respected institutions. Its difficult to say one is better than the other.

Both will have online materials, but the GDL is not a "noddy" course: you need to go to lectures and you need to use the books, if you try to do everything online you probably won't do very well. I don't think this is a good reason to choose between them.

A lot of firms have arrangements with BPP or CoL, so if your GDL is sponsored you might not get a choice anyway. If you get a TC with a major commercial firm in London you probably won't have a choice of LPC provider.

4. How much can A-level results help or hinder me in succeeding in law? Unfortunately I got very average results (ABB), will this put me at a disadvantage?

The uni you went to and the uni results you got are the most important part of your application. However, firms will look at A-level grades as well.

ABB are very good grades so I don't think you should worry about your A-level results. The most prestigious commercial London firms generally require AAB so it might be difficult to get a TC with a top 5 commercial firm, but it shouldn't be a problem for other firms.