English Student GDL prospects

Hi guys, I’ve been having something of an existential crisis lately, and decided that what I really want in life is to be a lawyer (probably a solicitor). Problem is, these thoughts have come very late in the game. I’m in my final year studying English Lit at Warwick, and am on track for a first, or at least a high 2:1. Would it be best for me to apply for a GDL now, or to get a shelf-stacking job and try and get some relevant experience so I can get a GDL the following year? I’d really like to move ahead as soon as possible, but with no summer vacation schemes and only next year to sort out training contracts I’m not sure if that’s practical. I have no legal experience except a week in a county court about 6 years ago, so feel like I need some grounding. Any advice would be really appreciated, thank you!

You will need to build up decent ECs and law firm work experience plus what is termed pro bono - a wide range of legal activities - the thing with the GDL is, it is very intense. You will have to start to make apps for VS and TCs and these are VERY time-consuming. It will be tricky to do all these things and the GDL unless you are very committed and organised. if you are then you could do the GDL first. Thing is, if you do not get a tc then you will need to consider whether to self fund the lpc.

Think about this now. you can always take a year after the GDL - it is not unusual to be in your position - people spend a year or so paralegaling or whatever waiting to begin TCs.

You will need to answer the ever-present 'why law?' question, and this better done by having some work ex under your belt to speak about.

Plan for doing the GDL and not getting a TC in the time frame you want, what then?

Thanks for the advice. But what do you think is more realistic - getting experience this year (and trying for a training contract around this time next year), or plunging straight into the GDL and taking a year off for experience etc if needs be? If the GDL is as intense as everyone states, wouldn't it make sense to try and get some grounding independently over the coming year so I can begin to understand what I'll be learning about?