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solicitor training contract
hello
people
I have just finished my second yr LLB Law exams and allready worried about my training contract.
I understand so far that i have to finsh the degree do a lpc and then a to yr training contract with a firm of solicitors.there is stiff competition so I understand we have to apply early - usually 2 yrs in advance (why)for the training aspect in fact we have to apply this year usually before August-so my query is what if i dont get a place this year-what happens can anyone offer any advice
people
I have just finished my second yr LLB Law exams and allready worried about my training contract.
I understand so far that i have to finsh the degree do a lpc and then a to yr training contract with a firm of solicitors.there is stiff competition so I understand we have to apply early - usually 2 yrs in advance (why)for the training aspect in fact we have to apply this year usually before August-so my query is what if i dont get a place this year-what happens can anyone offer any advice
Hi there,
I think the first thing is not to worry, but use your concerns to motivate you to take some active steps. It's a really good sign that you're thinking about your training contract from your second year of uni.
For any prospective trainees, getting a training contract prior to commencing the final year of their degree is certainly great ! As training contracts are typically awarded two years prior to commencing training, it works out well, as you complete the final year, and the LPC and then you start work. It also means that you might be able to get the LPC funded, which is always great as the LPC full-time typically costs around 9k.
So I would say have a good go at the applications in your second year.
However, if this is to no avail - then don't despair - there are many options:
1. You can apply again, throughout the third year, during the LPC and frankly until you get a training contract.
Bear in mind that there are many firms out there, particularly if you're thinking of going into the corporate/commercial sector. So don't just apply to the firms that come and visit your uni - its worth going through the training contract handbook at looking at the vast number of firms there.
You might also consider working as an in-house trainee or training with the Government Legal Service.
2. It is also worth considering if that is definately the road you want to go down - qualifying as a solicitor - as there are lots of other careers where your law degree could come in very handy - this is particularly handly if you want to get working and don't want to undertake the LPC unfunded.
One interesting role I came across is the graduate development programme with the FSA.
My point is that there are a whole host of other roles out there that might appeal to you if you think about it - so it might be something to consider.
3. You could gain invaluable experience as a paralegal - check out the web-site "Totallylegal.com" and you'll see just how many paralegal vacancies there are out there. If you're having trouble getting a training contract, this can be a great stepping stone.
This could work in various ways:
- You could paralegal until you get a firm to fund you during the LPC
- You could work full-time as a paralegal and undertake the LPC part-time
- or you could get the LPC done and if you still haven't got a contract, you could paralegal in the meantime.
I guess what i'm trying to say is - there are lots of opportunities out there and please don't be disappointed if you don't get a training contract on first application - but hey, that's not at all to say that you won't.
It is important to offer in addition to academic strength, in your CV, something different or additional to the next-person, be it through useful experience gained in summer placements (legal or otherwise), a language, some other kind of area in which you excel and have a key role.
All the best
I think the first thing is not to worry, but use your concerns to motivate you to take some active steps. It's a really good sign that you're thinking about your training contract from your second year of uni.
For any prospective trainees, getting a training contract prior to commencing the final year of their degree is certainly great ! As training contracts are typically awarded two years prior to commencing training, it works out well, as you complete the final year, and the LPC and then you start work. It also means that you might be able to get the LPC funded, which is always great as the LPC full-time typically costs around 9k.
So I would say have a good go at the applications in your second year.
However, if this is to no avail - then don't despair - there are many options:
1. You can apply again, throughout the third year, during the LPC and frankly until you get a training contract.
Bear in mind that there are many firms out there, particularly if you're thinking of going into the corporate/commercial sector. So don't just apply to the firms that come and visit your uni - its worth going through the training contract handbook at looking at the vast number of firms there.
You might also consider working as an in-house trainee or training with the Government Legal Service.
2. It is also worth considering if that is definately the road you want to go down - qualifying as a solicitor - as there are lots of other careers where your law degree could come in very handy - this is particularly handly if you want to get working and don't want to undertake the LPC unfunded.
One interesting role I came across is the graduate development programme with the FSA.
My point is that there are a whole host of other roles out there that might appeal to you if you think about it - so it might be something to consider.
3. You could gain invaluable experience as a paralegal - check out the web-site "Totallylegal.com" and you'll see just how many paralegal vacancies there are out there. If you're having trouble getting a training contract, this can be a great stepping stone.
This could work in various ways:
- You could paralegal until you get a firm to fund you during the LPC
- You could work full-time as a paralegal and undertake the LPC part-time
- or you could get the LPC done and if you still haven't got a contract, you could paralegal in the meantime.
I guess what i'm trying to say is - there are lots of opportunities out there and please don't be disappointed if you don't get a training contract on first application - but hey, that's not at all to say that you won't.
It is important to offer in addition to academic strength, in your CV, something different or additional to the next-person, be it through useful experience gained in summer placements (legal or otherwise), a language, some other kind of area in which you excel and have a key role.
All the best
thank you
you talk as though you talk from experience-but when i was researching I read that there is a 5 yr time limit after u have completed the LPC WHERE U HAVE T get a traing contract-if that is true then that would only leave me two closing dates-anyone care to shed some light on this
you talk as though you talk from experience-but when i was researching I read that there is a 5 yr time limit after u have completed the LPC WHERE U HAVE T get a traing contract-if that is true then that would only leave me two closing dates-anyone care to shed some light on this
Hey again,
I was once worried about the same thing - I heard that the LPC had a shelf-life and I had heard speculation that this was that you had to get a training contract within 7 years of completing the LPC or you would have to retake the LPC.
I have subsequently found out from a fairly reliable source (I think it was either the Law Society or Trainee Solicitors' Group web-site - but I would have to check to be sure) that the actual case is as follows:
- For someone who undertakes a law degree and then an LPC, the LPC never expires
- For someone who undertakes as alternative degree, then the CPE (or whatever it is now called), then LPC, the LPC does have a shelf-life (can't remember what is was though - I will look it up when I get a chance though) but anyhow, I think you're doing a law degree and hence the former would apply to you. In addition, for those who undertake alternative degrees, CPE, then LPC, even if they haven't got a training contract, but they work in the legal arena (eg as a paralegal or thereabouts), this would count in their favour and give them extra time in which to secure a training contract.
Also, more generally, it some instances it is possible for 12 months as a paralegal to count for 6 months of a training contract - so this is also helpful. But it all depends on the firms you apply to etc... so if you paralegal at one place and then apply for a contract elsewhere it might depend on whether the new place wants you to train 'fully' under them before enabling you to qualify - also some firms (but not all) who offer paralegal roles have a policy of not taking on their paralegals as trainees.
Kindest regards
I was once worried about the same thing - I heard that the LPC had a shelf-life and I had heard speculation that this was that you had to get a training contract within 7 years of completing the LPC or you would have to retake the LPC.
I have subsequently found out from a fairly reliable source (I think it was either the Law Society or Trainee Solicitors' Group web-site - but I would have to check to be sure) that the actual case is as follows:
- For someone who undertakes a law degree and then an LPC, the LPC never expires
- For someone who undertakes as alternative degree, then the CPE (or whatever it is now called), then LPC, the LPC does have a shelf-life (can't remember what is was though - I will look it up when I get a chance though) but anyhow, I think you're doing a law degree and hence the former would apply to you. In addition, for those who undertake alternative degrees, CPE, then LPC, even if they haven't got a training contract, but they work in the legal arena (eg as a paralegal or thereabouts), this would count in their favour and give them extra time in which to secure a training contract.
Also, more generally, it some instances it is possible for 12 months as a paralegal to count for 6 months of a training contract - so this is also helpful. But it all depends on the firms you apply to etc... so if you paralegal at one place and then apply for a contract elsewhere it might depend on whether the new place wants you to train 'fully' under them before enabling you to qualify - also some firms (but not all) who offer paralegal roles have a policy of not taking on their paralegals as trainees.
Kindest regards
Hi again, sorry I just wanted to add, that though I remember having fairly accurate sources for the information in the message I just posted - i refer mainly to the point about life-span of the LPC, I would urge you to check this with someone else as well, particularly until I can track down exactly where I read it, although, like I said, I remember it seeming to be a reliable source.
Kindest regards
Kindest regards
The likelihood of getting a training contract depends on what your credentials are like. Magic Circle contracts are golddust relatively, and you need to stand out from the crowd - high 2:1 minimum from top uni, plus something extra about you. If you're at a top 10 uni and on course for a 2:1 it shouldn't be a problem getting a training contract at a decent firm. Outside that, it's often easier at the smaller, lesser known ones, I got a letter saying a mid-sized London firm were interested yesterday.
If you haven't got a contract by the time you finish your LPC, I'd give up on the idea if you've applied to all the firms you're interested in.
Yeah, pretty much. I got a lowish 2:1 but interviewed at an MC. I did have some pretty interesting stuff otherwise though. I do know of one person at A&O with a 2:2 but I think she must be "doing" a partner. :P
Jools
The likelihood of getting a training contract depends on what your credentials are like. Magic Circle contracts are golddust relatively, and you need to stand out from the crowd - high 2:1 minimum from top uni, plus something extra about you. If you're at a top 10 uni and on course for a 2:1 it shouldn't be a problem getting a training contract at a decent firm. Outside that, it's often easier at the smaller, lesser known ones, I got a letter saying a mid-sized London firm were interested yesterday.
Yeah, pretty much. I got a lowish 2:1 but interviewed at an MC. I did have some pretty interesting stuff otherwise though. I do know of one person at A&O with a 2:2 but I think she must be "doing" a partner. :P
Jools
The likelihood of getting a training contract depends on what your credentials are like. Magic Circle contracts are golddust relatively, and you need to stand out from the crowd - high 2:1 minimum from top uni, plus something extra about you. If you're at a top 10 uni and on course for a 2:1 it shouldn't be a problem getting a training contract at a decent firm. Outside that, it's often easier at the smaller, lesser known ones, I got a letter saying a mid-sized London firm were interested yesterday.
Jools how did you manage that when you haven't even done your CPE yet?
young_free
Jools how did you manage that when you haven't even done your CPE yet?
A fair few here get training contracts one year prematurely. They just don't make it explicit to avoid being grilled by the Law Society.
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