Steps to becoming a commercial/ corporate lawyer?

Hi,

I'm looking to complete an LLB in uni, but I'm a bit confused about how I'd qualify as a commercial lawyer, as I want to specialise. Do I complete an LLM after an LLB or are there other ways? Also, when can I secure a training contract?

Thanks,

Reply 1

ToGodly

You usually start looking for TC during second ye third year. And I don’t think you need LLM to qualify as lawyer. What you need is SQE. After that you just hope that, you get a TC in a firm which specialises in commercial or find experience in those firms. Im in same position as you, currently second year of LLB, but ye getting a TC is a main thing ngl. I’ll say doesn’t matter in what firm or what field. As long as you get the chance and experience to step in the industry, then you can work your way around, by the help of experience on your cv (TC).

Reply 2

cloverbean

Original post by ToGodly

Ohh I see, thanks. I want to do an LLM because I want to gain an understanding of law in general. Also, where do I sit the SQE? Are there special centres, and do universities prep you beforehand, or is it mainly independent study for a certain time period? On the topic of law firms, can you advise me on how to secure an internship? I've emailed a bunch of firms but haven't had much success. I really want to form connections now so it makes securing a TC easier in the long run. Thanks again!

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 3

poppy2022

Original post by cloverbean

Hi,
I'm looking to complete an LLB in uni, but I'm a bit confused about how I'd qualify as a commercial lawyer, as I want to specialise. Do I complete an LLM after an LLB or are there other ways? Also, when can I secure a training contract?
Thanks,

The easiest and quickest route to getting a training contract is to apply to vacation schemes, which are 1-2 weeks worth of work experience in the firm. At the end of the work experience, they offer suitable candidates a training contract. You can do vacation schemes (also known as vac schemes) from 2nd year onwards. Then, once you have a training contract offer and finish university, the law firm pays for you to do one year of studying for the SQE in a specialist university, usually either BPP University or University of Law. If you pass the SQE, you then begin your training contract working in the firm on a salary. The training contract lasts for 2 years and during this time you usually rotate around different departments of the law firm every six months. Each rotation is known as a 'seat'. For example, you may do four 6 months seats in real estate, finance, litigation and energy. After these 2 years, you're a qualified lawyer and will usually be offered a job at the firm you trained at, assuming you performed well during your training.

An LLM is absolutely not necessary to get a training contract and most trainees and qualified lawyers within commercial law firms don't have one. Therefore, it's only worth doing one if you truly think you'd enjoy it