Torn between an LLM in commercial law and an LLM Legal practice (SQE1 & SQE2)

I got a high 2:2 in LLB at a RG uni with some mitigating circumstances. I do want to qualify as a solicitor but I'm worried about how feasible that actually is.

I want to do an LLM to try offset the 2:2 a little bit and to study now that I'm in a better place but I'm torn on what to do as I am using SFE postgraduate loan. I can either study an LLM in commercial law or I can study the university of law LLM Legal Practice (SQE1 & SQE2) in person at my uni. From what I can see, I'd have to pay for the actual exams myself as the course is just for preparation but they do give 4 weeks of QWE and some money back if I don't secure a qualifying job within 9 months.

While at university, I plan to apply to the some legal trainee schemes with a 2:2 UG requirement level for 2025-2026 intake as well as some paralegal roles I can start post-uni. Is it realistic to rely on the potential of getting funding for SQE through in-house legal assistant/paralegal role?

Any advice for someone with a 2:2 from UG?

Reply 1

AMac86

Others have different views but mine is (as a reasonably experienced solicitor formerly in private practice & now in-house) is that a general legal LLM in most cases adds very little, doesn't make up for a 2.2 and takes up a year of time and money that would be much better spent gaining practical legal work experience through paralegalling/legal assistant or something similar.

Some in-house paralegal legal roles at larger companies might fund or contribute to GLD/LPC/SQE funding but this will usually happen after a couple of years working (and excelling) in the team, with the studying taking place on a part time basis alongside full time work.

Reply 2

Beastslayer_47

Original post by Ariag

I got a high 2:2 in LLB at a RG uni with some mitigating circumstances. I do want to qualify as a solicitor but I'm worried about how feasible that actually is.
I want to do an LLM to try offset the 2:2 a little bit and to study now that I'm in a better place but I'm torn on what to do as I am using SFE postgraduate loan. I can either study an LLM in commercial law or I can study the university of law LLM Legal Practice (SQE1 & SQE2) in person at my uni. From what I can see, I'd have to pay for the actual exams myself as the course is just for preparation but they do give 4 weeks of QWE and some money back if I don't secure a qualifying job within 9 months.
While at university, I plan to apply to the some legal trainee schemes with a 2:2 UG requirement level for 2025-2026 intake as well as some paralegal roles I can start post-uni. Is it realistic to rely on the potential of getting funding for SQE through in-house legal assistant/paralegal role?
Any advice for someone with a 2:2 from UG?

I am in the same boat