Career Pathways after the Barrister Training Course
I am currently an international student in the UK. I am finishing up my BTC and will apply for pupillage in this upcoming cycle. I do understand it's quite a lengthy process and as I am told at networking events, often takes more than 2 years. After I finish this course, I will be able to get the post-study visa for 2 years. However, I am starting to consider taking up the SQE and going for the solicitor route. This would mean that I no longer apply for pupillage. I am at a stage where I am starting to think that enrolling into the Bar is not the career path I want to take and would like to switch to working as a solicitor. At this stage, would it be a good idea to switch to that route next year after I'm done with the BTC? Does having the BTC on my cv look like I will not be committed to a law firm that I'm applying to? If so, how do I tackle this? In addition, can I apply to other non-law corporate jobs with the BTC on my CV and what are my chances of success there?
Reply 1
It is not unusual for people who have studied to become barristers to change path and become solicitors, or to seek employment outside the legal profession. Taking the BTC has not narrowed your options. But to qualify as a solicitor you will have to satisfy the SQE requirements, including two years of work experience (usually in the form of a two year training contract with a law firm or in an organisation such as the Government Legal Department).
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 2
Original post
by narutosdsI am currently an international student in the UK. I am finishing up my BTC and will apply for pupillage in this upcoming cycle. I do understand it's quite a lengthy process and as I am told at networking events, often takes more than 2 years. After I finish this course, I will be able to get the post-study visa for 2 years. However, I am starting to consider taking up the SQE and going for the solicitor route. This would mean that I no longer apply for pupillage. I am at a stage where I am starting to think that enrolling into the Bar is not the career path I want to take and would like to switch to working as a solicitor. At this stage, would it be a good idea to switch to that route next year after I'm done with the BTC? Does having the BTC on my cv look like I will not be committed to a law firm that I'm applying to? If so, how do I tackle this? In addition, can I apply to other non-law corporate jobs with the BTC on my CV and what are my chances of success there?
What did you end up doing?
Following the BTC, my research tells me people tend to become:
1.
County court advocates
2.
Paralegals
3.
Pro bono advocates
4.
Employed in areas related to their interests/aims in law e.g. council roles if public law was the focus
Reply 3
Hello,
I may be able to support you with this as a future trainee solicitor and current LLM SQE1 & 2 student at BPP University Law school!
In terms of taking up the SQE pathway, you will need to be 100% sure that this is the path you would like to take. The exams are extremely rigorous and you have to be prepared to be able to succeed. However, as you have completed the BTC, completing an SQE preparation course and then sitting the exams would seem like a sensible route.
BPP University provided a lot of career support too, so if you are on an SQE course, they would be able to answer and support you in achieving your career ambitions! Personally, I am intending on qualifying as a solicitor and potentially looking at sitting the Solicitor Advocacy exams as I have enjoyed the advocacy aspect of the SQE 2.
I would definitely recommend speaking with a careers advisor or with someone from the student recruitment team at BPP University and they would be able to advise on any specific questions further!
Best,
Farooq
I may be able to support you with this as a future trainee solicitor and current LLM SQE1 & 2 student at BPP University Law school!
In terms of taking up the SQE pathway, you will need to be 100% sure that this is the path you would like to take. The exams are extremely rigorous and you have to be prepared to be able to succeed. However, as you have completed the BTC, completing an SQE preparation course and then sitting the exams would seem like a sensible route.
BPP University provided a lot of career support too, so if you are on an SQE course, they would be able to answer and support you in achieving your career ambitions! Personally, I am intending on qualifying as a solicitor and potentially looking at sitting the Solicitor Advocacy exams as I have enjoyed the advocacy aspect of the SQE 2.
I would definitely recommend speaking with a careers advisor or with someone from the student recruitment team at BPP University and they would be able to advise on any specific questions further!
Best,
Farooq
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