Law Careers

[undercovers]

What am i doing! I am going to start a CPW/ Diploma in Law in September - I have no legal experience (can't afford to work for free), no A-levels to speak of, a good degree (2:1 Hons) in a stupid subject (Events and Leisure, Recreation management!!??! though it is academic and harder than it sounds), i speak no foreign language, my spelling is atrocious, am a bit over weight and not a beautiful young thing anymore (though by no means past it), my work experience is varied (lifeguard, Personal Trainer, sports therapist, admin monkey, events co-ordinator, events organiser, Logistic Executive � whatever that is) seeing as there are more Law Graduates out there than training contracts how on earth do you think I can follow a career in law... or can anyone suggest a law based career that isn't solicitor or barrister that still offers the interest of a professional service coupled with variety and intellectual pursuit? Or should I just give up now before I even have time to fail - sob

[undercovers]

CPE not CPW.

stands for Common Professional Exam.

Extra star for those that make up a meaning for CPW

[acw]

E and W are next to each other on the keyboard - So I presumed it's a typo as I'm a TC seeker myself.  That said I did an LLB and now an LLM - taking the straightforward route. 

I say stick at it, but be realistic.  You HAVE to get some legal work experience, you simply have to.  I just did a week with SJ Berwin although I am in the middle of writing a thesis and totally skint and had to cough up for a week in London.  But the experience was amazing and of course the CVpoints I'll gain will be worth it.

You know that they give expenses for Vac Schemes if you go to big enough firms.  Check them out via www.cvmailuk.com or of course each firm's website. 

I also HIGHLY reccommend (can't spell that) that you sign up to volunteer at a Legal Advice Centre.  It will really help your chances. 

Also - start now with the application forms.  They are evil and all written by the devil and will take you HOURS to do - because they take EVERYONE hours to do!

However, you CAN do it- it is possible, and they're looking for more and more non-lawyers all the time (as in non-LLBs). 

Don't be so daft about your weight - its your BRAINS that will earn them �400 an hour when you're a partner, not your waist, hips or thighs!!

Just knuckle down, work your a.r.s.e off on the CPE, cos it's bloomin hard, and maybe see you on the LPC next year if you go to Notts of Chester - I haven't decided yet!!

Good luck!

acw

x

[acw]

By the way, without wanting to sound harsh, without AAB at A level, most city firms won't interview you - sorry. 

However stick it out if it's what you truly want to do.  I'm still giving it my heart and soul on the 3rd year of triyng to get a TC.  If I fail this year THEN I'm going to consider a different career, but not before. 

[undercovers]

its the lack of A levels that is going to kill me - but it seems so stupid to do them now at the tender age of 26, maybe i should just get them done, apparently they aren't very hard these days... actually i must be able to breeze through A-level law, maybe politics (is that even an A level) and ummmmm geography??

[undercovers]

acw - forgot to say thanks very much for the advice, much appreciated. I do want to follow this career path, but with the expense of courses, mortgage and generally living cost coupled with the A-level and experience problem - i just don't see how i can break into this industry, the more i look the more i think this sector is closed doors to people like me.

Hope your applications go well, all the best Undercovers

[acw]

Right, well I did politics, economics and german. 

I can tell you now they are NOT a breeze and I worked bloody hard for my grades.  I'd advise against making such patronising and dismissive comments at interview by the way.  I personally am tired of hearing how easy A Levels are these days, and it won't make you seem very rounded as a person to make those comments.  I'm sure you didn't mean it all that badly, but don't risk ******* people off with flippant remarks,  I've learnt that one the hard way myself! :-)

You could redo them - but you'd have to do them all in one sitting for it to count for anything. 

Also, A level law is an entirely different style to a law degree and indeed a CPE, so it's not necessarily a total breeze.

You might want to check with law firms who you'd be interested in working for, whether they're looking for anyone with a degree in "Events and Leisure, Recreation Management" to become a lawyer.  They'll give you the best answer.  Because they won't even look as far down your CV as A Levels if they're not interested in your degree.  Of course if you did it at a redbrick then that might help. 

Do you even know if you want to do family, criminal, commercial or human rights?  Do you actually know if you want a TC or a pupillage?

Perhaps do some more research first, and ask people in the profession face to face, thus making good contacts. 

[acw]

We've crossed posts there - your work experience outside the sector is actually very good, although remember to play up the team work, rather than the leadership side when going for a TC.  They want POTENTIAL leaders, not people who think they already ARE leaders. 

I don't think it's closed doors at all  I know a guy who's a lawyer at a top firm who didn't do his CPE until he was 36 or possibly even later.  So it IS do-able, you just need to be sure of EXACTLY what you want.

I've narrowed it down to:

• Solicitor
• Commercial firm
• London
• International links
• Strong pensions and employment team

That way, I can convince them easier that I KNOW I want to work for them and will be a committed employee.  :-)

You cna find the same answers but personal for you, with just a bit more research. :-)

[undercovers]

oooo felt very told off for a minute there - it was very tounge in cheek my comment about A-levels, merely a little joke on my part rather than any sort of attack against them, i personally think they are incredibly important and say a lot about you well into your "grown up" years - hence why i am thinking about taking them back up again.

again acw thanks for the advice, i will try not to be dismissive or patronising to you well researched youngster with posh degrees and A-levels in the future, not that they count for anything and are obviously far too easy (JOKE ALERT, THIS IS A JOKE ALERT, UNDERCOVERS IS ONLY TEASING)

sorry feeling bad today

but thank you very muchly for your comments

[Mistopheles]

I did the CPE and then did the Bar exam - finally called to the Bar last week! Yay! No job offers yet though (anyone out there looking for an eager new graduate?)

I was so convinced I'd fail etc., but I've made it this far. You can't focus on the lack of training contracts, or you'll never get anywhere. I'm not saying expect it to be easy (it sure ain't!), but try and look at the 'now' bit first. One step at a time - start the CPE and see how you go. I know this isn't terribly constructive, but honestly, if I can do it, then you can! Good luck - I'm sure you'll love it.

[undercovers]

your right - i should just calm down and try not to worry to much, well done on your exams... thanks undercovers