Advice From The Trenches: Alternatives to Legal Careers

THE MALET STREET GAZETTE

EST. 1998

1858-2008

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Advice From The Trenches: Alternatives to a Legal Career

I completed my LL.B. in 1996 gaining a 2:2, from the University of London External Programme. After a years break I began a two year part time Legal Practice Course (LPC), which I completed, and passed with a commendation this year. The LPC cost £5000. Prior to commencing the course I was given to understand that traineeships were fairly easy to obtain, and that my money would be well invested in the LPC. About 46 students in my year reached the end of the course, 6 failed , and of the remaining 40 who passed, less than 10 have moved into traineeships. I am one of those who has not obtained such a traineeship - I suspect my age, (45) has a great deal to do with this. I am now working once again in a job which I was perfectly able to undertake without either a first degree, or the LPC.

I learnt a great deal from the LPC in terms of skills that are applicable to other professional posts - but my aim was to progress into a career as a solicitor. I would urge other people who are thinking of embarking on the LPC to check out the reality of the traineeship situation. Applications for traineeships often need to be made 2 years prior to the commencement date, for instance.

For myself, I wish now that I had attended the sessions offered by my University on 'Alternatives to Legal Careers', but along with 99% of the students in my class, I believed that these lectures would be a waste of valuable study time. How wrong I was!

Christine Jamieson, Milton Keynes, UK.

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