CAB - Training contract and trainee solicitor information and resources

Nat85 · #1 (**permalink**) 28th May 2008, 23:15

I've got an interview as a CAB adviser next week. I understand that the training is about 17 weeks long, 2 days a week before you interview your first client. I was wondering if anyone has gone down the CAB route - how long did it take til u got your certificate and whether it really did help the TC come along!

I can't work voluntarily for long, next April I start paying back my Natwest loan!! CAB is a big committment which takes a long time, but then again i'm williing to do it if it really helps my CV.
I'm not going to start ranting about finding a paralegal job....u need experience to get the experience these days and i'm thorougly irritated that i can't even get hold of a legal sec job (i have really tried!)
Obviously i'm quite excitied about getting to interview real clients and be doing legal work but i'm wondering whether i'm doing the right thing. I'm seriously worried about paying back debts!!
Thoughts??

Nat x

Del · #2 (**permalink**) 29th May 2008, 07:14

Hi Nat

I think you're doing the right thing, as you have pointed out it's really hard to get someone to give you experience as a paralegal etc and this is your opportunity to boost your CV; at least it will show that you are doing the right things to secure a training contract such as gaining practical legal experience.

It will also look really good on your CV if you're planning on applying to legal aid firms for a training contract.

I don't know what it's like working for CAB but I'd grab the experience with both hands.

Good luck, cheers

Del

sumoking · #3 (**permalink**) 29th May 2008, 09:55

I worked 5 days a week in a horrible stinking back street shop when i was looking to get employed and did 1 day a week in the cab.

It took 6 months to build up enough experience for 2 very angry old men to give me a start. It was horrible but the economy was on it's arse at the time and nobody could get articles for love nor money.

Just have to tough it out.

Nat85 · #4 (**permalink**) 29th May 2008, 16:10

Thank for that.
I'm definately going to go for it - it is legal aid firms i'm targeting anyway having done the PLS (public legal services) route on the LPC and had one interview from a legal aid firm. Just as well I can stay at the parentals rent free...however much I don't want to be there!
The deadline is next April then finances will dictate everything unfortunately. I'll keep everyone informed on how it goes ... I think the CAB option is often overlooked and so is legal aid. Again if anyone has any personal experience of this it would be very interesting to hear about it!

sumoking · #5 (**permalink**) 29th May 2008, 16:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nat85

I think the CAB option is often overlooked and so is legal aid. Again if anyone has any personal experience of this it would be very interesting to hear about it!

It's not over looked. It just pays bugger all and the point abut law as a lot of people are finding out to their horror is that it a nightmare meat grinder of a career and hence you need a big pay packet to make it worth it and take the edge off.

Granted you get the odd nutter like Del who has a vocation and makes me feel bad (for about 1/2 a second) for being cash obsessed and generally scornful of the plebs.

Del · #6 (**permalink**) 29th May 2008, 16:37

Ah but legal aid work is fun!

Well done Nat, you've chosen a good route, I wish you all the luck

Cheers

LawJo · #7 (**permalink**) 29th May 2008, 19:50

Hi

I worked for the CAB ( voluntary) for 3 months in 2006, I was unfortunate enough to be in a branch where the average age of the advisors was 100, so when 2 of them became very ill, they were left short handed. I was advising on my own after 4 weeks, I really enjoyed it ( most of the time) and I only left because my 2nd yr timetable was awkward and I could work for them was the day they were closed.

Good luck...

J

ghettosnob · #8 (**permalink**) 30th May 2008, 15:14

i'm looking to go down the commercial route, but have applied to my local CAB. its probably gonna be my best chance of dealing with and advising clients before the gruelling 2 year TC; also good for gaining better pro bono/legal experience for my CV. i really think its a good opportunity to make good use of the skills i paid £10K for.......

i got an email saying that it could take up to three weeks for anyone to get back to me regarding my application; did it take that long for any of you?

Nat85 · #9 (**permalink**) 4th June 2008, 19:23

My CAB contacted me after 2 hours! Depends when they have their next lot of training I think.

Legal Aid is fun I agree, maybe not enough pay, but those criminals are fun!

I'm also going to do a couple of days as an Advocate for mental health patients. That will be quite interesting!

Nat

soulsister · #10 (**permalink**) 8th June 2008, 09:59

Hi Nat

I have applied to the CAB as well but they are taken long to reply back to me. I'm going to follow up my application on Monday, but i just wanted to know did you post your application or email it.