Funding the LPC...in response - Training contract and trainee solicitor information and resources

redsilk · #1 (**permalink**) 5th June 2008, 18:02

Many thanks for your replies, really appreciated.
It appears my uni does not do the LPC over 2 years, so that is a problem.
I am also in a catch 22 position; I have no legal experience, so no law firm will take me, not even unpaid. I have tried everywhere.
The only other option would have been to have a couple of jobs and do the LPC part time, but as I said, my uni doesn't do that. I can't afford to move away or commute.
I had advice from a money expert, who discouraged me getting in more debt, without the guarantee of a training contract. I think I fit into that...it isn't fair, but that seems to be the case.
I just wish I knew all this properly before I worked my butt off for the GDL...as no way would I have done it, and got in debt.
Thanks to you all.

LawJo · #2 (**permalink**) 5th June 2008, 20:48

Hi

Have you thought about distant learning the LPC? or even weekends, when all you would need to do is find a cheap B & B near the provider for 1 or 2 nights?

The link below highlights the providers that offer the LPC both part time and by distant learning.

http://http://www.ukcle.ac.uk/direct...d/lpc.html

As for jobs are concerned, a legal job would be an advantage, but any job which would give you some transferable skills would be ok...customer orientated? ...commercial/office based work???

I can really empathise with your situation and know how it feels to struggle financially. I am 30 something, just finished my degree, 3 kids..mortgage, bills.. and a husband slogging his ass off to get me qualified. I have wanted to give up so many times, but have just landed a 1st class degree. Now it's time to do the LPC and try to secure a TC... the pressure is on..

If you really want a career in law, you will get it...but you're going to have to fight for it.

Anyway, enough of me waxing lyrical..

J x

solbird · #3 (**permalink**) 6th June 2008, 14:02

I agree that you shouldn't get into more debt in your situation, but that is why deferring for a year is a good idea as will give you a chance to work your butt off to save, doing 2 jobs if necessary.

BPP weekend course only requires attendance one weekend a month so you don't need to live close (one person in my class used to fly in from Egypt every 3 weeks, while another lived in Zurich!). If you have friends/family in London that wouldn't mind you crashing at theirs one sat night in 3, you wouldn't even need to pay for a B&B and could just travel in on a sat morning and go home on a sunday afternoon.

Re the legal experience, it really doesn't have to be at a law firm. You need to just "think outside the box" a bit ... if you want to be a solicitor, then this is something you should be good at. If you really can't find anything legal or legally related, then just get any job you can to save some money and at the same time do some volunteering.

It would be a shame to give up now if law is still something you want to do. But I agree with LawJo that you are going to have to fight for it ... and it sounds to me like you may have already given up!

Therunningman · #4 (**permalink**) 8th June 2008, 11:02

Have you considered the law society bursary scheme??

Im not sure if its too late to apply and the requirements are quite stringent but it could be worth a look?

kx · #5 (**permalink**) 8th June 2008, 11:23

If you cant get unpaid legal work experience how are you going to get a training contract?