Tc dilemma

[Legal123]

Hi everyone...I am very confused about my career in Law.

Im in my final year at university. My previous grades have not been good, but ive managed to get firsts in my third year courseworks so have a chance of getting a 2.1 in my degree (Also have a mitigating circumstance with a medical document in relation to my second year low grades).

I have worked as a paralegal/assistant at a small firm of Solicitors for over a year now (part-time basis).

Recently I have got in for work experience and possibly a legal secretary role (if they accept me working part-time) at a small city firm.

I have also got extra-curricular activities, worked for different businesses and taken on different roles other than in law (which show different skills).

I have not, however, got a training contract and do not know if I should do the LPC without one.

The small high street firm I have worked for over a year have said to me that If I want I can train with them. However, they only cover personal injury, civil, immigration and family law. The exact areas of law I am not interested in at all.

Could someone please advise me as to what options I have or what I should do?

[mandymkrd]

Firstly, most students doing the LPC have not got a TC in place.

Secondly - you need to weigh up your chances of getting a TC somewhere else b4 deciding to turn this offer down.

Yes, you may end up with a TC in area's you love, but are you prepared to wait 1 to 2 or even 3 years to secure it?

Im not saying that you should take it - but most other wannabe trainees would jump at the chance.

Good luck in what you decide!

[Legal123]

Thankyou for your reply.

I will be doing the LPC part-time for two years and would be able to apply to different firms in the areas id want to go in to, but would their be any chance for me to get a TC in the next two years..Realistically.

Also, I am not looking to apply to city firms but to small/middle sized firms, with decent salary, opportunity to progress within the firm.

Would it be less of a challenge to find a training contract in these types of firms?

Does anyone know any firms which fit this category?

[Ganymede]

Starting the LPC without a TC is always a risk as you have to pay out £10k and may never get a TC so you need to deceide if the risk is worth taking. Some firms may sponsor you or even repay your LPC fees but these are rare and often the larger firms.

Nobody can tell you if you can get a TC within the next two years as we don't have a crystal ball, but if you get a 2:1 and put in the effort then your chances are going to be good.

Good luck!

[lynxwick]

if you can't get a tc upon completion of your LPC what should you do? Apply to be a paralegal?