LPC - Electives - Wise move??

[SAMI]

Hi Guys I am really keen to hear your opinions. Having settled on doing the LPC part time at the College of Law, I am considering carrying out the publicly funded LPC as this is the area I am most interested in however I am also aware of the risks involved and the upcoming changes in this area of law, so instead I am swaying towards the commercial and private LPC with electives employment, property and commercial as these seem the safest options. I am also aiming to carry out CAB volunteering and Pro-Bono work to cover the other side.

But I am just wondering whether any future training applications that I make with general firms will be viewed negatively as a result of my electives and also whether the commercial firms will be put off by the CAB and pro-bono experience?

Any thoughts would be appreciated
Thank you

[Nat85]

I did the PLS route (just finished my LPC) that you're talking about. I had the same concern. Even though it restricts which electives you can take, it's no different to the commercial route if you were going to chose those electives anyway. If fact it's EXTRA work and shows self discipline and willingness whichever firm you apply to. If you think a commercial firm wouldn't like it, just don't mention it. In fact most 'general' high street firms do some sort of legal aid work. It's a great selling point for legal aid firms however, as not many students have that ***** of understanding under their belts.
The deputy director of the CoL suggested that I send off my portfolio to firms, again that can make you stand out to the rest at least.
As for the pro bono and CAB, go for it, the more the better.