A question about the LPC

[anorak]

Hi,

I've just finished my law degree and am planning to do the LPC either this September or the following September. I want to be a solicitor, however I have doubts on the basis that I'm not very good at err, speaking/communicating confidently. I get the feeling I'll end up as a quivvering wreck of a solicitor if I attempt to go into the profession!

Anyway, I was wondering - how much does the LPC/training teach you in this regards, if anything? Is it something that can be improved?

Hope this question makes sense!

Thanks!

[Kitty]

There are oral skills workshops and assessments in interviewing and advocacy. Also as part of the workshop sessions you are encouraged to participate in group discussions and mini feedback presentations to tasks. By the end of the course you'll be a lot more confident about giving your own opinion.

[Polo]

I agree with Kitty, apart from the fact that you won't be giving any opinions you may have, just presenting your client's case!

You have skills assessments in advocacy and interviewing - these are fine, in advocacy I prepared what i was going to say nearly word for word, and my interviewing went horrible but i still managed to pass!

You do tasks in workshops and ususally the questions are divided between the tables - you all do the questions and then each group feeds back to the rest of the class. This is sitting down, and really informal. None of the tutors I had were harsh or direct hard questions towards me - eveybody understands you're there to learn, and one of my tutors said that you'd be better off asking a silly question in the class than in practice!

I wouldn't say that I'm a loud person and I managed to get along fine. If you get into doing the LPC, you'll be fine.

[skittalie]

In your position I would take a year out and volunteer at the CAB a day or 2 a week and try to get a paralegal position or legal secretary work to convince yourself that this is the career for you.

[Bhaal1985]

Originally Posted by anorak

Hi,

I've just finished my law degree and am planning to do the LPC either this September or the following September. I want to be a solicitor, however I have doubts on the basis that I'm not very good at err, speaking/communicating confidently. I get the feeling I'll end up as a quivvering wreck of a solicitor if I attempt to go into the profession!

Anyway, I was wondering - how much does the LPC/training teach you in this regards, if anything? Is it something that can be improved?

Hope this question makes sense!

Thanks!

There are interviewing and advocacy exams. You only need to be competant (i.e. get over 50%) to pass. If you can't master basic communication skills and will become a 'quivering weck' if forced to do so, your not suited to the profession. Remember, when your applying for TCs your going to be interviewed, and you will be tested on team work (group exercises) and communication skills.

Therefore I would strongly urge you to re-think your chosen career path. However if you believe that law is for you, then you need to get a real grip on your communication skills. Try joining a debating exercise, mooting, etc. Practice talking in front of a mirror, go out into the street and talk to random passer-bys. You really need to nail that fear, otherwise you'll never be an effective solicitor, remember as a solicitor, your advising someone else, and if you can't do that, then this isn't for you.