∂

Law For Non Law Students

Darren Johnson

Careers Adviser

∂A Degree other than

Law

Graduate Diploma in Law

Full-time = 1 yearPart-time = 2 years

If you intend to

be a Solicitor

If you intend to

be a Barrister

Legal Practice Course

Full-time = 1 yearPart-time = 2 years

Training contract

2 years including Professional Skills course(Up to 4 years if taking the Part Time Study Contract

Admission as a Solicitor

BPTCFull-time 1 yearPart Time 2 years

Pupillage

6 months non -practising & 6 months practising

Practise as a

barrister

How to become a Lawyer in England & Wales

∂

Scotland /Northern Ireland

• www.lawscot.org.uk• www.advocates.org.uk

• www.lawsoc-ni.org• www.barlibrary.com

∂

Considering A Career As a Solicitor /Barrister

Exploration:

• Occupational Role – skills and qualities • Organisation – size/specialism's/location/clients

• Self

Make comparisons - be realistic

Weigh up the Risk – competition and potential cost of postgraduate training (BPTC/LPC)

∂

Competition

Solicitor 2008 6,303 training contracts 7,606 LPC passes

Note: Up to a ¼ of T.Cs go to conversion (mainly Bar) and still previous LPC candidates applying

Barrister – 34% of successful BPTC candidates obtained pupillage

Hence the importance of vacation scheme/mini pupillage/otherlegal related experience

∂

Barrister – Ask Yourself

Are you comfortable speaking in front of large groups of people?

Can you get your point across clearly?

Can you think quickly enough to respond to challenges?

Are you able to improvise?

Could you take knock backs in court without showing too much emotion?

Do you inspire confidence in others?

Could you cope with lots of travelling around the country to different courts? Are you comfortable with initial financial insecurity ?

∂

Solicitor – Ask Yourself

Happy with a great deal of teamwork

Comfortable with large amounts of client contact and

ability to develop good client relationships over time

In “City” firms willingness to travel abroad when necessary

∂

For Both

Good interpersonal skills

Stamina , willingness to work antisocial hours

Enthusiasm and commitment

Good judgement

Attention to Detail

Good written and research/analytical skills

An interest in learning about new areas and

providing practical advice to clients

∂

Researching Firms/Employers

International “City” Firm

National/Regional Firm

High Street/Legal Aid Firms

CPS/GLS

In-House i.e Barclays Capital/Tesco

Research – www.lawcareers.net/ Law Fair 23rd/24th November

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Areas of Law for Solicitors

Banking & FinanceCommercial LitigationCommercial PropertyCompany/Commercial & CorporateConstructionCorporate TaxCrime

EmploymentEnvironmentEU/CompetitionFamilyHuman RightsInsuranceIP/ITPersonal InjuryPrivate ClientShippingTMT

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Timetable - Solicitor

Final YearBefore Xmas and into New Year (many deadlines by

31st January, some earlier) apply for vacation schemes – don't forget Open Days too!

Epiphany Term /Easter Term up to July 31st (majority of law firm deadlines) research and apply for training contracts

Conversion Year – apply to LPC by Dec 1st www.lawcabs.ac.uk

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Researching Barrister profession- Types of ChambersSupersets – examples No5 Chambers/St Phillips Chambers

Regional Sets - outside of London (Birmingham/Bristol/Leads/Liverpool/Manchester)

Niche Sets – i.e Construction/I.P/Tax Law

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Barrister specialism's

Admiralty ChanceryCivilCommercialCommon LawConstructionCrime EmploymentFamily

HousingHuman RightsIPInternationalMediaPersonal InjuryPlanning and EnvironmentProfessional NegligencePublic LawRevenue

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GDL/PGDL/CPE

www.lawcabs.ac.uk

For full time courses

Part time apply direct to institutions

Current Deadline February 1st

Guaranteed Places Scheme – College of Law /BPP/–conditions apply

∂

Choosing the Law Conversion CourseConsider:

Location

What are the teaching and assessment methods? Do they suit your

needs/preferences?

Facilities

Staff levels

Cost (£2,900 – £8,100)* – some firms will sponsor

Pass Rate

Accommodation

Extra – Curricular

Visit institutions to help confirm where is best for you to study

* 2007-08 data

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Law Conversion

Intensive – consider your motivation and self discipline

Get legal work experience before the course to confirm interest

Seven compulsory foundation subjects:

Law of contract

Law of tort

Criminal law

Property law

Public law

Equity and Law of Trusts/Law of European Union

∂

Choosing a Training Contract

Research: Rotational Seats on offer (minimum 4 , some offer more for a broader experience, less time spent in each, or option to spend more time in one area)

Do you have an area of specialist interest you would like to have the opportunity to practise in after qualifying?

What are the support mechanisms – buddy e.t.c

Do you want the possibility of sitting one of your rotations overseas?

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Training Contracts/Pupillages What do employers want?Strong academics – Achievement – drive and determination

Soft Skills- persuasion/negotiation/customerfocused/attention to detail/problem solving/teamwork

Commercial Awareness

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Useful Sources for Vac Scheme/Mini Pupillages / Training Contract/Pupillage Limited Copies At Law Fair:

Training Contract and Pupillage HandbookTarget LawChambers and Partners

www.lawcareers.netwww.solicitors-online.comwww.chambersandpartners.comwww.pupillages.com

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LPC/BPTC

LPC ratings at www.sra.org.uk –commendable practise /confidence in provision/failure to meet required level of provision

Skills Developed :

LPC – legal drafting /interviewing and advising skills/advocacy/legal research

BPTC – advocacy/case prep/interviewing skills/negotiation/drafting/opinion writing – Life At The Bar –pass rate and number obtaining pupillage

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Timetable Barrister

Final Year

Michaelmas /Epiphany Term – research and apply for mini-pupillages (lawcareers.net)

Epiphany Term – apply to chambers who recruit 2 years in advance (www.pupillages.com)

Apply for Inn of Court Scholarships for GDL

Apply to join an Inn of Court

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Barrister Timetable

GDL Year

Michaelmas – Apply for BPTC (bptconline.co.uk)

Apply for Inns of Court Scholarships by 1st week of November

Epiphany – Apply for pupillages (www.pupillages.com) – OLPAS / Non OLPAS

Attend pupillage fairs & apply to chambers recruiting 1 year in advance

∂

Useful Events

• A Day In The Life of a Trainee 18th November ( Nov ER142, 5.30-8.30pm, Senate Suite, University College )

• Law Fair – 23rdth and 24th November 12pm-3.30pm, D.S.U

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Prepare For The Fair

Research the firms attendingMake a list of who you want to target Plan RELEVANT questions to ask- creates a professional and lasting impression- builds rapportYou gain maximum benefit from your interactions

Practise asking questions

Demonstrate a positive attitude

∂

Help from CAS

• Applications Advice• Quick Queries• Guidance Consultation• Events• Lunchtime Talks CV/Applications/Interviews• Information

∂

Careers Advisory Service

49 New Elvet (next to D.S.U)Term Time – 10am – 5pmVacation – 10am – 1pm 2.15pm – 5pmTel: 0191 334 1424/1437careers- advice@durham.ac.ukwww.durham.ac.uk/careers-advice