I've got some work experience in other professions over the summer. Will this look bad on my training contract applications?
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How do I know which firms have the best training contracts?
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Will completing the LPC/BVC part time adversely affect my chances of gaining a training contract/pupillage? Do employers look at candidates who have completed the course full time in preference to those who have taken the part-time option?
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One of the firms I'm thinking of applying to says I'd have to do a seat with another firm. Why? Could I do this in-house?
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I'm completing the LPC this summer but so far I haven't got a training contract. If I'm unsuccessful again I’d like to work as a paralegal. Where do I look for paralegal jobs?
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I'm interested in working in the London office of a firm from the United States. What makes US firms different? Where do I look for them?
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I have received offers for law school but I don't have much financial support. I was thinking about getting a job for a year to save some money, but I'd have to defer my place. Is this a good or bad idea?
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I'm concerned about how my university is ranked, and the street value of my degree. When I apply for training contracts is it worth referring to the fact that my law degree is more highly ranked than the university in general?
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I'm going to be applying for training contracts this summer but I'm scared that my CV isn't up to scratch. LC.N is a fantastic resource and full of useful advice - can you take a look at my CV?
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I have a chronic illness for which I take medication but it doesn't affect me on a daily basis. I've seen lots of application forms with the question, "Are you in good health?" Are firms allowed to ask this?
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Once I qualify, will it be possible to get an NQ job in a corporate department that pays a City salary without sacrificing my life outside work?!
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I've managed to get an interview for a scholarship at one of the Inns of Court. What are they going to ask me?
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I enjoy reading about trainees and recruiters on LC.N but I have noticed that they are all so white. Should I adjust the colour settings on my monitor or just quit law altogether?
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At a LawCareers.Net Basic Training event I was surprised that I had to make the first move when sparking up a conversation with a recruiter. I didn't know what to say! What's your advice?
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I am a law student who has a work placement scheme at Easter and two in the summer. I'd be happy to be offered a training contract from any, but will I have to make a decision about the firm I work at over Easter before I have had a chance to visit the others?
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I'm an international student hoping to qualify as a UK solicitor. I already have an undergraduate degree from my home country. If I do an LLM, will I still have to do the LPC?
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I'm interested in finding an in-house training contract with a company rather
than a law firm. I know EDF Energy offers training contracts. How do I find
others?
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Many law firms and sets of chambers want to see extracurricular achievements on applicants' CVs. What sort of achievements in what sort of extracurricular activities are they looking for?
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I'm a non-law student considering converting to law but my ideal job is very specific. I'd like to work on the world stage representing just causes of developing nations. How would I get there?
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I'm a non-law student and I've just been invited for a work placement scheme interview. I'm daunted by the prospect of having to answer legal questions. What should I expect?
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I'm a 37-year-old mother currently on the GDL. I have 15 years' experience as a media buyer in a top advertising agency, a master's degree and have done several mini-pupillages. Although I'm starting the BVC in September I haven't had a single pupillage interview yet. Shall I bin the dream?
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I'm starting my LPC in September but I'm going travelling beforehand. How will this affect my training contract applications and interviews?
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I'm busy completing applications for summer vacation schemes. Can I include informal placements that I've got lined up for February?
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My degree is from a new university. Do recruiters only look at applicants from the traditional, more highly ranked universities?
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What's a West End firm? Is it just a high street firm in central London?
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I'm still only a student but someone told me that I need to network with lawyers already. Is this true? How do I do it?
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I'm looking for training contracts in the north because it's too expensive to live in London. How easy is it to relocate south once I've qualified?
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As a law student with ambitions of qualifying as a barrister, how should I go about deciding which of the Inns of Court to join?
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I'm doing an English degree but thinking of becoming a lawyer. Can I do a two-year master's in law instead of a conversion course? Will recruiters see through my attempt to buy more time to find out if I really want to be a lawyer? What will they think of a master's?
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I'm not studying law but have just heard I could become a lawyer. Is this true? What use is my chemistry degree?
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I'm a first-year law student and I've just found your site! I'm hoping to become a solicitor and I've heard that you need to start applying early. Where do I begin?
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Is it true that I can get sponsorship to do my BVC from one of the Inns of Court?
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I've just started my LPC. This summer I applied to 20 firms for training contracts and had three interviews but didn't score. What do I do now?
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I've just started my LPC but so far haven't had an offer from any of the firms
I had interviews with. If I get an offer, will the firm still sponsor my LPC?
What about if I don't get a training contract until next year when I've already
completed the course?
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I'm studying a part-time GDL and working to fund it. I've got some commercial business experience but I know I won't have time to do any work placement schemes. Will recruiters question my commitment?
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Can I take a gap year and go travelling before I start a training contract?
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I've managed to get some training contract interviews. What should I wear?
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I am currently applying for 2009 training contracts but I won't find out if I'm successful until September. Would the firm still sponsor my LPC if I've already started it? Would I be better off starting the LPC in 2008?
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What's the protocol if I want to ask for feedback after applications or interviews?
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I want to be a commercial lawyer but I have been offered a training contract with a small firm specialising in private clients. Shall I take it and give up my dream? If I accept it, is it possible to go for commercial jobs post-qualification?
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I'm currently firing off training contract applications like there's no tomorrow. There are so many firms out there! How many applications should I make?
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What would the main differences be between working for a private firm and working for the council? If I train with the council, is it easy to go private?
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I just had an interview with a five-partner high street firm. One partner talked for 15 minutes, I asked a couple of questions based on what she'd said, and then I expected the interview to start. But that was it! Is this a new interviewing technique?
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I'm currently doing boring, unskilled work as a paralegal in a big City firm. But I'm going to apply for competitive training contracts at small media firms where I've got previous experience. Shall I stay in the job hoping that the big name will impress or shall I look for more relevant experience?
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I have just been rejected for a work placement scheme. Is it still worth applying for a training contract with the same firm if I can't even get through the work placement scheme round?
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I am considering doing an LLM. What's the attitude of law firms (particularly the magic circle ones) to this degree?
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I'm looking into training to be a barrister. I know that pupillages last 12 months but what do we get to do?
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I have to accept my offered place on a GDL course by 15 May 2007 but I won't hear if I've got a training contract until 1 September 2007. I'm already in debt and the GDL is a big financial commitment; I don't want to accept it if I haven't got a training contract. Can you offer any advice?
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I've worked as a consultant for several years in a large firm, but now wish to become a solicitor. I know I'll have to complete both the GDL and LPC to qualify. I have some money to fund these courses, but what can I expect to earn in my first years as a trainee solicitor? And will I be able to sustain my outgoings (mortgage, bills and so on) in the long term?
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I've heard it through the grapevine that the Inns pay students to study the BVC. Is this true? I'd like to know more about these mysterious Inns anyway.
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Is it possible to change the area you qualify into? For example, if I qualify as a property solicitor, can I then change to be an employment solicitor? Would I need to obtain some extra qualifications and how long does the process take?
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I'm a mature GDL student and am applying for training contracts, but note with displeasure that many firms stipulate a specific number of UCAS points. I did my A-levels over 15 years ago (and didn't do as well as I might). If my results are a few points shy of the mark, should I consider myself barred?
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I would like to apply for a master's degree and take the LPC afterwards, but I picked up a conviction for shoplifting after recently forgetting to pay for some items at a department store. Can I still become a lawyer?
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Why do law firm applications have a section on whether you have applied to the firm before? If you answer 'yes' to this question, does it count against you and to what extent?
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I am currently researching which firms to apply to for a training contract. How many applications is it sensible to make? Obviously I want to make good applications and focus on those firms which best match my interests, but there are so many firms it is hard to whittle the list down!
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I recently started my training contract on the basis that I would be able to do three seats at the firm I am currently at and do my fourth seat at another firm. However, I have to find this final seat on my own. What are the next steps I should take?
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I have completed the LPC, but have yet to secure a training contract. Lately I have started to think about the Bar again as an alternative. Would it be possible to convert?
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I have heard that some law firms support students through their degree, the LPC and training afterwards. Is there anything like that for barristers?
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I need to provide an academic reference for applications, but don't often meet with my tutor at university. Is it acceptable to ask a teacher from my A-level studies to write it instead?
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I am a first-year law student who is thinking about becoming a solicitor. I have heard that you need to start preparing to apply early, but I don't know where to begin! Help!
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I have sent off many applications for mini-pupillages and have had no replies as of yet. What is your advice on chasing up on them by telephoning the chambers?
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I am a second-year law student, and wondered what I can be doing over my Christmas break to help me get ahead?
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I received a desperately disappointing third for my degree. I am extremely confused and upset about this, and at a loss over what to do. Is there any chance that if I do the LPC, I will get a training contract?
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As a penultimate year law student, what happens if you miss getting a training contract in your first round of applications? Is it possible to become a paralegal while doing a part-time LPC? What qualifications do you need to become a paralegal?
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I am a currently trying to decide where to do my BVC. As all the Inns of Court are in London, does this mean I would have to undertake the BVC and pupillage in London? Or is it something I could do elsewhere and travel into London for certain events?
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I'm toying with the idea of doing a master's degree after my undergraduate studies. It would be a pretty expensive undertaking though. What factors should I take into account in helping me make the decision?
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I am a first-year law student and I’m not sure what I should be doing to get ahead. Please advise!
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My A-level results were not that good and my UCAS tariff falls short of the majority of major law firms’ requirements. I am 28 years old and my A-levels were taken almost 10 years ago, but most firms do not appear to take this into account in their online pre-screening questions. Should I bother wasting my time applying?
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I am keen to head off for a year or two and go travelling, but am worried that my LPC might expire and then I won't be able to apply for training contracts on my return. How long is the LPC current for?
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Do I have to go straight from the GDL to the LPC? How long have I got?
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I am contemplating doing a law conversion course with a view to working in the non-profit sector. How do I go about looking for these courses?
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I have been applying for a training contract for the past three years and I still have no offer. I have three As and one B at A-level, a 2.1 degree, and I passed my LPC at Nottingham Law School. I still do not know why I am still getting these rejection letters.
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I have got a number of training contract interviews coming up. What should I wear?
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I've just finished the first year of my law degree. What can I be doing over the summer break in preparation for my second year of study and the training contract applications to come?
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Last year I sent off over 50 training contract applications, but wasn't invited for a single interview. What am I doing wrong? How can I improve things this year?
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I am filling out training contract applications and am worried about the effect my poor results could have on my chances. How do I flag the results up, given they were caused by something that is too private/distressing for me to talk about?
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I am currently looking for somewhere to do a training contract, but all the big firms seem to focus on commercial law, which I am not keen on. Are there any leading firms that practice in alternative fields, such as family law?
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I know that the Law Society recommends a salary that should be paid to trainees, but are there any regulations as to what the minimum salary must be? I have been offered a contract in a small firm, but the salary (if you can call it that!) is £5,000 a year. Is this allowed?
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I am currently working as a paralegal, and wondered whether the experience I have gained will entitle me to any sort of reduction in the two-year training contract.
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At an upcoming interview at a City firm, I have to do a five-minute presentation on 'what makes me stand out from my peers'. I am not sure what it is I am being asked or how to go about preparing for this. My careers adviser suggests talking about a unique experience, even if it's not linked to law. What do you think? What else might come up in the interview?
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Is it true that you have to specialise in the last seat you are in as a trainee? I ask because I'm interested in intellectual property and don't want to get stuck in something else for the rest of my career.
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I am a second-year law student, who feels intimidated by the amount of knowledge I must gain to be the best when I graduate and ultimately qualify. I can't stop thinking that I won't have learnt enough by the time I graduate. Does everyone feel like this?
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I am a sixth-form student considering either studying law at university or doing a non-law degree followed by a conversion course. Will it be more difficult for me to become a lawyer if I haven't done a law degree? What are the advantages and disadvantages either way?
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In my search for a career in law, all I ever seem to read about is commercial awareness. As an undergraduate, how am I expected to possess this? Are there any short courses, tailored for students, that you would recommend to those wishing to enhance their commercial awareness?
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I've just been accepted at all three law schools to which I applied, but I'm having a problem deciding where to go. Location isn't an issue - I'm more interested in working out which will be best for my career, especially as I'm interested in working for an international law firm. What would those firms prefer?
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I am due to start the part-time LPC in autumn, but I am having second thoughts about it, with no training contract on the horizon. Do you consider the legal executive route a valid, worthwhile and plausible career, with just as good prospects as a solicitor?
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I am a non-law graduate considering a career change at the age of 28. As I have already missed the deadline for enrolment on the CPE for this year, do I have to wait another year until I can apply for a training contract?
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I have a law degree and have done my LPC. Having been unsuccessful in the training contract search so far, I would like to get paid work in the legal sector. I'm confused as to the difference between a paralegal and a legal secretary. Can I apply for both types of position? Or are specific qualifications needed to be a legal secretary?
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I am a third-year law student studying in another country for a year. I don't have any work experience because I can't fit it in around my part-time jobs. Also, I don't have the academics to get into a firm that pays for work experience. Do you have any advice as to how I can get experience while still earning?
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I have heard that there is a new age discrimination law coming into force later this year. Will this have any effect on firm recruitment procedures?
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I am a third-year law student. What is the Trainee Solicitors' Group, and how can it help me?
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In applications it says you are supposed to know what type of firm you are applying to. Is there a prescribed method when researching on a firm?
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Having just finished my LPC, and being interested in becoming a criminal law solicitor, I am thinking of training to become police station accredited. I was wondering whether you know what the general conditions are and if you have any advice on how to go about it. Would it be worthwhile?
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I would like to know what law firms mean when they talk about "target hours". Is this a reliable indicator of how demanding the firm is? What is the average number of target hours or isn't there one?
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Why is it that all advice to wannabe lawyers is aimed at those students expecting a 2.1 who are following the traditional route of applying for a training contract two years in advance? Not all of us fit into this pattern!
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When trainees qualify in certain seats, how much training are they given to successfully perform in their qualification area? Will a trainee learn the relevant legislation, case law and statutory instruments throughout their six-month seat just by research and guidance? I have been worried about this for some time.
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I'm toying with the idea of doing a masters degree after my undergraduate studies. It would be a pretty expensive undertaking though. What factors should I take into account in helping me make the decision?
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I want to train at a commercial organisation (eg, Shell or Marks & Spencer), but how do I find out which ones are authorised to train and have vacancies?
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I'm a non-law student and I've heard that there's a conversion course I can do in order to become a lawyer. Can you tell me more?
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I'm confused as to whether to become a barrister or a solicitor. As I only intend to complete the LPC/BVC once I've successfully secured a training contract/pupillage, please advise me as to whether it would be acceptable to apply for both.
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I am currently studying the LPC and have a training contract with a City firm. Although I am due to start in September 2006 and took a year out prior to university, I am keen to take another gap year in order to go travelling. However, I don't want the firm to doubt my commitment to a career in the law. What can I do?
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Do many firms offer graduates the opportunity to do their training contract while at the same time undertaking the LPC part time?
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What are some of the ways that I can get financial support for the funding of my LPC?
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What retraining is involved if someone wants to change from being a barrister to a solicitor, or vice versa?
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Is it possible for a solicitor to qualify in public international law? If so, where can I apply for a training contract?
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I hope I don't sound daft, but I have some questions - what is a fee earner and how are they paid? What is a paralegal and is it different from a legal assistant? What is the magic circle? What does 'LLP' stand for? It's all rather confusing.
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I have been offered a full-time job working for a local solicitor as a paralegal. Having just completed my LPC, can you please give me some guidelines to the salary I should be looking at for this position?
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I'm sure that I should know more about this, but can you tell me what the Training Framework Review is all about? Is it going to affect me any time soon?
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I'd be interested to find out more about The Oracle and its function. Can you help?
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I recently went to a website frequented by solicitors, which stated that if someone wishes to take the BVC they should only do so if they have a first class degree and a large scholarship. Is this advice accurate? I feel pressured into making a decision as I'm stuck between doing the LPC or BVC and have just finished the second year of my law degree.
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I have just received my third-year exam results and have found I achieved a 2:2. I am planning to begin my LPC in September, but I am now worried that I will not be able to obtain a training contract. Should I just give up becoming a solicitor or is there something else I can do to make myself stand out from other law students?
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I have a place to do the GDL at one provider, but I'm not sure if it has a good reputation. Where is the best place to do the GDL? Is any one institution better than another?
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I have recently been accepted on three vacation placements at medium-sized firms. However, when it comes to applying for training contracts this summer, it will be before the placements have taken place. How do I show that I will have work experience by the time the training contract will commence?
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Present training regulations require that at least one of a trainee's seats should involve contentious/non-contentious work. Could you please distinguish between these two areas and also explain why this is an important issue for trainees.
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I am getting slightly panicky about this business of having to be commercially aware! I am applying for training contracts at the moment, but have already decided I want to qualify in personal injury. I have very little interest in commercial law and do not want to work in this field. Surely it is only important to show in-depth awareness of commercial issues if you want to be a commercial lawyer?!
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I am a first-year law student and have been offered a job at my local law centre. The problem is I will be working one day a week, just answering phone calls at reception, with a chance eventually, to take on cases. I am wondering if and how it will help me in my career. Do you think I should turn down this offer of reception work and instead try a few law firms to get some work experience that will be useful?
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I'm a final year student applying for the BVC. I've been advised that due to poor
A-level results, I might have a better chance of gaining a place if I apply next
year, after I know my degree classification. Someone has suggested taking the
part-time New York Bar course between now and then to open up my options. What
do you think?
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I have heard that firms are keen for applicants to be able to talk knowledgably about recent deals. How do I find out about a firm's recent deals, and how do I best understand and use this information?
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I am having problems applying for training contracts. I think the main reason is because I did a GNVQ in Business instead of A Levels. At the time I was not sure about what I wanted to do and did not know that it would affect my chances in any way. I obtained a 2.1 degree, am doing the LPC at a top law school and have work experience but still have no training contract. I can't even get past the initial hurdles and obtain an interview. Please help.
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I'm 40 years of age and have a professional background. I'm keen to retrain as a lawyer, but would law firms be interested in me at this stage in my life?
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I am currently doing my CPE and intend to start the BVC in September 2006, to give me time to find sufficient funds. Is it usual to apply now and defer my place until then, or is it better to wait until October of this year? What else should/could I be doing in the meantime?
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So far I have had four interviews and one assessment day out of 15 or so applications, and only have one vacation placement so far. At my university some people have three or four placements lined up - if I only have one, am I at a serious disadvantage when it comes to applying for training contracts? Is there anything else I can do that will help me really stand out?
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I recently read in a newspaper supplement that more universities are to offer the Bar Vocational Course as a part-time course at weekends and evenings, stretching over two years rather than one. This would be incredibly useful to me as it would allow me to earn the money to pay for it during the week and be with my family. However, would chambers look unfavourably on this as showing a lack of enthusiasm or commitment?
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Is it possible for a solicitor to specialise in more than one type of law? If so, do they have to be in the same general area, or could you specialise in two types of law that you are interested in and deal with cases in both?
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I have a BVC scholarship interview soon, which I am feeling nervous about. I know that preparation is the key, but can you please give me any suggestions as to what I should do and what questions to expect?
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If I undertake a training contract within local government, will I be able to switch to a top-notch private practice firm upon qualification? Does this sort of training stand me in good stead for the future?
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I am starting the LPC in September but am without a training contract. I hope to work in a private client firm when I graduate. If I go ahead and do my LPC and get a training contract afterwards, is that firm likely to refund my LPC fees?
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I am disgruntled after one of the BVC providers to which I have applied informed me that it "shouldn't disadvantage me too much" that I went to a new university, despite the fact that I got a 2:1. Am I just wasting my time if this is the universal attitude?
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By my own admission I have a fairly dismal CV that seems to be getting me nowhere. I can't fathom where I'm going wrong though. I've written down my entire work history - what more can I do?!
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I have a few vac scheme interviews lined up. Tell me, how different are such interviews to those for training contracts? How should I prepare? Can I ask about the future of the firm at this stage?
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of working at a city firm versus a provincial firm?
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I'm a non-law student, and confused about obtaining a summer vacation placement. What sort of firms should I be applying to and what level of knowledge will be required to make a success of a placement?
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I've been offered places on full and part-time LPCs. I currently work as a paralegal. My employers will allow me up to 15 days off per year (unpaid) to do my LPC. Is this enough time off to do the LPC part time? How much time will I need to put in each week?
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I've got a 2:1 law degree and I'm applying for training contracts. I'm finding it increasingly difficult to get past the first stage of the application process because of my incredibly low UCAS points. What do I need to do to make myself more marketable?
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I'm a third-year law student and I want a career in law - preferably tax law. The only problem is that I haven't yet applied for a 2006 training contract. Am I too late to apply and if so, what should I do?!
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I'm currently applying for vacation placements and am wondering what kind of information I should include in the cover letters. The relevant information about myself is included in my CV!
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I'm a third-year student and I've just started going to presentations by LPC providers.
I recently went to one and was told that certain LPC providers are preferred by
firms over others! Is this true? How do I find out more?
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I'm doing an LLM in Public International Law and am keen to start the BVC September 2005. I'd like to start applying for pupillages now, but lack any work experience. Is it possible to set up a mini-pupillage by Christmas 2004, bearing in mind it's now the end of November?
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I'm a final-year LLB student, on course for a 2:1. In my second year I was keen on becoming a barrister so didn't apply for any law firm vac schemes. Now I've decided I want to be a solicitor. Will firms want to give a vac scheme place to a third-year student?
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Between June and September I sent off 40 training contract applications, but I didn't get so much as an interview. I'm about to start the GDL. Should I do applications for vac schemes, training contracts or both?
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Is it ok to apply for more than one internship for a given period? I'm considering Christmas internships and I'm worried that by applying to several firms and then turning some down, I might experience negative repercussions when I later apply to them for training contracts.
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I'm a non-law undergraduate. How should I go about getting relevant work experience when the vacation schemes seem to be geared towards law students?
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