Placement scheming

Dear Oracle

I am currently studying the LPC after graduating with a 2.1 in law. I've not yet done a vac scheme and am wondering whether it's placements I should be applying for or training contracts? I don't want to risk getting on vac schemes and missing out on a training contract; nor do I want to risk applying for training contracts without solid work experience.

The Oracle replies

The answer to your question is easy: at the LPC stage you are not eligible for most vacation schemes, as they are reserved for second-year law students and penultimate-year non-law students. In a way, this is good because it means you can focus on your training contract applications. However, it's bad because, as you've acknowledged, your lack of work experience will seriously harm your chances of success.

If you're to find a training contract, building up your experience is absolutely vital. Experience in law firms should be a priority as it's not only a must for law firm recruiters, but it's also the only way you'll know for sure that you want to be a lawyer. Informal placements in smaller/high-street firms are probably your best bet, so send some CVs and covering letters to local practices.

Pro bono is another good option. Find opportunities through your LPC provider (which should have information about local projects and may even operate its own schemes) and/or pro bono charity LawWorks (see their recent guest blog on “The value of pro bono”). Volunteering in general - both law and non-law related - is a great way to fill up that CV, so spend some time researching what options are out there. Citizens Advice, for example, is an organisation lots of budding lawyers volunteer with and it's a great way to practise giving legal advice to real clients.

For further reading, see our Feature, “Experience required”.