Have I Missed the Boat?
updated on 25 April 2006
Dear Oracle
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?The Oracle replies
As you'll appreciate, most of the medium and large firms recruit two years' ahead of time. That is why people in your position apply before they do the CPE/GDL and LPC, so that if they were to get a training contract, they would go seamlessly from LPC to firm. However, that doesn't mean that you can't apply this year. For example, there may be options for you to defer - some firms actually ask if people want to defer (so they can get their offer levels right) and generally, it never hurts to ask, but not all firms will be able to accommodate your request.Alternatively, you can hold fire for a year, and use this time to hone your skills and really work out which firms tickle your fancy!
Finally, there is a chance that some CPE/GDL providers still have places available for a start in September 2006. You will need to get onto this quickly 'tho! To find out, you will need to phone or email those institutions individually and see if they are full and, if not, whether they will consider a late application.
