I am a first year student at Northumbria University on the new MLaw Exempting degree(the idea of which is to create a degree which incoporates a qualifying law degree as well as either a BPTC/LPC and then a masters also).
Basically I am at that point now where I really want to know where my life/ career is heading and as a result I am hoping to gain some advice on the following options…
Option 1
- Just complete the normal qualifying law degree (at Northumbria) and then go on to do the BPTC at another university (preferably somewhere with a better reputation)
Option 2
- Go down the solicitors route of the above degree at Northumbria meaning I will qualify with an Mlaw Solicitors Exempting degree
Option 3
- Go down the barristers route…(completing the BPTC etc.)
Option 4
- Complete the LLB at Northumbria and… (options still undecided)
My A levels were adequate (ABB) and my GCSEs fairly average (9As and 3Bs) and I am hoping to get a first as my first year result (this being the indication from my midsessional where I got 81%). I have a keen interest in criminal practice and I am also considering working in the US (hopefully) on an internship with either Amicus or Reprieve (who work against the death penalty in the US). Over the summer I plan to add to my extra-circulars by volunteering at the CAB and hopefully becoming a Samaritan. I have in addition applied to do mini-pupillages, solicitor placements and to the CPS, but I am yet to have any success.
I think it would be helpful to mention that I am not looking to apply to the Magic Circle firms, merely a high street firm or possibly the CPS or GLS.
My question to you all is, do you think it is realistic (the old cliched question) for me to be trying to qualify as a barrister when I go to Northumbria? It would also be really helpful to me to hear from anyone who went to a similar standard of university and has ‘made it’...
Tori
