non law | law career | GDL | CPE | Law conversion

Law conversion courses can be studied full-time, over one year, or part-time, over two years. Whichever mode you choose, the course will be very intensive and require a great deal of stamina and self-discipline.

Undertaking any course of study requires significant investment in time and money and you will need to be able to maintain your motivation. It is wise, then, to consider thoroughly all aspects and implications of the training so that, should you decide to go ahead and convert, you can do so with the confidence that you have done the necessary groundwork. Here are some things to consider:

• Do you know anyone who has undertaken legal training?

First hand reports can be invaluable in getting a feel for the Job. Bear in mind that any account of personal experience will be subjective, so keep an open mind and, ideally, speak with more than one person.

• What do you know about the legal profession?

There is a wealth of information about training and working in the legal profession. Find out as much as you can at this stage. Your university or college careers service will be able to help.

• Think about how the idea of studying to be a lawyer first came to you.

If it was a 'eureka' moment, is it still as attractive in the cold light of day? If it is something you have been considering for some time, are you still as motivated as you once were?

• Are you ready for further study?

You may well have been in full-time education for some fifteen or sixteen years by now. Do you feel you need a break from study, or are you raring to go.

• What are the key skills you need to be a lawyer?

Here are a few:

• Interpersonal skills
• The ability to analyse and assimilate large amounts of complex and disparate information
• Workload and time-management skills
• Stamina
• Commercial awareness
• Persistence
• Patience
• Attention to detail
  
  

In addition, barristers need to be able to represent their clients confidently and eloquently in court.

• Consider what it is about Law that appeals to you.
• What are the potential rewards of a career in law?

Of course, there will be other factors that you will want to consider; such as course fees and living expenses. There is no statutory funding for law courses and funding from local education authorities is rare. The majority of people embarking on law conversion courses will finance their studies from a variety of sources: e.g. parents, loans, scholarships, etc.  Some law firms offer sponsorship for conversion courses; your careers service may be able to point you in the right direction or the Solicitors Directory.

You would be well advised to discuss your plans with a qualified careers adviser, who can provide information and guide you through the decision-making process. Otherwise, talk through your plans with somebody already working in the profession.

The course will bring you up to the same standard as someone who has already completed a three-year LLB (undergraduate law degree). In addition to an introduction to the legal system and an optional subject, conversion courses will cover seven key topics:

• Contract law
• Criminal law
• Law of tort
• Property law
• EU law
• Constitutional and administrative law
• Equity and law of  trusts
  

Now, assuming you have done all the groundwork and you have decided to apply, here is what you need to do.

Academic study

• Check application deadlines and guidance notes on the website of the Central Admissions Board (CAB) www.lawcabs.ac.uk.
  (Be aware that some details will be different for part-time and distance learning courses. See note below)
• Browse the institutions offering law conversion courses

A list of accredited courses can be found on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) website at http://www.sra.org.uk. Read the details carefully and make enquiries about anything you are unsure of.

• Go to the CAB website http://www.lawcabs.ac.uk

Follow the application instructions.

Note that for part-time and distance learning courses you will need to apply directly to the institution concerned. Also, be aware that closing dates and other details may be different from those pertaining to full-time courses.

Vocational training

It is a good idea to get as much work legal work experience as you can: look out for vacation placements and, if you are aiming to be a barrister, opportunities for 'mini-pupillages'.  Alternatively, try contacting law firms and barristers' chambers to enquire about shadowing or informal work experience opportunities.

You will be able to apply for a training contract (solicitors) or pupillage (barristers) up to two years in advance; effectively during your final year of non-law undergraduate study.

 For training contract and pupillage opportunities refer to the current editions of:

• The Chambers Student Guide: careers in the law (Chambers & Partners)
  or online at http://www.chambersstudent.co.uk
• The Training Contract Handbook (Globe Publishing, in association with The Law Society)
  

These publications are available in university careers services and public libraries.

This short article covers just the bare essentials about law conversion courses. For further information see: the Solicitors Regulation Authority http://www.sra.org.uk

Coventry University Careers Service

01-04-2010