GDL Help

skintbutsmiling01

Hi I am currently considering retraining and going into law. I have a degree (not law) so would need to do the GDL to convert it to law and then the LPC, then obviously the 2 yr training contract.
My question is, if anyone can advise at all, is that would I still be elegible for the normal student assistance? I 've been told not, and the college I would be going to has a partner ship with a local bank (not sure if I can put the name here?) who provide a professional develoment loan to cover the fees. I have defaults on my credit file so am not confident of getting the loan, is there any other way of financing these courses? GDL costs over £6k and the LPC costs over £9k.
Thanks in advance for any advice!!

celyn90

I went to an open day for this last year and they said a career development loan would be about the only option as normal student funding routes and loans don't apply as it is a second degree.

I considered part-time over two years for the GDL and would have worked to cover the fees but then decided against it.

Several places I found do the GDL with less contact time/virtually corespondance, whcih might make it easier to fit work in around study.

Stinkybell

In answer to your question absolutely not. GDL, LPC and all that jazz need to be self funded. NatWest do specific loans for students of College of Law and BPP law schools, which allow you to not make any repayments whilst you are studying. You could go for a normal commercial loan or use savings etc but most people on the course will use one of these specific loans. Note the full monthly repayments are still required if you fail to gain a training contract, which many of my pals are currently dealing with

dmg24

I would seriously consider whether you are likely to get a training contract at the end of your studies. The market is saturated with grads (the majority of whom will have Law as their first subject), and unless you have something that will make you stand out from the rest, you may struggle.

skintbutsmiling01

thanks everyone for the comments.
I have 7 years work experience in the field I would like to specialise in so was hoping that would give me a headstart in gaining a training contract, and obviously would look for legal experienec as well (paid or noT)
It is the natwest I was looking at, so to to do the GDL the LPC would it be 2 loans you apply for?

MrsManda

skintbutsmiling01 wrote: »

thanks everyone for the comments.
I have 7 years work experience in the field I would like to specialise in so was hoping that would give me a headstart in gaining a training contract, and obviously would look for legal experienec as well (paid or noT)
It is the natwest I was looking at, so to to do the GDL the LPC would it be 2 loans you apply for?

Sorry I can't answer your question about loans but as you have 7 years experience, have you tried going down a work placement route? If you could get a job working with a company which covers your specialism you may be able to get them to fund your course while you work for them. That way you'd almost be guarnteed a training placement. - Not sure this is possible in today's economic climate but thought I'd mention it incase it hadn't crossed your mind

dmg24

MrsManda wrote: »

Sorry I can't answer your question about loans but as you have 7 years experience, have you tried going down a work placement route? If you could get a job working with a company which covers your specialism you may be able to get them to fund your course while you work for them. That way you'd almost be guarnteed a training placement. - Not sure this is possible in today's economic climate but thought I'd mention it incase it hadn't crossed your mind

I would agree with this, though I would go further and secure a training contract before committing to the GDL.

skintbutsmiling01

its a great idea and one i've toyed with, although the deadline for 1st applications has gone, they stop accepting GDL applications when the course is full. I'm not sure a company would be willing to take the risk on someone with no legal experience, especially with no predicted grade or anything. best get researching a little bit more. Thanks everyone.

mitsy

Many firms will pay or contribute towards your GDL and LPC fees if you secure a training contract with them. Some will even give a maintenance grant as well for your living expenses. My advice would be to try and secure a training contract beforehand, as it's hard enough keeping up with the GDL workload, let alone doing applications for jobs. Lawcareers.net have a list of all the deadlines for applications and the Chambers Law Guide has details of law firms who will pay your fees.

Most banks do provide professional study loans but obviously it's a huge punt to take if you're not certain to gain employment afterwards. Some firms will also pay back your study costs, so it's not the end of the world if you get a job after you've started the course.

You should also note that the skills you learn on the course will help considerably in doing applications and on assessment days. Obviously the job market is a concern at the moment but by the time you're looking to start training the market hopefully it will have picked up.

Also with regards to course entry deadlines, you're giving them the best part of £15,000 - they'll find a way to fit you in.

Hope this helps.

skintbutsmiling01

great advice thanks so much

Torby

mitsy wrote: »

Many firms will pay or contribute towards your GDL and LPC fees if you secure a training contract with them.

Also with regards to course entry deadlines, you're giving them the best part of £15,000 - they'll find a way to fit you in.

Hope this helps.

Many???....problem is there are more graduates than places, recently in Newcastle Law firms cut back on their intake/contracts, leaving quite a few students up the creek without a paddle (well funding)

Dont forget, apart from the fees, you have to live, socialise, etc etc...don't expect any change, best take a year out , earn loads of money, then go down the GDL/LPC route...mind you, if in this day and age you can ffind a well paid job...perhaps best to stick at it....have you seen what trainee lawyers get (not the ones in magic circle posts or in London) a supervisors job in Sainsburys pays more.