GDL Help

mitsy

Torby wrote: »

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)

It's always been the case that there are more graduates than places and of course firms are cutting back on their training contracts, so there is a lot of competetion for places. Students need to be prepared to look for jobs nationwide and can't limit themselves to looking in one area. As I said the Chambers guide has a list of over 250 firms who will pay your fees, many of which will contribute to your fees.

Torby wrote: »

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.)

Law Society mimimum wage for starting is currently £15,820. Any decent firm will pay more than this. Although you might get paid more in a supervisors job at Sainsbury's, you have to realise that after qualification your salary is likely to double. You need to view the GDL/LPC as an investment in yourself, the potential earnings as a solicitor far outweigh any short term earnings taking a better paid job.

If your going to take a year out make sure you do some legal related work so when it come's to doing applications you have legal related material to draw on and demonstrate that you are committed to a legal career.

SolicitorMidlands

You could call the Junior Lawyer's Division for further help.

Try:-

1. Law Society Bursary

2. LEA - very limited

3. Bank - career development loans

4. Apply for a TC and try and secure one ASAP with GDL and LPC funding

MrsManda

A possible option is applying to the Government Legal Service, though it depends on what kind of law you are interested in.
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