Converting to law

celyn90

Hi everyone, I just wanted to ask if anyone knew anything about doing a law course as a postgraduate that would enable me to change career path. I'm rapidly approacing the end of my DPhil and have decided that I probably don't want to continue in my own subject. Is it possible to do a conversion course, what types of courses are available and what would I need (in the way of both money and qualifications) to do this? Many thanks, cel x

crazy_guy

celyn90 wrote:

Hi everyone, I just wanted to ask if anyone knew anything about doing a law course as a postgraduate that would enable me to change career path. I'm rapidly approacing the end of my DPhil and have decided that I probably don't want to continue in my own subject. Is it possible to do a conversion course, what types of courses are available and what would I need (in the way of both money and qualifications) to do this? Many thanks, cel x

Hi
Though i havent done a conversion course i am nearing completion of my law degree and here is some info about the conversion course from the law society website

"Common Professional Examination / Graduate Diploma in Law (CPE/GDL) courses enable non-law graduates and, in some instances, non-graduates to complete the foundations of legal knowledge required by the academic stage of training."

Thus to convert to a law career you must gain some foundation in law through one of these professional courses.

Am I eligible to attempt a CPE/GDL course?
To be eligible to attend a CPE/GDL course, you must

hold a degree awarded by a UK university
or
be granted a certificate of academic standing by the Law Society.

Link http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/becomingasolicitor/qualifying/common.law
(Hope that link works)

No idea on cost though

Hope that helps

Voyager2002

Yes: the CPE puts you in the same professional position as a law graduate. It takes a year, and is very hard work: lots of material to memorise. Quite a lot of people fail the exams at the end of the year (although many of them are overseas students who don't really understand what is required). The College of Law has higher pass rates than other institutes offering the course, but higher tuition fees. And of course budget for living costs for a year.

Remember that the CPE does not make you a lawyer (although it may open doors to a range of commercial careers): you then need another year of full-time study, followed by a period as either a trainee solicitor or a pupil barrister. And some people pass all the exams and then cannot get a place as a trainee, and so can never qualify.

What's wrong with accountancy?

crazy_guy

Voyager2002 wrote:

Yes: the CPE puts you in the same professional position as a law graduate. It takes a year, and is very hard work: lots of material to memorise.

Good point - remember a law student has had 3 years to go through their studies - a conversion student is in theory suppose to be up to their level within one year!

Voyager2002 wrote:

Remember that the CPE does not make you a lawyer (although it may open doors to a range of commercial careers): you then need another year of full-time study, followed by a period as either a trainee solicitor or a pupil barrister. And some people pass all the exams and then cannot get a place as a trainee, and so can never qualify.

This is a problem for quite a few of my friends especially those who wish to become barristers, got told only 40% of those who do the bvc go on and get a job. Once the conversion course is over the LPC or BVC course is required which is another year and this costs in the region of £6000-8000.

But if your determined for having a career in law go for it! You only regret the things you didn't do!

Torby

If you can find one of my previous threads in this student forum you'll find it is possible, but it appears no funding at all is available....if you find any you can let me know (please)....my daughter is in a similar position and it looks like more loans on top of loans....so a major mountain of debt....and no guarantee of a job....sorry

Chall

crazy_guy wrote:

Once the conversion course is over the LPC or BVC course is required which is another year and this costs in the region of £6000-8000.

I'm afraid you're being a little hopeful with those fees, they can go as high as £12,000 and £13,000 for the BVC, although the LPC can normally be completed for under £10,000 without living expenses

crazy_guy

Chall wrote:

I'm afraid you're being a little hopeful with those fees, they can go as high as £12,000 and £13,000 for the BVC, although the LPC can normally be completed for under £10,000 without living expenses

Woops thanks for pointing that out i was thinking of the LPC, round here (manchester) many places are 6-8k. Shocked at the bvc...crazy!

davelewis

I did the GDL last year - currently on the LPC.

GDL fees were £5,000
LPC fees are £8,000

GDL is a lot of work in a year but perfectly achievable. I got a commendation!!!

Best of luck if you decide to take the plunge.