Career advice required – Law – I have never got off the ground - Long post

PlutoinCapricorn

Being realistic is not the same as being defeatist.

I have had discussions with people about dentistry, where again there are far more applicants than places available. The requirements are high, and even if someone meets them all there are no guarantees they will get into a dental school.

SeduLOUs

I wonder how the responses would differ if the OP was asking for advice on how to become a Movie Star.

I know it's not the same thing, but from the description of the efforts already exhausted over such a long period of time, along with the posts from people experienced in the field it is starting to sound like the chances of realising the dream are quite similar. Not impossible, but not at all likely.

Sometimes in life you have to decide whether to keep chasing a ship that has already sailed for the slightest chance of catching it, or get on a different one.

Tiddlywinks

matttye wrote: »

Such a defeatist attitude on this forum... poor show.

You can do whatever you set your mind to.

So, what about lack of aptitude, ability, personality, employment history, exam grades etc? Not suggesting all these things apply here but do you really think everyone has the skills and aptitude to always achieve securing their dream jobs?

The OP has let a lot of 'life' get in the way... She made choices which she knew would negatively impact on her career.

Those gaps in her CV are there permanently and will influence a prospective employer's decision when measuring her against all the other many hundreds of bright new graduates coming through now.

This is a career path which is highly competitive and personal history and circumstance is a major factor in hiring decisions - to ignore that fact is just naive and unhelpful.

matttye

The average part-time CILEx student completes the qualification in 4 years. Could be done quicker if you don't want to have a life and/or can study full-time.

Best bet is to get foot in the door with a firm and then train and keep taking on new jobs and responsibilities as abilities progress.

I started as a trainee receptionist/office junior 6 1/2 years ago and have stuck with the same firm.

naomij1411

I got a first class law degree this year and frankly I am awesome - but I am also 33, have two kids and a life. I enjoyed studying law but I don't want to be a lawyer - luckily, because I have about zero chance of becoming one. There are many sectors in which life experience etc can be sold well in an interview, but this one is too competitive.


I went straight into working for a local charity, as I had been doing someone voluntary work during my final year. It's part time and not great pay, but I like it and it uses some of my skills. There is potential for it to develop in future - and if not, I will move around. It fits in well with my kids so I don't have to pay childcare. In the evenings/spare time I write e-books and other internet marketing nonsense, making a couple of hundred quid extra a month.


I do worry a bit that I am not making the most of the law degree, and I spent some energy applying for paralegal/legal secretary jobs. But honestly, I think I'd get bored out of my brain. I prefer doing more interesting project based work in a sector which suits my ethics better. I'm less likely to get bored and therefore more likely to develop professionally.


Good luck law girl! It might be time to change your name though.

jobbingmusician

I was wondering about charity work too (cos it's my sector) and wondered about mental health advocacy and IMHA training.... Just a thought.

(And if you want to be in demand, get a volunteer advoacy job and self-fund Care Act Advocacy training. Employers will be queuing up!)

BucksLady

naomij1411 wrote: »

I got a first class law degree this year and frankly I am awesome

Sorry, but I think that is for other people to judge.

SeduLOUs

BucksLady wrote: »

Sorry, but I think that is for other people to judge.

Sorry, but she passed this year with the highest grade possible, and has every right to feel pleased with herself.

Her comment was clearly light-hearted and not said with any sort of "better than thou" sentiment towards anyone, so in my opinion there is no need whatsoever for anyone to call her out on it. Well done naomij1411!

Mr_Costcutter

SeduLOUs wrote: »

Sorry, but she passed this year with the highest grade possible, and has every right to feel pleased with herself.

Her comment was clearly light-hearted and not said with any sort of "better than thou" sentiment towards anyone, so in my opinion there is no need whatsoever for anyone to call her out on it. Well done naomij1411!

Like BucksLady, I didn't perceive the remark as light-hearted either. Our perception of other people, and what and how they say things, will be entirely different - thought for your consideration, maybe.

Andypandyboy

SeduLOUs wrote: »

Sorry, but she passed this year with the highest grade possible, and has every right to feel pleased with herself.

Her comment was clearly light-hearted and not said with any sort of "better than thou" sentiment towards anyone, so in my opinion there is no need whatsoever for anyone to call her out on it. Well done naomij1411!

I read it that way too. Gaining a first in Law whilst coping with two young children is awesome.