Career Advice - Legal Profession

fiisch

I'm 31, married, have a ten-month old baby and am having a bit of a career crisis. I am currently a Business Analyst within the Insurance Industry, but very much not enjoying it. I am considering switching careers and trying for a career as a solicitor.


I understand this entails starting an online part-time course for the conversion Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) via in the University of Law, then completing the Legal Professional Certificate (LPC). The former will take 2 years part-time and cost around £11k, the latter could be done in as little as 6 months (full time) at a cost of £15-16k.


Then, after all this study, I might get a job in the legal profession, and will likely start on a lower salary than I am currently on (£59k).


Pros:
- Currently unhappy in chosen career - third job in same field, and find it extremely unfulfilling;
- Interest in law - exceptional at complaints handling (I've even published an e-book on the art of winning insurance complaints under a pseudonym);
- Potentially lucrative career in a field that interests me;
- Potential to specialise in insurance so early career not entirely wasted - already hold Advanced Diploma in Insurance (which may also carry some prior learning credits for GDL).


Cons:
- 2 years hard work balancing career/part-time study, then a potential leap of faith to study full-time or a further 2 years part time...;
- Likelihood of reduced earnings compared to what I am currently on;
- Probable that I will have to commute to London (again);
- Potential to go contracting in current field (have already worked as a contractor for brief period) with day rates of £500 achievable.


I have almost paid off my student loan, and my current job is minutes from my house (London commuter belt), so I am really struggling with the idea of getting into more debt.


Are there any legal pros on here that can give me some pointers? Is there a forum where I can get specialised advice (I've not found any non-US versions via Google)? Am I crazy considering a mid-career jump mainly based on job satisfaction? How likely is it that I'd be able to get a decent paid job at the end of the GDL/LPC? Should I stop watching Suits?!?!

Comms69

What area of law interests you most?


Being a solicitor is long hours and uncertain.

fiisch

Employment Law and Contract Law (I have an English degree) both interest me.


My experience would lend itself to insurance law.


Edit: This should obviously have been posted in the Employment Section - is there a moderator who could kindly correct my blunder?

Manxman_in_exile

Comms69 wrote: »

What area of law interests you most?


Being a solicitor is long hours and uncertain.

Plus not all solicitors are that well paid...it isn't necessarily a lucrative career.

davelewis

Getting a training contact is very difficult and extremely competitive - they are like gold dust. Be prepared to compete with younger graduates who will do anything to secure a training contract - by that I mean they will work as paralegal for minimum wage after all their training on the 'promise' of a training contract.

somethingcorporate

You will take a significant pay-cut in the short term. Even in the magic circle trainees do not get anywhere near £60k:
http://www.rollonfriday.com/InsideInfo/UKCityFirms/tabid/68/Default.aspx

It takes 2 years to qualify.

Good luck, super competitive out there.