Can you do a GDL without a training contract?
Firms frequently pay for and organise GDL places for their future trainees, so it’s not really a factor in deciding whether or not to offer someone a training contract. The GDL itself won’t make it easier to get a training contract—but the latter three things will.
Is training contract compulsory?
A training contract is a compulsory period of practical training in a law firm for law graduates before they can qualify as a solicitor in the United Kingdom (UK), the Republic of Ireland, Australia or Hong Kong, or as an advocate and solicitor in Singapore. A training contract can apply to any profession.
Do training contracts pay for GDL?
We will pay future LPC/GDL fees together with £5,000 mainteance fees to students who have been offered a training contract. Full fees (both GDL and LPC) are paid dependant on the point of offer plus a maintenance grant of £5,500 per annum if studying outside London, £6,500 if studying in London.
Do you need GDL to be paralegal?
Due to the popularity of paralegal positions, most law firms require as a minimum a 2.2 (and sometimes even a 2:1) in a qualifying law degree if you have done a degree. Alternatively, a similar result in a non-law degree supplemented with a pass on a law conversion course such as the GDL is acceptable.
Do law firms accept GDL?
The majority of firms that offer to cover the cost of the GDL are large, London-based, commercial law firms. They do not solely cover the cost of the GDL, but also cover the cost of the LPC and a supporting maintenance grant.
When can I start a training contract?
Non-law students tend to start applying for training contracts in their final year (for training contracts starting three years down the line) or during their GDL (for training contracts beginning in two years’ time). Most law firms accept law and non-law students onto their training contracts.
Do you need an LPC to be a paralegal?
A small number of paralegal jobs (mostly those in larger solicitors’ firms) will require you to have successfully completed the Legal Practice Course or the Bar Professional Training Course. Most paralegals do not have the LPC/BPTC and in our experience most employers do not expect it.
Can you take LPC without training contract?
Every year, a large group of aspiring trainees make the difficult decision to embark on the Legal Practice Course (LPC) without having secured a training contract. If you don’t have a whole lot of work experience, you could use your LPC year to apply for vacation schemes or other legal and commercial opportunities.
Is LPC easier than GDL?
Compared to the GDL, I found the LPC a lot easier as it’s less theoretical and more practical so to score well you just need to focus on applying the law to the facts in front of you.
Can I become a solicitor without a training contract?
You can apply for exemption for the period of recognised training. This means that you could qualify as a solicitor without having to do a training contract. You complete an application form where you provide evidence for the skills required to become a solicitor.
Can a GDL student get a training contract?
Another reason why doing the GDL could put you on a better footing in applying for training contracts is that you’ll have an extra year (or even two years) to build on your work experience, commercial awareness and general law CV. The vast majority of GDL students have not done law prior to converting.
Can you go to law school with a GDL?
There are no doubt barristers out there with less-than-perfect academic histories, but these are the exceptions to the rule. Of course, most law schools and universities will accept you onto a GDL, LPC or BPTC program even if you have a 2.2, no legal work experience and no realistic prospect of ever securing a training contract or pupillage.
How long does it take to get a training contract?
Some law firms set up training contracts in advance, as much as two years, but this depends on the firm. A training contract is a two-year placement undertaken by trainee solicitors after they finish their Legal Practice Course (LPC) and it’s completed over the space of 12 months.
Is it hard to get job with GDL?
Therefore, anyone wondering ‘how hard is GDL?’ should know that it is an intense programme. It puts you in equal footing with law graduates, and some employers appreciate applicants with a GDL as they have a further degree and a broader skill set.