Mumsnet Talk

Definitely agree. OP it sounds like you'd be best identifying firms that do both family and private client and targeting them. And make a business case for a part timer- especially if you're willing to accept a relatively low salary. When you're part time, even a few thousand doesn't add that much to your monthly pay packet- especially considering the nil rate tax band will soon be raised again. And no point faffing over how things could've been different, you are where you are full stop.

I don't know why people think family law will be more appropriate for p-t work. The hours can be long and stressful and as it is litigation based there are court deadlines you have to work to. TCs are like gold dust at the moment and at my firm we have so many applicants that I imagine anyone seeking a p-t TC would have no chance. I agree that you'd be far better off getting into a firm by doing paralegal or secretarial work and then applying for a TC and trying to negotiate p-t hours once you've got it, or simply applying for a f-t TC and accepting that you'll work f-t for 2 years and then try and negotiate p-t hours once you've qualified, and proved yourself.

I don't think people are saying family law is intrinsically better suited to PT, although when I did my TC family law seat, one of the solicitors did a 3 day week. It's just that in asking for PT, you're already asking the employer to think outside the box. If you're asking for it in an area you've not worked in, you're asking them to go even more out on a limb. Whereas if you already have experience, you're a safer pair of hands. You only need them to cross one bridge rather than two. If OP had paralegalled in a private client firm and was interested in moving into family, the same would apply.

I'd be concerned with the changes in legal aid that a TC in a family oriented firm would be even harder to come by now. Some of my former colleagues are being made redundant.

Agree Chunderella no point thinking about how things could be different - just got to get on with it!

Yes legal aid cuts concerning but hopefully will manage to find somewhere with a broad enough range of seats available to train in.

Thanks for all the posts btw, really appreciated.

One of my friends did do a part time TC but not part time as you're thinking of it (i.e. less than 5 days a week) but part time in that he did 6 months, had 6 months off etc so his TC took 4 years in total.
We have had trainees who, for health reasons (ME, arthritis), have ended up being part time but it wasn't scheduled part time hours but ad hoc depending on how they were feeling.

As a solicitor 6yrs pqe in commercial
Property who is now a SAHM I am amazed by anyone who manages to work as a fee earner and have a family life.

Most law firms expect ridiculous hours and almost frown upon you if you want to leave on time let alone early or work 4 days (in which vase you do 5 days work in 4)

The stress I experienced being a solicitor in a large regional firm in the south east was too much to face going back to. I don't think there is any easy option as an area for law - clients are demanding and firms expect you to service the clients- you are the clients bitch. I never cocked up on anything but a couple of colleagues were literally marched out the office for messing up and the firm being sued- as a solicitor you can't just have an off day and make a mistake - you end up being sued for being negligent.

Think long and hard