Paralegal/solicitor via law CPE/ alternatives?

[BebeStevens]

I wonder if anyone can help me please?

I’ve been out of the job market for 10+ years with complex child rearing, which is now coming to a point where I’m able to step away from the level of intensity that was required.

I’ve got a 1st in an unrelated degree subject and looking for a route into some kind of training. A job search threw up solicitor training with the local government and set me off down a rabbit hole. I know the training path is changing after this year so I’m keen to know what other people have done in order to train in this area. I don’t want to move home, I’m not ambitious in terms of big companies etc, but I would like to start feeling like I’m using my brain for something challenging again.

I’m in two minds, in some ways I want to say “screw it” and jump all in for the last year of the CPE path before September rolls around and the (crazy sounding) new exams are implemented.

My more rational side thinks I should take some paralegal courses and decide if I really want to do it, not change anything too drastically and just take sensible steps towards a career.

Has anyone taken this kind of path? Does anyone have any wisdom in this area? I would so appreciate a little insight please after my late night obsessive googling

[NickyHeath]

I’m following - similar to you, I have a 1st from an irrelevant degree, & been child rearing/doing odd part time jobs for the last decade. All my kids are in school now & I am wondering what to do...

[GOODCAT]

I did a law degree as a mature student and became a solicitor as it felt like the easiest way in.

Now I am in the industry I would recommend trying to get a paralegal or admin. role and getting a foot in the door first. Many firms are very good at then investing in you and giving you the opportunity to qualify. That way you see if it is really for you and also get it paid for you. Personally now I wouldn't do it the other way around.

[BebeStevens]

@NickyHeath it’s challenging isn’t it? I don’t have many listable skills or training and the options here are a little limited. It would be good to have a chance to learn something new and useful, and my small child days are over now, same as you. Have you found anything you like the look of anywhere?

[BebeStevens]

@GOODCAT thanks for your perspective, my rational side is leaning towards that, I wonder about taking a level 3 / 4 paralegal course to support that route? I also looked at apprenticeships which might be another foot in the door?

[nellly]

Hello, I work in legal services for local government. We offer apprenticeships as an alternative that are really good. Takes a bit longer but you're getting paid along the way. We have a real diverse mix of people doing it

[GOODCAT]

Apprenticeships are even better. I wouldn't do a paralegal course until you have found a firm willing to employ you.

I recruit for these roles when we have them and I wouldn't be remotely bothered whether someone had done a paralegal course or not. I would actually rather start someone from scratch.

[NickyHeath]

@BebeStevens yeah it’s hard. I live rurally, there aren’t many jobs around & it’s an hour to my nearest city, so options feel pretty limited... I’ve been keeping an eye out for an apprenticeship with my district council but nothing has come up yet.

Feel like my other option is to forget about a career & become a TA...

[BebeStevens]

Interesting, thank you nelly and goodcat could you tell me please what sort of job role would I be searching for to get a foot in the door?

Everything I’ve seen, from legal secretary - paralegal - assistant are asking for 1 yr+ experience. It’s a challenge but I suppose there’s asking firms directly for work experience? Or falling on an apprenticeship.

Nicky yes, similar position to you here!

[nellly]

I'm fairly sure ours are advertised explicitly as apprenticeships with the Council. Legal isn't the only option. They also used to recruit at apprenticeship fairs though I think that's stopped since Covid

[BebeStevens]

Thanks nellly I'll keep checking the listings locally.