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Original poster

Am I too late to retrain in Law??

83 replies

Dellabob123 · 04/09/2021 16:19

Just that really.
Had a successful career in marketing, had a few years break to have children and now thinking at 42 I’d really like to to do the GDL conversion course. It’s something I’ve always been interest in, but took a different route at uni. I really want to stidy again with a view to a new career.
I’m worried about age, I’m worried about managing family life- being there for the children, after school, cooking and general stuff that I might not have the time for.

What is realistic?? Has anyone done it and successfully navigated family life?

OP posts:

Original poster

Dellabob123 · 04/09/2021 18:15

@GiveMeNovocain

By the way, my career is a similar area to yours. I've gone public service I house for a bit so pretty regular hours, on call on a rota, decent holidays and pension but most importantly I think I could negotiate my hours if needed. I took about 2 years out and it was fine to restart at level I left. There's loads of possibilities in your 40s.

This is very interesting- well done on your conversion. Did you combine your existing career with your law choices?

OP posts:

burnoutbabe · 04/09/2021 18:16

I just did a 2 year law degree at 48 (interest for me, not to change career) and honestly i'd say do not bother.

The amount of stuff students are doing to get training places is crazy, they are so intense and they are not getting contracts (this is students getting 2.1 firsts at a Russell group uni).

Its maybe possible IF you come from a niche background - say you are a medic and want to move into medicial negligence (or i am an accountant so could focus on tax law) which gives you that added something to get a job.

I also follow lots of mature students doing law on instragram who are struggling with work/finding jobs/fitting it all in. legalbelle is one to check out.

Original poster

Dellabob123 · 04/09/2021 18:17

Christ.
My plan b was family law....

OP posts:

groundcontroltomontydon · 04/09/2021 18:19

Maybe look at MoJ for roles where you could use your existing skills?

Original poster

Dellabob123 · 04/09/2021 18:20

Thanks @burnoutbabe

OP posts:

ActonSquirrel · 04/09/2021 18:21

@Dellabob123

Christ. My plan b was family law....

Why? Legal aid no longer exists for it unless care or DV.

Another really miserable area too.

Squirrelonwheels · 04/09/2021 18:21

Not a career as it’s voluntary, but if you’re interested in law then a different option might be to volunteer as a magistrate alongside your current career?

burnoutbabe · 04/09/2021 18:21

I was advised by someone who knew me well to avoid family law.

As i like winning. And in family law, who really wins?

now say contracts/mergers, both companies probably go away happy if a deal is reached, even with compromises. Divorce law cases - no one goes away happy do they?

Edmontine · 04/09/2021 18:23

Surely you’re going to look a little harder than this?

Although … Why criminal law, really? I’m sure you’re aware it’s nothing like TV crime or courtroom drama.

How d’you think you’d fare interviewing your (never before met) client in a cell beneath the magistrates’ court, fifteen minutes before their bail hearing? For pennies?

Or working on a rape case where it’s clear from the start that the defendant will not be convicted - because the alleged victim a) had been drinking and b) completely fails to cry to order in court?

I do think you owe it to yourself to investigate thoroughly - so you’ll have confidence in your decision to do something else.

mommybear1 · 04/09/2021 18:24

Hi I'm a solicitor/Partner and I would not recommend law to fit with family life and unfortunately both criminal and family are very poorly paid and very hard work/long hours. In house work is more compatible with family life and to be honest the dog eat dog analogy is right it's a tough environment.

Schmooo · 04/09/2021 18:25

Why not consider social work? Part of the degree is law-based and your skills will be in high demand

HasaDigaEebowai · 04/09/2021 18:27

I’m worried about age, I’m worried about managing family life- being there for the children, after school, cooking and general stuff that I might not have the time for.

Just don’t. All of this would be adversely impacted by you becoming a junior lawyer. It’s not a role for anyone with commitments.

burnoutbabe · 04/09/2021 18:27

as an aside, i have enjoyed the study of law. Am doing a masters in it in September (computer game/film law). its a fascinating subject!

(and more magistrates are needed so will probably apply for that when masters ends)

Mamamovingnorth · 04/09/2021 18:31

Another lawyer here. I have friends and colleagues from all areas of law. What we have in common is that we all hate being lawyers.

emsyj37 · 04/09/2021 18:38

Ex lawyer here. Watch this, it's golden truth:

On a more helpful note, I changed career in my 30s with young children by doing the Tax Specialist Programme at HMRC. There are lots of jobs in compliance (including criminal type work, which I personally haven't done but those jobs are there for people who want to) that have lots of similar aspects to law. We interpret legislation and apply it, deal with customers and their representatives - it's a really interesting job and worth a look. Happy to chat about it on PM if you're interested. I enjoy my job so much more now, I would never go back to law.

separatedandseething · 04/09/2021 18:42

'Why not consider social work? Part of the degree is law-based and your skills will be in high demand*'

I retrained as a SE at 50. It's doable and you'd definitely get a job at the end of it. However, it's stressful, high caseload and poor pay. It is, though, varied. No two days are the same and I am never bored. DM me if you want more information.

LEMtheoriginal · 04/09/2021 18:44

I always find it interesting that when people post on tjese threads they are always told not to do it by people already in the jobs. That does whiff a little of either bitterness or arrogance.

I retrained late in life, ive just qualified at 50 in a low paid, high stress profession. I love my job but the profession is in a terrible state just now. I make people aware of the cons but still encourage them if thats what they really want to do.

Go for it OP, if you have a good support network and solid work ethic, there's nothing stopping you

GiveMeNovocain · 04/09/2021 18:44

No I'm back in comms but it helped me show how amazing I am at time management in interview 😂 I'd never look at anything other than public law or probate. Criminal law is great to study but awful hours and the cases would depress me, family law is now so hard to get legal aid for a lot of people self represent. In your position I'd look at what area would match your current expertise and use it as a springboard in to an area of law if possible

legoriakelne · 04/09/2021 18:53

That's a huge upheaval just to try and avoid feeling a normal emotion. I don't think it's possible to be a human being and never experience regret.

HasaDigaEebowai · 04/09/2021 18:55

I always find it interesting that when people post on tjese threads they are always told not to do it by people already in the jobs. That does whiff a little of either bitterness or arrogance.

Or possibly, having worked in the profession for decades we see how it’s changed, how so much can now be done remotely so training juniors is very difficult, how the graduates are competing with more and more people for fewer and fewer roles, how more and more is being pushed down to paralegals working for minimum wage because they can’t get training contracts and how you work ridiculous hours which is doable when you have no commitments but can be impossible to juggle with family life, particularly since it’s common to have to move cities to even get a training contract.

I’m not bitter, it’s been a good career for both me and DH. All lawyers are a bit arrogant IME

burnoutbabe · 04/09/2021 18:58

I would maybe try and work out a plan.

Now, to get on a coirse you probably need evidence of recent study, do you have anything?

How would you fund it? would you work at same time (maybe go part time at your current level) and could you do the GDL over a few years maybe?

how would childcare be managed? would it be more practical when kids are more self sufficient (ie secondary school). Will everyone in family mind you spending all weekends studying for the 9 months?

ActonSquirrel · 04/09/2021 18:59

Nursing?

Skills highly in demand and starting salary is almost £25k despite the pleadings of poverty.

Trainee solicitors can be and are paid minimum wage in some cases.

ramarama · 04/09/2021 19:10

OP would you consider moving into business development within the legal sector?
It might give you a taste of the world you're interested, in, but your marketing skills would make you valuable (this is similar to what I've just done BTW, I'm 44)

squee123 · 04/09/2021 19:17

I actually think your age might be an advantage. You'll bring maturity and life experience that someone fresh out of uni wouldn't have. I'm a solicitor in the magic circle and do quite a lot of interviewing any would be excited to interview someone with your background.

You don't need to gamble with this. Get yourself some relevant work experience. Contact your local Citizens' Advice and Law Centre and see if you can volunteer. Write to lots of firms. Apply for the big city firm's vacation placements. Then apply for training contracts. If you're successful many will pay for your GDL and the bigger firm's give a maintenance allowance too.

What are your grades like? Whereabouts in the country are you?

Crazycatlady83 · 04/09/2021 19:17

I am a solicitor and do family law. Sounds like I must be the exception to the rule, but I love my job! It really isn't that depressing - you are helping people at one of their most vulnerable times.

Also, My firm has worked really hard to allow me to work school hours (I do occasionally do "overtime", work outside my core hours etc but my hours allow me to collect my son from school every day and that's the most important thing for me) i attend court most weeks in the mornings only (in person prior to Covid and mostly remotely post Covid which has made it a lot easier) if I have hearings in the afternoons, a colleague covers or I instruct a barrister. My clients have my mobile number so can contact me if needed but most contact me in my core hours (which they are informed of before I take them on) and i have a manageable case load meaning I can keep (most!) happy by being completely available if needed!

I am quite senior though so put the hard hours in when I was younger!

Don't be completely put off by comments on here, but speak to some people IRL and maybe try to get some work experience.

I really like getting CVs from people with other life experience as they can normally bring other stuff to the table rather than just a fresh student from law school. Their are pros and cons for both sorts of applicants!

Good luck with whatever you decide!

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