To want to apply to the Government Legal Trainee Scheme at 39??

[SkaTastic]

I've just finished a degree in an Eduction subject which I have surprised myself by absolutely loving and getting a First. I have passed an interview and my skills tests and am all set to take up my teacher training place in September.

However..... my university sent an email out to graduates which included the Government Legal Training scheme and I really, really fancy applying. I always wanted to study law but I pissed around with a nob head of a boyfriend when I should have gone to uni and then had 3 children so I haven't focussed much on myself.

Am I being unreasonable to apply? Will they laugh at me? Is the course totally crazy? My kids are 9, 12 and 14 so just at an age where they require slightly less supervision....

I'm not a government lawyer but work with them. I think you'd be fine from an age point of view. I've seen a few career changers come through the trainee scheme. Hopefully someone who has done that scheme can advise in more detail but I don't think you would be U at all to apply.

Try it. I'm a solicitor and I'd recommend it. You will want to check though whether they assume you start post LPC (a post graduate course that you need to do between law degree and qualifying) or whether it's an apprenticeship type scheme top nowadays.
Alternatively, if you're interested in the law, why not look into further study? A law degree, an LPC (or CILEX) is perfectly achievable and I know many people who did law as a career change.

Sorry just realised that you have a degree. You could look at the graduate diploma in law - a conversion course. Or whatever the equivalent is, as the rules are changing now to the Solicitors Qualifying Exam.

A bit of useful law to start with: under the Equality Act age is a protected characteristic, so they mustn't treat you any differently from a 22 year old. And of all employers, the government tends to take this very seriously! Definitely apply!

It's a training contract or pupillage. You need to do LPC or BtPC first,. Though they fund it. For that you need Law degree or the conversion

I'm an ex solicitor turned civil servant (I'm not a govt lawyer tho). The training contracts for the government legal service are exceptionally competitive to obtain. You would find it easier to secure a contract at a magic circle or top city firm. You will need exceptional academics and relevant work experience plus I think the PP is right you would have to do or have done the GDL and LPC.
Having said that I can highly recommend government work- I love my job (I work with solicitors office from time to time and I do a technical role that I retrained for but that involves a lot of law type work). It's a fantastic career option if you have a family - flexible working etc but also really interesting and challenging work. If you are a stand out applicant then why not? It would be a brilliant job.

Well you’re definitely not too old, if that’s what’s worrying you. The retirement age will likely be 70-odd by the time you’re ready to retire so there’s plenty of working years left in you! (You’ll be glad of a desk job once you get to 60 and beyond, believe me!)

Work in a govt dept with a large legal team. Your age won't be an issue but it's very competitive, last year I believe we had over 2500 applicants for one position, and from what I know they did specify a degree/diploma in law.

Oh that's all really helpful thank you!