Any London Lawyers?

[SleepyBlackLab]

DD has managed to get a TC with a London Firm. She's so happy and I'm very pleased for her, it's been a slog.

She'll start the LPC in 2022 in London, she thinks in person.
The LPC is sponsored by the firm and she'll get a small bursary but it's not nearly enough to live on. I can help a bit but I'm wondering if she could work part time while she studies, how full on is the course? Do these firms allow the trainees to work as Legal Assistants?

We will of course have the money conversation but I don't want to rain on her parade just yet. I wonder how other trainees who don't live in London manage, it must be a common problem for lower income families?

LPC is quite full on during terms, could she work during the holidays?

I took out a professional studies loan to supplement the firm bursary. LPC is just one year and is quite full on if she wants to come out with a top mark. If she’s got a TC with a top firm she will be in a position to repay it. It was worth it for me. It took me a few years to clear my student loans and professional studies loans once I started working but it was manageable and still managed to get on property ladder at 26. I did work through university to help with living costs but I wouldn’t recommend it for the LPC year unless it was low commitment on hours. If she’s bright and capable enough to have got to this point then she will be able to do this bit without parental support. You should be very proud of her by the way - what she’s done is a real achievement.

Thank you for the replies. @parttimecarriemathison I am bursting with pride just got the mum anxiety about money. A loan sounds a very good option, thank you.

I found the LPC pretty light on hours so it would definitely be possible for her to do evening or weekend work.

I did exactly the same as parttimecarriemathison. Paid off the loan easily within 3 years.

I did it in the evenings while working full time across 2 years (and came out with a distinction) so I should think there’ll be time for a part time evening job in the evenings.

I extended my interest free overdraft (£2k) and worked prior to starting the LPC - could have managed a weekend job.

She can do it part-time over two years to accommodate the need to work to pay for it all. I definitely wouldn't recommend working while doing a full-time one-year LPC.

But I'd reiterate what others have said: she's done fantastically well! She's right at the top of her cohort if she's already got a TC with a firm who will sponsor her. I'd say: don't spoil the ship for a hap'orth of tar at this point. If need be get a loan to top up reserves for the LPC year. It will be a good investment.

I found the LPC pretty easy going and so worked all day Saturday and all day Sunday in a shop (and came out with a distinction). It’s definitely possible to work part-time when doing the LPC

As I recall it should be possible to work part time (evenings/weekends) in term and full time in holidays if she can find a suitable job. If she’s got a training contract then she doesn’t have to worry too much about building a cv and can do bar work or whatever pays the best.