Retraining in law at 36 with young kids - possible or not?

[WomenShouldWinWomensSports]

So the background is, I'm currently not working (technically self employed as an editor), I was supposed to return to work as a biology teacher in September but couldn't actually afford the childcare bill and it was a job I don't really love and don't feel I'm doing my best work in.

BA Archaeology. Conversion course. PGCE Biology. MSc Bioarchaeology. Damn good at research and writing essays.

I've been at a career junction for a while now, and out of teaching for the last 8 years. I have mild bipolar disorder and ADHD.

Today it struck me that I have a lot to offer to the legal profession. I am drawn to the GC threads, even though I don't know everything people are talking about (gardening??), I am horrified by injustice and am thinking I'd like to retrain as a lawyer.

But I don't know where to start. The Law Society have recently changed it so you don't do a GDL/LPC anymore (that's how my now-retired aunt qualified years ago), you now seem to learn "on the job" then take an exam.

I don't really understand how to now get the experience to become the type of lawyer I'd like to be. I dream of working in corporate law and scrutinising contracts (I'm that person who DOES read the T&Cs).

As a mother I am solely responsible for two children under three years of age, one starts school this coming September. DH is on the scene 1 day and 1 evening a week due to his own work schedule. No family to watch the babies etc.

Would volunteering for the CAB get me to where I'm looking to go anytime soon as that's the only thing I can think of? Or is it the "wrong" area of law and therefore no good to get into corporate law? With my age (36), is corporate an unrealistic goal?

I'm within 1hr commuting distance of London but only recently moved here so no idea what's available.

Can anyone advise me on this at all please? I've posted in this topic specifically because I know there's quite a few practising lawyers in here who might have current info about this.

I have worked in law firms for over a decade and my DP is a lawyer. I started a law degree and abandoned it because I could see how tough it was going to be and what the ‘prize’ was (which didn’t feel like much of a prize, particularly in corporate where people often slept in the office). Perhaps you could try to get non-lawyer role in a law firm first to see what you think?

I’ve been in a similar spot OP and without being negative about the law plan, in your shoes I would look to maximise on your existing qualifications.

Have you thought about pharmaceutical? BioPharma? Someone with your background would be really valued, and there are short courses to prepare you for various areas. You could be good in QA.

I am a single mum and a very senior lawyer in a big firm.

I would say that it's much more possible these days to go home at 5.30pm, pick up kids from wrap around at 6pm, log back on from home at 6.30 or 7pm.

That makes the job possible. But you need to decide if that is sustainable for you. It means much less time with your children, and a rushed snack and quick bedtime.

You will be exhausted permanently.

You need childcare for occasions you have to be in the office late, functions, dinners etc all of which you are expected to attend more often than not. Increasingly there is an understanding that this is difficult for mums to do, but it really depends on the department you end up working in. Corporate are on average still more male dominated in terms of leadership, so may not be as accommodating as other areas of law, although it always depends on the firm, the team, the partner etc. Many men now take a bigger share in child care, although they tend to be younger and not in the top management of Law firms...

It's extremely tough at times, but if you are passionate, you can do it. IME parents/carers with school run duties tend to be more efficient than those that don't have such definite time constraints in their day.