Law conversion, masters, something else?

[EightSteps]

I'm thinking more and more about retraining and keep coming back to the idea of law.

I have a 2.1 in languages, 3 As at A level.

I'm not sure exactly what I want to do or where I'd like to work.

I'm probably too old to think about qualifying as a solicitor as at 50 I doubt I'd get a training contract and am not sure I'd have the stamina, so was thinking paralegal, conveyancing assistant or compliance.

I've had a look at the University of Law's different courses but can't work out what the best route would be.

Could anyone advise?

What about immigration law? You do a series of courses and can work in advocacy and advice.

Sounds interesting.

I'll see what I can find.

Has anyone done a law conversion course?

Look into CILEX or SQE route. Neither one requires a training contract

Thank you, I've just had a quick look at CILEX.
It does sound more suited to my situation, in that you can progress step by step.

Is it well regarded?

If you are prepared to invest quite a lot of money in training then you could consider qualifying as a notary - especially with your languages background. You’d need to do eight Cilex subjects and then the notary qualifications - part time over two years - most people do them while working. It’s a big investment. Depending on where you live though it’s likely to be more rewarding than the other careers you’ve suggested. When you qualify you can set up as a notary and run your own business and people do it well into their 70’s.

With CILEX you don’t become a solicitor (as you would if you qualified through the SQE)but rather a chartered legal executive.

Thank you for all your suggestions. Notarial work does sound very interesting.

I'm looking for a new career in which I still get a lot of intellectual stimulation but one which doesn't involve crowd control as, while I do enjoy teaching, I honestly can't see myself lasting until I'm 60.

One very important factor is I can't leave my current job for at least two years for various reasons, not least financial.
During that time I would be able to do work shadowing/experience for up to six weeks in the summer.
I think I would be able to commit to 10 hours studying per week.

From what I can make out CILEX courses require you to actually be employed in the legal world, or have I misundetstood?

Are there any other distance-learning providers that you would recommend?

Is there anyone here who has done somztjing similar?

A question: If I were to initially aim to work as a paralegal, presumably if I were good enough and motivated enough I could aim to qualify as a solicitor on the job, through self-study and/or SQE course?

I'm not looking to become some hot shot city lawyer, just find a good fit for me which will allow me to work until I can retire.

To anyone who works in this field, is it feasible to keep working into your 60s or is it too fast-paced and demanding? Do people 'wind down' by working part-time?

You’d probably have to start out as a legal secretary/ admin. You would need to have some qualifications to be employed as paralegal

Once you have done some of your exams/ have some understanding of the law, do update your linked in profile. Legal recruiters will approach you and line you up for jobs

I agree with the above, going straight in as a paralegal is unlikely. We do usually look for some experience. Do you have general admin experience?

Thanks for your feedback.

After doing more digging the afternoon I'd come to that conclusion too.

I've got some admin experience but have found an online course to be a legal secretary. Obviously a fraction of the price of the others mentioned.

Hi, I have been looking into this the whole year and was almost convincing my company to fund my study with CILEX then my whole team was made redundant in October so my dream of studying law went down the drain! I am still considering a career change I have been a contracts manager for more than 10 years, conveyancing law interests me and there is a course run by Licenced conveyancing -will need to check the name again or National Institute of licensed paralegals run courses too. Can you please share the name of the course provider you found? I might also have a look at that

To add, I also turned 50 last year! And
SQE option doesn't require training contract however they have something else called qualifying work experience that you need to do at some point after passing the two tests

https://www.institutelegalsecretaries.com/training/diploma/

This is the legal secretary course, @Selok

Not sure how useful or recognised it is.

Really bad luck on not getting your CILEX financed. Is there any way you can make a start, paying by installments, with the hope that your employer (future?) could pick up the tab later down the line?

@EightSteps yes, I know - very unfortunate, we all have been blindsided by the company. The whole process was really a shit-show, anyhow thanks very much for sharing. I am now also considering CIPS qualification, which might be also more relevant to my current roles and I would not need to start with entry-level jobs. Good luck to you as well with your studies or new ventures

Do you need a law degree before doing 8 cilex subjects? Thank you very much.

@polkadotmonstera you don't need a law degree or a background in law to do cilex training! I am still considering this option