any trainee solicitors out there?? What do i ask my new mentor??

[cheritongirl]

Am just about to start GDL course and have been matched up with a mentor who is a specialist in matrimonial law, i was kind of expecting someone who did immigration stuff but nevermind - i just have noooo idea what matrimonial law entails and don't know what to ask this mentor guy but want to impress with my enthusiasm and penetrating questions! Any wise ideas very welcome. TIA

Hi - no words of wisdom really but just wanted to say 'hello'. I'm in the process of getting my application together to do a GDL starting next autumn (a terrifying prospect, frankly!). I'll be really interested to hear how you're getting on! Where are you studying? Are you doing full or part time? And how many kids do you have?

Anyway, as to the matrimonial law thing, isn't it pre-nups, divorces etc? Spouses rights? Dunno...... there's always Google?!! (note my enthusiasm and penetrating intelligence LOL!)

Good luck, anyway!

Ask about

unmarried separation

separating children and finances

how changes in public funding will affect clients (GRRRRR at LSC)

Thanks ladies.. 3beasties - i will keep you posted, look out for this thread title! I am doing it as a part time distance learning course at DMU in Leicester, but i live in Leicester too! I have one son who is nearly a year old - i'm guessing from your name you have a couple more..?! Trying to just sort a few hours of childcare for him as i have realized i cannot look after him, and do everything at home and pass my course all at once..not without going crazy anyway! All the best with your application

Hi there, I'm a qualified solicitor (insurance!) and also have a 1 year old.
My advice is to be honest with your mentor and say that you have limited knowledge of matrimonial law but you are always keen to learn new things. Then ask him what he enjoys about it.
To be fair there is nothing more embarrassing than someone pretending to know something about a subject just to impress you. In general you can see through it.
Lots of luck with your course.

thanks too saladsucks.. met the guy today and it was all fine, he has never mentored before (and i have in another job!) so i was pretty much giving him pointers about what we should be doing/talking about!
hope it will be useful anyway..

Hi cheritongirl

Glad it went well yesterday. Yes, you're right, I have 3 kids, all boys. They will be coming up for 6, 4 and 2 yrs old when I aim to start the course next autumn. I am under no illusions about what hard work it is going to be, but it should get a bit easier after the first year when the eldest to will be in school full time and the youngest will have a few sessions a week at preschool.

Are you aiming to go straight onto the LPC afterwards? That's my plan, but it does mean 4 consecutive years of hard graft so I may well have changed my mind when the time comes!! I am lucky enough to be married to a solicitor though so am expecting lots of help!! (just write this essay for me dear, will you?) (I'm kidding, obviously!!)

hi 3beasties, yes i am planning to go onto to the LPC, but I will probably have another baby (hopefully!) before i qualify so i guess there will probably be a year out in there somewhere - maybe between the 2 years of the GDL as i know you can do that. Think you are v brave doing it with 3 kiddies but yes, being married to a solicitor will probably be quite helpful! And at least you know what you are in for..
will keep you posted as to how it goes anyway. Do you know where you are going to apply to yet?