Lawyers, law (CPE/ LPC) advice needed

[BramblyHedge]

I am currently having a 'what am I going to do with my life' phase and I have wondered about law. Not sure if I am mad though and would welcome some thought.

Background:
-I am 31
-I have a LLB and MA in law but 10 yrs ago so non qualifying now.
-I worked full time until 2006 (Big 4 accountancy/ civil service) when I had my first ds and have done part time on and off for my mums small business since (which is not my thing at all but convenient for money/ time off). In September I am due back part time when ds1 starts school. I didn't pursue law the first time round as I didn't identify with all the bright young things at Uni who were aiming for magic circle firms. Having lived a bit I now semi regret this a bit.
-I live in Bucks so can commute to London for study/ work

So am I bonkers. My doubts are,
-am I too old now,
-will it put too much strain on my family (DP, ds1 (4), ds2 (almost 2). DP is supportive in general of my being fulfilled
-given current climate am I really going to struggle to get a TC and a job (in order to pay off the hefty loan I will need). Not sure I'd be wanting the whole big City firm thing having worked at a Big 4 accountancy but maybe something a bit lower key.

So really just wondering if anyone else has gone this route with kids and how it panned out. Thanks for any thoughts.

hi, i work in a law firm (fairly small - 13 partners and employ about 100 people in total) i am only a secretary but have done a HND and the first few years of an ILEX course aiming to be a lega executive and started my degree. i then stopped! reason being that i worked in a law firm at the sae time nad you have to put in LONG hours and everything is money targets all the time. i have been working in law firms for about twelve years and there have been soooo many changes in the law every year so you will probably have to do lots of studying. many of the solicitors work from 8/9am in the morning until 9pm/10pm at night to meet their targets. (always the threat that they will get rid of you and get some one else willing to put in the hours) and you dont get overtime! these are all firms in the northwest/northeast of England. i wanted a job where i worked my 9 to 5 and then went home to my ds. it is also a very stressful job.

on the plus side you are never too old. one of our recent trainees is 41 and they have given him a contract at the end of his training contract

thats my personal opinion , sorry its so negative but hope it helps

No - negative is fine! TBH, having pondered a bit more I am not sure it is going to work with the kids. Having worked in that environment in accountancy in London I think I know exactly what I would be in for. Thanks for replying.

I've just passed my GDL / CPE and am heading off to Guildford in Sept to start the LPC. I've worked full time whilst studying whilst also having a 5yo and 1yo (in fact DS2 was born the day after EU law exam last June!)

It's bloody hard work but it is do-able. I have the same doubts as you - I don't want 14 hour days at a London firm, 9-5 locally would suit. And I also recognise that the tuition fees are massive and training contracts are like gold dust. In fact, the more I think about it, it's a ridiculous idea...!

BUT...I don't want to look back in 20 years time and wonder "what if?". Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith.

If you think you have a chance of getting into a firm that will allow you to have a good work-life balance, I say go for it!

If you are unable to get a training contract in this market, the alternative to get your foot in the door and some training is to consider being a paralegal, for one of the larger firms.

Hours should be quite sane and gives you an insight into whether you like the scene. Not unheard of for paralegals to be offered training contracts, but you have to impress of course.