Becoming a Soliciter (SP!)

[jofeb04]

Im thinking of becoming a soliciter, its something that ive been interested in for some time, but i never have done anything about it.
I dont even know where to start, what uni course should i need to be looking at etc. This may sound stupid, but im 24, is this too old to be looking into a total change of direction?

thanks.

I jsut wish I had started this sooner!

yes, I used to sneak off with me little cool bag

then had to smuggle the full bottles into the fridge in the kitchen

You mean, they'd think "My God, there's a woman expressing milk in there!"

Hi JoFeb04. Don't normally post but this one is relevant to me. My DD is now 16 months old and I just started a training contract last week. I did my CPE and LPC some time ago but couldn't do a training contract straight away for financial reasons. I stayed at home after DD was born so we learnt to cope w/o my income. Now working at a local firm (v small sole practitioner) which I got by sending letters out within a 20 mile radius. He wasn't even looking for a trainee but managed to convince him I was looking for a steady long-term position. I think it helped I was a little older (31yrs) and that I had a lot of life experience. It's only my 2nd wk but I'm loving it - best decision I ever made. Anniemac is right that you need a supportive partner - mine isn't the most reliable but he's buckled down in the last couple of weeks and is making me quite proud (he's been a bit rubbish since she was born). I work 8am until 5pm which fits in around nursery fine. DP drops her off and I pick her up. I think you should go for it and worry about the details later. You can always drop out if you and the kids are finding it too tough but you'll kick yourself later if you don't try now. Hope that helps xx

Thanks for all the advice, seriously thinking about it as a career now.

Conversion courses usually cost several thousand so I guess it would be worth taking that into consideration.

jofeb04 -

I trained to be a solicitor in my early 30's so it's never too late ! I qualified in a City firm (corporate law) in 2001, worked one more year as post-qualified and then gave up to change direction, got married and now at home with my 20 mo DS !

Suggestions:

1. Are you sure ? Sorry, sounds like a silly question, but when I was studying and training I came across lots of people who just thought it was a good idea (and good money !) but weren't really sure why they were doing it. Make sure you do as you will be asked again and again in job interviews.

1. What area of law ? Again a good idea to think about it now. The law is wonderful because of the diversity of things you can do, anything from Shipping Law, to Farming Law, to Human Right Law.

1. Do you have a degree ? If not, do a law degree. If you have a degree already, you can convert to law by doing the CPE. See 4.

1. Once you have a vague idea about 1. and 2. apply to do your CPE (Common Practice Exams - not sure what they are called these days). If you need to find a course near you (you can do it p/t over 2 years or f/t in one year, evenings or day time) call the Law Society. They have a website so check it out.

1. Another thing to think about if you have children. Legal work is extremely stressful and the hours can be long. Think about how it will impact on your family life once you qualify. It is NOT always well paid. It is if you do corporate law in a high flying firm, but then you have to work for your money ! I am talking stress and long hours.

1. If you need tips on job interviews, come back here and I will be happy to give some good tips !

Best of luck