Conversion to Law

[Wannabe2015]

Hello all,

I have a simple question that I have googled/queried at length but can't find a definitive answer to.

I am applying for CPE/GDL. Do I need to have undertaken work experience in a solicitor's office/firm before submitting the application or is it acceptable to apply having lined up relevant work experience to take place before the start of the course?

I graduated in 2005 and am moving from IT background/SAHM, hoping to enter into law.
Thanks

That is very good advice. I thought I'd do tax law - I won the university prize in it and beat all the man (not many women did that option) and was going an extra tax course as a trainee - ATTI or something , but I changed firms when I qualified and my first qualified job was in a different commercial area and that worked well too (another that I happened to do well in at university). In other words what you think you want to do ultimately does not always work out. Over 30 years I like most people have adapted and changed and having the capacity to cope with change is useful too.

I think commendations on the GDL or did one get a distinction ( I think she did) are good. One plays a sport for England. The other on a very long day of assessment for her TC found things in common with a partner at lunch (he kept horses, she show jumped) - now that could be any topic of course - they might both have sung in choirs or done knitting but having some kind of hobbies you can talk about is good (which is difficult with small children around). She was one of the few non Oxbridge on the entry day. Actually when I was recruited by a top firm on qualifying what made me very different from everyone else is I had had a baby at 22 and worked full time - that gave me a massive advantage - I had things in common with partners 20 years older and most clients which many 22 year olds don't. My issue was seeming so young, I graduated in law at 20 and I wanted gravitas.

(meant the daughters above..... It's hard to know what helps you get a job. I remember puzzling over it with daughter 2. It's also luck to an extent).

Thank you for the advice Gertrude.

Even though I'm a SAHM at the moment, I am involved with my DH's business. I deal with customers/clients on his behalf (he's not given to being tactful or salesman-like at times!)

I also run my own small online business, nothing major, not enough to pay tax on it. But that involves customer contact.

Do you think that is worth a mention? I had thought it perhaps not 'formal' enough?

Point taken on the IP/IT bias. I will broaden my view.

I've started on the Economist and the FT, that bit at least is easy to do!

And I had never considered trying to get some written work out there, great idea. Thank you.

(Just considered how embarrassed I might feel if, after seeking this advice, I don't get offered a place on GDL!)

It's good to hear experiences of women who found it easy to get back to work Beginner.

I echo your feelings about the downsides of being SAHM. We've done what we thought was best for us, but it has by no means been a picnic.

Being financially dependent has been a bitter pill to swallow, even with a supportive husband.

And like you, I worry about the role model aspect. I only have girls. I would like them to believe they can have a shot at anything in life. I don't want them to view me as just a facilitator, as opposed to a do-er, IYSWIM.

I am pretty certain you will get a place on the GDL.

It would be worth in any job interview or on CV to write about your own business. You don't have to say how small it is. I think whatever it's size it's worth mentioning. Most of the 21 year old graduates won't have done that and won't have experience of that kind of thing and plenty of clients are small business start ups so it's too to have experience of what they do.

In terms of describing your role in your husband's business I am sure it is just as accurate to say you and he run it. The law firm doesn't need to know who owns the shares in it or whatever. In other words tell the truth but don't down play your roles in these things. Too many women diminish their achievements and how good they are and too many men "big up" their supposed achievements to their advantage.

Thanks Greengrow. I need to work on selling myself at this point. Its very tempting to dismiss the small things as irrelevant.

I would concur that its something alot of women do to their detriment.

Your business experience is a real plus - definitely mention it.

Remember that you will be up against 22 year olds with barely any work experience, let alone of running their own business. It will absolutely strengthen your application. It shows ambition and entrepreneurial spirit, even if the scale is small.

Also factor it into your answers to specific questions: eg biggest challenges you have faced = dealing with difficult customers / making an important pitch / managing difficult employees / bad times for your business. Your interviewers will be able to relate to that.

Ps tell your interviewers that you want to be a positive role model for your girls, that you want to achieve. It would go down well with me!

Final thing: have you read Lean In? You should - it will make you appreciate yourself and open your eyes to the disservice which women do to themselves the whole time.

Funny you should mention Lean In. I read it months ago. 'What would you do if you weren't afraid' was a bit of a catalyst for me. My years spent in those big commercial environments dominated by men. I never pushed myself forward, never challenged, never questioned. A very difficult place for a 21 -25 year old girl. Now I do kick myself for being so submissive. Fear has definitely held me back. I almost feel resentful about it. It was a deeply sexist environment.