A question for lawyers

[Harriettah]

I think that i eventually want to become a lawyer, and would love to work in a magic circle firm. I'm currently in my final year of university.

I didn't apply for any training contracts or vacation schemes this application cycle because I was planning on taking a gap year after university. This has changed because I have been offered a role as a management consultant at one of the big companies.

I'm thinking that I could do a few years as a consultant, and then apply for law vacation schemes/training contracts if i decide to still go down this path, as I assume the consultancy experience might make me stand out? Will I have a greater chance of securing a training contract, especially with a big firm, if I have previous experience in consultancy? Does this sounds like a viable plan?

Hello!

This might not be what you want to hear but I don’t think taking time out to be a management consultant will really bring you anything extra to the table, to be honest.

Our firm doesn’t really consider offering a training contract unless the applicant has demonstrated that they have relevant legal experience, usually in the form of unpaid internships, or volunteer work. Many have worked as paralegals before applying for a training contract.

We aren’t magic circle, but I suspect your dedication to practising law could be questioned if you have jumped into another career straight after university.

It’s so much more competitive these days than it used to be when I trained (11 years ago). If you really want to go into law - do your LPC and apply to firms. Take on some summer work placements.

And magic circle firms are brutal. My friend earned £150k/year from her mid 20s, but worked 60 hours a week in the office and took calls and emails pretty much every evening and all over the weekend. Doable for a couple of years but most people would burn out after a while.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

There are so many law firms in the city that aren't magic circle. Many of which would take you on. I've worked in the top five and in others. I prefer the others!

I am not a lawyer but have been involved in all departments and in many matters. I can honestly saw the more interesting work happens at those firms that are 300-800 people

Is your degree in Law? If you haven’t done anything towards a career in Law, take what you have been offered. You might not get another offer. Magic Circle are ultra choosy so if your degree isn’t what they want and your experience isn’t either, it will be tough.