Anyone retrained as a lawyer - is 33 too old?

[careerchange202024]

Anyone here retrained as a lawyer later in life?

I'm currently 30. I'm thinking of retraining to become a solicitor after I've paid off my mortgage as it gives me a bit more flexibility financially. I intend to finish paying off my mortgage when I'm 33. Is that too old to be thinking of retraining?

I currently have a maths degree so I should be able to do the law conversion course - LLB for Graduates. I'm confused on the timing for this as well as I thought it was a 1 year course but I've seen a few universities advertise this as a 2 year course despite it being full-time.

I'm really keen at the moment but don't know if I'm kidding myself with how competitive the job market probably is for solicitors and how many younger law grads there will be.

It would be nice to get some legal work experience in the meantime but I know that's hard to come by. Any advice or stories would be really appreciated.

My daughter did musical theatre for 10 years then decided to do law. Did a 2 year online degree in Scotland. She's just finished aged 29. Doing diploma next year then starts her traineeship in September 2023 she will be 30. So 33 not too old and you will have life skills.

Working full time might make securing work experience tricky unless you were willing to use a bit of annual leave to do so. Larger firms tend to offer vacation schemes which you need to apply for but often these are auditions, if you like, for the potential offer of a TC. They are difficult to get onto however as you can imagine. I’d reach out to smaller firms/call in favours or any contacts you have and see if you can get a few days in here and there. There also might be some advice organisations that allow you to volunteer out of ‘office’ hours. Perhaps also see about signing up for a mentoring scheme, that might open some doors or a least give you a resource to ask advice.

I’m not a lawyer OP but it’s never too late to retrain

If you've got a degree in Mathematics, becoming a Costs Lawyer may be right up your street too. Training and qualifying time is shorter too.

I currently work as a McKenzie friend. No law degree required!