A question for solicitors

[PinkythePiglet]

Hi

Id like to know which of the two is better, in your opinion:

LLM (PGDL + SQE1 prep) at BPP
https://www.bpp.com/courses/law/postgraduate/sqe/llm-law-conversion-sqe1

or

LLB (SQE route) at Open University, graduate entry
https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/law/degrees/bachelor-of-laws-graduate-entry-r82

Background:

I’m in a moment in life when I think it’s my last chance to ‘go for it’ and do what I’d like to do.

I’ve spent most o my life working with/in law, even been a trainer in a particular area I can say I know well. But I don’t have a QLD.

I’d like to become a solicitor but as I have to work, I can only study via distance learning.

I can’t really ask at work for fear it could come to the higher ups attention which I don’t want.

My work won’t sponsor me, I don’t qualify for any loans anymore (have BA and MA but done abroad and frankly, useless over here).

Many thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts! 🙏

Most solicitors won’t know. I’m 25 years pqe but wouldn’t have a clue because everything has changed in the past couple of years

Agree with PP, I don't really know. Generally BPP has a better reputation for professional legal training than OU.

Agree. The trouble with sql is that when it was introduced they said they would provide results by provider so that people could compare how well they were being taught, but they haven’t. I suspect because one or more (or all!) big providers would come out shockingly badly. It means that it is v difficult to know what you are spending your money on.

You don’t need a QLD to take the SQE, just a degree. I wouldn’t bother with the LLM (and definitely not the LLB!), just get straight on with SQE1.

Thank you, this is exactly the difficulty.

BPP voluntarily publishes their SQE pass results but OU does not and this worries me.

What about doing a shorter course if you have some experience? Something like this is a good compromise and can be done online: https://www.law.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/law/sqe-law-essentials/online/

I absolutely wouldn't attempt the SQE without some legal education, despite the fact you technically can. The pass rates for students who start the SQE without an LLB, conversion or SQELE are shockingly poor.

No clue but my gut tells me that the first option is likely to be better received. Law firms tend to be incredibly snobby and may not rate an Open University qualification as much as one from BPP.

It has all changed since I did it but BPP and University of Law used to be the main ones for the law conversion and the LPC as was, so I expect you would be fine with BPP.

Although many lawyers will not know I am a lawyer with 4 lawyer children and last 2 qualified this year so I do know. The better course is the BPP masters with PDGL and SQE1 which is the course (plus SQE2) the City Consortium firms put their future trainees through. However part time that is going to take you three years.

What about the following - apply now for training contracts in firms that will sponsor your 2 years of post grad law study? Applications have just opened in most firms for recruiting several years ahead . See how you go

If there is no way a law firm would take you on as a trainee for whatever reason including poor A level grades then if your sole aim is to qualify then you could even self study for SQE1 and 2 so just have £5k of exam fees to pay Kaplan. You would still need 2 years of QWE and perhaps there is a paralegal job at your current firm you could do once you have passed SQE1 and 2 but make sure it is one that counts for QWE. then once you are qualified although law firms may not be snapping you up you are even allowed to set up on your own if you do no litigation

I have worked in several law firms hiring trainees.

Is your plan to do your QWE and qualify and then try and find an NQ role or to actually do the old style TC?

My advice would differ potentially based on your desired outcome. However, BPP definitely over the OU.