Is it too late to become a lawyer?

Hi, 

I have decided after much internal debate that I really want to pursue a career in law. I'm a second year studying Philosophy & Economics at LSE, and got decent marks in my first year (67% = 2:1). Problem is that I have no legal work experience to speak of. I'm looking for some advice as to where to start on the road to becoming a lawyer, as every work experience thing I look at wants prior experience/ knowledge. What things can I do to prove that I'm serious about this?                                 By Hockey Joe

Dear Hockey Joe, 

First it's never too late to become a lawyer. Have you heard of the GDL? It's a year long conversion course that converts your non law degree into a law degree, so don't quit the degree you are already studying for as it may prove valuable in the future. You are already receiving good grades which will help you apply to the GDL and bigger law firms further down the line. 

After GDL conversion course you can then study for either the LPC in order to become a solicitor (which, if you get a training contract the company usually pays for this and also sometimes the GDL) or the BPTC followed by a pupilage to become a barrister. Some really useful websites are lawcareers and also Grad diaries to see what type of grades firms are looking for. This blog post may help you  to understand what is expected of you during a law degree.

Possible routes into the legal profession

Secondly, work experience is an extremely valuable thing to have on your c.v. It shows employers you are committed and interested in this career path. I wrote a previous post on the best types of work experience, which you can find here. But many extra-curricular activities provide similar skills to what are being sought, however this shouldn't replace relevant legal experience. Volunteering in a solicitors office or The Citizen's Advice Bureau is said to be some of the best places to gain relevant experience in multiple areas of law. However even open days, vacation schemes and mini-pupilages count towards experience, the best time to start apply is early January, but most  run throughout the year, Grad diaries is a great place to find this information.                              Lawyerano