1 Junior Lawyers DivisionBecoming a solicitor Guidance for undergraduate law students

2 What is the Junior Lawyers Division?The Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) is an independent voice for junior lawyers across England and Wales. It is a division of the Law Society that represents, campaigns and provides services for: - LPC students - LPC graduates (e.g. paralegals) - trainee solicitors - solicitors up to five years qualified With over 70,000 members, it is one of the largest membership networks within the Law Society. Membership of the JLD is free and automatic for those who fall within the above membership groups.

3 Thinking about becoming a solicitor?Law is a rewarding career and many junior lawyers, working across the spectrum of career opportunities from legal aid to magic circle firms and the employed sector (in-house legal depts), enjoy and value the profession they have chosen. However before you embark on a career as a solicitor make sure you’re aware of the challenges and expenses ahead.

4 What is the aim of this talk?The JLD is aiming to provide you with helpful information about pursuing a career as a solicitor. We will talk about the traditional route to qualification as a solicitor but also outline some of the alternative routes available as well as funding options and applying for training contracts. Please note that throughout the presentation there will be references to “firms”. This also includes in-house legal departments - not just private practice law firms.

5 In the news…

6 Training as a solicitor – the route and timetableThe traditional route is: qualifying law degree (not all law degrees are recognised) one year post graduate course – The Legal Practice Course (LPC) two year training contract with a firm / organisation (the term training contract” is gradually being replaced with the term “period of recognised training”) However there are alternative routes to becoming a solicitor. We outline these later in the presentation. N.B. The 2 year training contract may be reduced by up to 6 months subject to proof that the trainee has had equivalent experience within a law firm. This is on a like for like basis. Eg. 6 months full time experience within a law firm would entitle the trainee to a 6 months reduction. Please see the SRA ‘Training Trainee Solicitors Guidelines: for recognising previous experience (time to count)’

7 The SRA The solicitors’ profession is regulated by the SolicitorsRegulation Authority (SRA). The SRA set the training and entry requirements. The requirements for qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales are detailed in the Training Regulations Qualification and Provider Regulations - and are supplemented by Information Packs which provide further guidance. Information can be found on the SRA website.

8 Legal Practice Course

9 About the LPC The Legal Practice Course (LPC) is part of the vocational stage of training to be a solicitor. It can be studied full or part-time with an authorised LPC provider. It is most commonly taken as a one-year full-time, or a two-year part-time course. Some institutions offer a distance learning option as well. Unlike a law degree, the LPC is practical in nature and the focus is on learning relevant skills required of a solicitor. The aim of the LPC is to prepare students for work-based learning and to provide a general foundation for practice.

10 What does the LPC entail?The LPC comprises two stages: Stage 1 - Core Practice areas and skills; and Stage 2 - Three vocational electives. Note: Non-law graduates would need to do a conversion course – the graduate diploma in law (GDL) – before embarking upon the LPC

11 What does the LPC entail?Stage 1 Essential practice areas - Business Law and Practice - Property Law and Practice - Litigation Course Skills Professional Conduct and Regulation Taxation Wills and Administration of Estate Stage 2 Three Vocational Electives

12 What does the LPC entail?Pervasive and core areas: Professional conduct and client care, advocacy, interviewing and advising, writing, drafting, and research. Skills: Legal research, drafting, interviewing, negotiating and advocacy. Assessment of the LPC comprises a mixture of written exams, course work and practical assessments such as mock trials and client interviews.

13 Enrolling on the LPC Applications for almost all institutions that offer the LPC course are managed by the Central Applications Board - contact it for an application form or apply online. There is no longer a deadline by which to apply but as a general rule, you should aim to apply from September onwards in your final year of your law degree (or whilst on your GDL).

14 Funding your studies

15 Wealth warning – financial considerationsFees vary according to where and how you study, but the LPC on average costs £11,500. On top of course fees, you’ll need to cover your living expenses. Government-funded student loans are not available for the LPC. While some high street banks offer graduate/career development loans, these are increasingly hard to come by. Typically the maximum loan is £10,000. With an APR of around 10%, it’ll cost you around £250 per month to pay this back over five years. These are commercial loans which must be paid regardless of your earnings. Note! In August 2016 the Student Loan Scheme will be extended to include post graduate Masters courses, including some LLM/LPCs. Other sources of funding information can be found on the JLD website –

16 Wealth warning – financial considerationsSome scholarships and bursaries, such as the Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme, are available but these are very limited and subject to specific qualification criteria. Other funding options can be found on the JLD website –

17 Salaries – not all solicitors are richSome solicitors are repaying LPC debts well into their qualified years. The mandatory minimum salary for trainees was abolished by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) on 1 August 2014. Employers are now only obliged to pay the national minimum wage of £7.20 an hour (for 25 years of age or over). In November 2015 the Law Society introduced a recommended minimum salary for trainees - £20,276 in London and £18,183 outside of London. That said, The Law Society has now recommended, as a matter of good practice, that providers of training contracts should pay their trainees £20,276 in London and £18,183 outside of London.

18 Salaries – not all solicitors are richTrainee salaries in large regional, national and City firms vary from £22,000 to £45,000. However, most of these organisations recruit their trainees prior to enrolment on the LPC. On qualification, salaries vary hugely from £20,000 to £40,000 in the regions, and £40,000 to £100,000 in the City, with the highest earners being generally those at US firms.

19 Training contracts and course feesBe aware that most firms will not pay for the LPC if you are offered a training contract. And those that do pay course fees may not pay fees retrospectively if you have secured a training contract whilst on the LPC. Remember that statistics provided by LPC providers about the level of employment in the legal profession post-LPC includes people in paralegal positions as well as those with training contracts. As the next slides go on to highlight, training contracts are increasingly hard to secure and competition is fierce; with approximately 50 applications per one training contract.

20 Vacation schemes

21 Vacation schemes Vacation schemes offer work experience to law students. The schemes mostly take place in the summer but many firms now take students over the Christmas and Easter holidays. Sometimes these are paid positions but many are unpaid or only include reimbursement of travel expenses. There are very tight deadlines in place for applying for these schemes. Further information on the varying deadlines can be found at and https://targetjobs.co.uk/

22 Vacation schemes Vacation schemes give insight into life as a lawyer and the firm. It may also assist you in securing a training contract as you are able to show legal experience in the workplace. Some firms use placements as a recruitment tool, offering an interview for a training position to those that secure a placement with them. Increasingly firms are only recruiting their trainees from their cohort of placements.

23 Vacation schemes If you cannot obtain a formal vacation scheme placement, some firms will offer informal placements when approached. You should try and get as much experience as possible – this will enable you to make more informed choices about your legal career, as well as helping to enhance your CV.

24 Training contracts

25 Finding a training contractThere are some excellent websites which will assist you in searching for a training contract: .

26 Optimise your chance of getting a training contractAim high A 2:1 is the minimum requirement for most training contracts, even for smaller firms. You may be asked to give details of all of your marks, including your first year. Get legal work experience Approach local law firms for work experience. Think about volunteering and get involved in pro bono projects. Apply for vacation scheme placements – trainees often get into the profession this way. Apply early and make sure you meet deadlines. .

27 Optimise your chance of getting a training contractOther experience Commercial work experience can be valuable too. Think about the skills you are learning and how they can transfer into a legal environment. Get involved with university clubs, societies and student politics; getting a position on a committee is useful. This not only looks good on your application but also helps you develop leadership, management and organisational skills. All of your competitors will have taken the LPC but not everyone will have relevant work or extra curricular experience. .

28 Optimise your chance of getting a training contractKnow the competition! What are colleagues on your course doing? Are they getting work experience? If so, how are they going about it? Have a look at application forms and firms’ requirements long before you submit your application so you know what they’re looking for and you have time to tick those boxes. Be realistic about your goals and expectations Don’t automatically discount particular firms or areas of practice.

29 Optimise your chance of getting a training contractMake the most of your CV Tailor your CV and your applications to the firms you’re applying to. This is a better use of your time than copying and pasting the same content – aim for quality not quantity of applications. Think about all your experience and how it could be relevant to a legal career, rather than just your academic experience and work experience in law firms. Networking Develop a list of contacts and use every opportunity to network, network, network.

30 Optimise your chance of getting a training contractGet advice and feedback Get advice on CV writing, interviews, writing applications and covering letters. Approach your university careers service and local JLD group. Attend the free JLD LPC student forum events, which include free one-to-one CV clinics. Identify your unique selling point – what makes you stand out and what do you have to offer? Sell yourself. Remember that every interview is good practice and prepares you for the next one. Rejection is inevitable and not necessarily a bad reflection upon you. Get feedback.

31 Training contract applications

32 What firms should I apply to?There is a very useful comparison tool on the Lawyer2B website…

33 Trouble getting an interview?Are you applying to the right firms? Consider the type of training you want Where do you want to end up? Be realistic in the firms that you approach Keep a record of who you apply to Don’t be put off by “Glory” tales from others who say it’s easy!

34 Where do I look to find out more?Do your research – we've put together a starter list of websites to help but this isn’t exhaustive. Gazette Jobs - LawCareers.net - Chambers and Partners - TARGETJobs - https://targetjobs.co.uk/law

35 General CV guidance

36 General CV guidance WORK EXPERIENCEAs a student, employers understand that you won’t have an extensive amount of experience in the workplace. Show them you are employable – have you been invited back to any summer jobs? Any kind of work experience or part-time employment will help! WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? Do you volunteer anywhere? Have you raised any money for a charity? Do you do any sports? Are you a member of any teams? What are your hobbies? What makes you tick? Are you a member of your local JLD group?

37 If you can’t get legal work…In–house legal experience Commercial work experience – bank/council/office environment Court shadowing schemes Visit the employment tribunal/county court for experience Presentation of your CV- keep it professional Ensure that it refers to ALL your skills and experience If you have managed files, dealt directly with clients, been to court etc SAY SO!!!!! Do not presume that it will be obvious what your experience is from the job title

38 Presentation If sending via email – use PDFIf sending hardcopy – use high grade paper If completing online form, draft answers on word – this helps you see any typos more easily Make sure there is sufficient “white space” on your CV – if you run out of room, use fewer words instead of just narrowing the margins Don’t let small errors betray a lack of attention to detail!

39 Perseverance It is a long process to find the right legal jobYou can end up sending out a lot of applications You can liaise with an agent for well over 12 months before finding the right position But keep pushing, believe in yourself, your abilities and your success and you will get there …… in the end!

40 Alternative routes to becoming a solicitor

41 CILEx Qualifying as a legal executive through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) does not prevent you from also qualifying as a solicitor. There are advantages in selecting this route to train to be a solicitor. You can find out more here:

42 Equivalent means Regulation 2.2 of the Training Regulations 2014 allows the SRA to recognise that the knowledge and skills outcomes (and the standard at which they must be acquired) may have been achieved by an individual through other assessed learning and work based learning. Where “equivalent means” is the case, the SRA may grant exemption from all or part of the academic or vocational stages. Individuals who have gained experience in three areas of law and practice outside of a formal period of recognised training or training contract may apply to the SRA to have the equivalence of their experience assessed against the requirements for recognised training. The SRA will be looking for a clear alignment between the work that they have done and the work which would be done by a trainee.

43 Equivalent means Once an application is received it is sent to an assessor who completes a report. An SRA officer then considers the application, report and any further submissions following disclosure to the applicant before a decision is made. Application forms are downloadable from the SRA website as part of the equivalent means information pack. Equivalent Means FAQs The Junior Lawyers Division of the Law Society October 2015 To assist with clarity, the Junior Lawyers Division has formulated an FAQ document to assist junior lawyers understand equivalent means. This can be found on the JLD website.

44 Other options… Don’t overlook other options:Working in-house at a commercial organisation. Consider a job with the local government or central government with the Government Legal Service.

45 Qualifying in the future

46 Solicitors qualification examYou may have seen that the SRA plan to overhaul pathways to qualification by replacing the current requirements with a Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). This will not come into force until 2019 at the earliest. After it comes into force, the SRA will also put in place transitional provisions for those individuals who, like you, have already started the process of becoming a solicitor by undertaking a law degree. At present, it is not clear what these will consist of, and you should make sure you keep up to date on this issue. To learn more about the SQE, and the JLD’s concerns about and campaign in relation to the proposal, please see the various pages on the JLD website, which will be updated as the details of the proposal develops.

47 Apprenticeships From 2016 three new legal apprenticeships will be launched in England as an alternative to the traditional graduate route to qualification. The Trailblazer Apprenticeship receives a salary and is a blend of on and off the job learning. Apprentices will be able to qualify as solicitors, legal executives or paralegals while working for their employers. The standards expected of apprentice solicitors will be the same as those expected of all solicitors with the same rigorous assessments before they are allowed to qualify. It is not a requirement to study for a degree as part of the apprenticeship, although it is likely that a part-time degree will form part of many apprenticeships. The recommended minimum entry requirements are: The apprenticeship route takes five to six years. This may be reduced if exemptions from training are applicable.

48 Mailing lists and useful websites

49 A lot of these websites have free regular newsletters AND some advertise training contract positions. We encourage you to SIGN UP Law firms research/legal careers Law Society search page for firms information (geographical/legal area) https://targetjobs.co.uk/law Legal careers/law firms information (including Training Contract dates/vacation scheme information) On line version of Chambers Student Directory Graduate careers information Law firms/legal careers information Articles, advice and active discussion boards as well as job vacancies boards Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) of the Law Society. Information about careers and topical subjects. The Law Society's page about becoming a Solicitor

50 Legal magazines/legal articles Legal magazine sent each week to solicitors in England and Wales. Good “archive” section. Available online. SIGN UP Legal Information (note the “Legal Student” section). SIGN UP Legal Information (note the “Lawyer 2B” section). SIGN UP Law Careers.net guide “beginners guide to a career in the law” Career info as well as news, gossip and humour about Law Firms and the Law. SIGN UP

51 Visit our website to find out more about the Junior Lawyers Division You can sign up to our mailing list here to receive regular updates Junior Lawyers Division @juniorlawyers Junior Lawyers Division of the Law Society of England & Wales