Ask firm for maintenance grant increase

[crabtree]

I see that lots of firms have started raising their maintenance grants for the LPC to around £12,500. My firm pays a fair bit less than that. I don't know how I am going to afford to live in London off what they provide. How do I ask for more money?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I see that lots of firms have started raising their maintenance grants for the LPC to around £12,500. My firm pays a fair bit less than that. I don't know how I am going to afford to live in London off what they provide. How do I ask for more money?

Maintenance grants are typically a set amount. Firms are unlikely to give individual increases as a matter of fairness to all trainees. However, they might be able to support in other ways. This could be:

• Salary advances
• Prizes or bursaries for other achievements/activities
• Documentation to help you apply for a commercial loan (e.g. proof of future income)
• Help with paid work during holidays
• Connecting you with recruitment agencies to help you with work outside of the firm during the holidays

There have been a number of posts recently in the forum about this broader topic though. It seems some future trainees might be planning to approach their firm as a cohort to ask for an increase that everyone receives. Here is one such thread: (1) LPC grants | The Corporate Law Academy Forum