Baker Mckenzie + Barbri/PGDL?

[wqueens8]

Hey all,

I don't actually have an offer, and I am yet to apply for any TCs but I was doing a bit of firm research and Baker Mckenzie is one I'm quite interested in. I've seen that they no longer fund the PGDL and instead fund the SQE prep course with Barbri. In addition it seems Barbri offer a 6 week online "legal foundations course" with non-law grads receiving an extra £1000 bursary over law students I assume to compensate for this?

Am I right in assuming that this means non-law students not required to do the PGDL at Baker Mckenzie? How would this impact someone later in their career, being a qualified solicitor without a qualifying law degree or PGDL? Is the legal foundations course and an sqe prep course enough preparation to actually sit the SQE? Is this all accomplished in one year as opposed to the 2, that many non-law students do?

As a non-law student it's an interesting idea, and would allow us to get working and started with our career sooner, but I can't help feel I'd be woefully underprepared for the exams.

Has anybody had any experience with this route or with Baker Mckenzie?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Not having the GDL will not impact your career - it’s is not a requirement for the career and it has only been a regulatory hurdle to obtain rather than anything firms value.

You may want to reach out to future or current trainees at Bakers who have done this route to get their thoughts. I know it is very different to a lot of other firms who feel the GDL will be a better foundation for passing the SQE, but I don’t know if Bakers or BARBRI can provide any insight into how their pass rates are going for non lawyers who take this course.