Next Steps

[SSmith]

Hi all ,

Thanks for your support and advice thus far, I really appreciate it!

So...

After speaking with Ulaw this week, I've decided to apply for their MA Law (SQE1) course.

Since it's cheaper to do online , it looks like I'll have to take that option as I'd only have to top up just over 1k after my student finance.

(Not sure where I'd get this from as I'm a person who is considered to have a a MH disability, and I'd be coming off of benefits after some years to go back into work.)
I know I'm eligible for the Disabled Students Allowance, but not sure this can go towards outstanding course costs.

The other option is to apply for scholarships in the hope I'd be able to get either the full time - in person *or* online course completely covered.
Having researched , it looks as if I'd be eligible for quite a few scholarships, but I'm wondering if there's any point in also trying to apply for any TCs as I'm a career changer with a non law degree.

Also, is there anywhere I could possibly get some guidance or help with these applications ( Uni and scholarships) and somewhere I could have my CV revamped in order to show my transferable skills? ( Admin, PA, teaching)

Thanks in Advance!

 

[George Maxwell]

Hi all ,

Thanks for your support and advice thus far, I really appreciate it!

So...

After speaking with Ulaw this week, I've decided to apply for their MA Law (SQE1) course.

Since it's cheaper to do online , it looks like I'll have to take that option as I'd only have to top up just over 1k after my student finance.

(Not sure where I'd get this from as I'm a person who is considered to have a a MH disability, and I'd be coming off of benefits after some years to go back into work.)
I know I'm eligible for the Disabled Students Allowance, but not sure this can go towards outstanding course costs.

The other option is to apply for scholarships in the hope I'd be able to get either the full time - in person *or* online course completely covered.
Having researched , it looks as if I'd be eligible for quite a few scholarships, but I'm wondering if there's any point in also trying to apply for any TCs as I'm a career changer with a non law degree.

Also, is there anywhere I could possibly get some guidance or help with these applications ( Uni and scholarships) and somewhere I could have my CV revamped in order to show my transferable skills? ( Admin, PA, teaching)

Thanks in Advance!

Hi @SSmith,

I am pleased that you have made a decision about enrolling to ULaw for their MA Law course.

Unfortunately I do not have any insights for you regarding the DSA or scholarships. All I would say is that there are plenty of career changers in our community who are living proof that there is still a point in applying for TCs(!).

In terms of guidance for your applications, TCLA do offer a paid application review service, which might be worth considering.

I hope that helps 🚀

 

[SSmith]

Thanks so much @George Maxwell!

Yes, I had one such member reply to one of my past posts, they were very inspiring and provided me with many resources.

Thanks, I'll look this up!

 

[AvniD]

Hi all ,

Thanks for your support and advice thus far, I really appreciate it!

So...

After speaking with Ulaw this week, I've decided to apply for their MA Law (SQE1) course.

Since it's cheaper to do online , it looks like I'll have to take that option as I'd only have to top up just over 1k after my student finance.

(Not sure where I'd get this from as I'm a person who is considered to have a a MH disability, and I'd be coming off of benefits after some years to go back into work.)
I know I'm eligible for the Disabled Students Allowance, but not sure this can go towards outstanding course costs.

The other option is to apply for scholarships in the hope I'd be able to get either the full time - in person *or* online course completely covered.
Having researched , it looks as if I'd be eligible for quite a few scholarships, but I'm wondering if there's any point in also trying to apply for any TCs as I'm a career changer with a non law degree.

Also, is there anywhere I could possibly get some guidance or help with these applications ( Uni and scholarships) and somewhere I could have my CV revamped in order to show my transferable skills? ( Admin, PA, teaching)

Thanks in Advance!

Hi @SSmith! First off, I have to commend you on the research and effort you've put in to making your decision- they show that you've carefully considered your options, and this is an ability that not everyone can boast about. I think George has directed you to some good resources, which is why I'll focus on responding to a different part of your question regarding your motivation for making apps.

While I studied Law with Politics at uni, I too was a career changer when I decided to apply for TCs and I believe I may have shared the same doubts that you have now.

What really helped me was ignoring all the background noise of the pressure to secure a TC by 2024/2025/20XX to validate my career change or the insecurity of not being part of the target applicant demographic and instead simply focusing on what my core motivations for wanting to become a commercial lawyer at a city firm were.

I began to reflect a lot on what I wanted for my life and career, what kind of person I wanted be, how I wanted to engage myself for 10+ hours a day, what had changed for me to go back to law- the list really was endless.

The end result of the period of time I spent reflecting, alongside prepping for making apps, was that my motivation to go through the gruelling process of making TC apps was stronger than ever, and this fuelled me through and through to keep trying, no matter how many times I faltered, till I got a TC at the firm I wanted.

I think you may benefit from taking some time to do this so that you go into your SQE course with clarity about whether this is the best route for you. Besides, with most firms having an even divide between non-law and law graduates, being a career changer from a non-law background should not be a hinderance at all in your choice to pursue a career in commercial law.

Wishing you the best, please do keep us in the loop about your application journey!

 

[SSmith]

Hey, @AvniD !

Thank you so much,

Your last two responses have made me feel like I can actually do this !

I've had some very off putting responses when I've asked exactly the same on Reddit ,mainly that I haven't thought it through, I'm being too idealistic, I'll end up in debt, stressed, disappointed . The suggestion was I need to just get ANY job as someone who has had MH difficulties and hasn't worked full time for years.
While I understand and appreciate their concern ,their opinion was that I wouldn't be able to handle the stress of uni or FT work based on having had some tough years recovering from Depression/Anxiety and agoraphobia.

The thing is, I've had all of these since childhood, and still managed to gain a great ,paid corporate sales internship with a top airline at their HQ AND graduate and achieve my goals. I actually do much better with daily structure and goals to work towards. I imagine in such a highly stressful industry, a huge amount of others suffer from the same , they just hide it very well because of the stigma attached. Especially in the law profession , even more so in corporate law.

What you've said is so true . This is about what you want for yourself, how you envision your future self and your own goals for your life .
It's natural to be frightened, but, now is the time too push though it and live my life.

This is definitely a case of ignoring background noise, I've noticed there is a lot gate keeping in some law forums ,especially for career changers.
Luckily I've never experience that here ,just encouragement from people like yourself !

There are so many routes and opportunities for us to gain experience and become outstanding applicants, for those of us who have taken a non traditional route in law, thick skin is key.

As my Mum used to say, "...If you listen to the noise in the market, you won't buy fish!" ☺️

I feel as though those of us who are making this choice as career changers have a slight advantage when applying for jobs and TCs as it shows we really want this , I mean, we completely have to dedicate everything for a career in law there's no easy route.
This decision is not for the faint of heart so I'm absolutely making sure I'm taking the right steps before I even apply. I have at least until August, so I'm using this time to reflect, read, ask loads of questions, network , teach myself the very basics, apply for Online Vac schemes and Virtual experience programmes. (I just got confirmation of my place on the Legal Cheek/ULaw Online Vacation scheme ,so I'm excited for that!)

You're spot on again, my goal is to work in housing law, due to things I faced personally and having seen what others have had to face. (That's where I got the bug for reading law.) It's important to me that I gain the knowledge to advise others of their rights and hopefully to help support them exercise these rights. So property law is where my focus is and to apply to firms who practice this area of law for TCs, although as I understand, these opportunities can be rare.

Thanks again! Will keep you updated for sure !

 

[Abii]

Hi,

I can offer some insight to some of this!

You are correct that Disabled Students Allowance cannot be used to cover course fees, the point of Disabled Students Allowance is to cover the additional costs that a students disability cause not costs that all students incur such as fees. An assessment would determine what help DSA can offer, but its often things such as specialist required equipment ie ergonomic equipment, also things such as taxi reimbursement if someone cannot use public transport such as buses or ink reimbursement if they have to print in larger fonts.

In terms of scholarships have you come across the The Law Society Diversity Access Scheme? Applications for 2022 open in a few days and this page has all the information about eligibility and how to apply etc. https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/campaigns/diversity-access-scheme

 

[SSmith]

Hi,

I can offer some insight to some of this!

You are correct that Disabled Students Allowance cannot be used to cover course fees, the point of Disabled Students Allowance is to cover the additional costs that a students disability cause not costs that all students incur such as fees. An assessment would determine what help DSA can offer, but its often things such as specialist required equipment ie ergonomic equipment, also things such as taxi reimbursement if someone cannot use public transport such as buses or ink reimbursement if they have to print in larger fonts.

In terms of scholarships have you come across the The Law Society Diversity Access Scheme? Applications for 2022 open in a few days and this page has all the information about eligibility and how to apply etc. https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/campaigns/diversity-access-scheme

This is so helpful to know , Thank you!

I have come across the access scheme, yes, but totally forgot about it . I'll definitely try and apply .

Thanks again!

 

[George Maxwell]

Hey, @AvniD !

Thank you so much,

Your last two responses have made me feel like I can actually do this !

I've had some very off putting responses when I've asked exactly the same on Reddit ,mainly that I haven't thought it through, I'm being too idealistic, I'll end up in debt, stressed, disappointed . The suggestion was I need to just get ANY job as someone who has had MH difficulties and hasn't worked full time for years.
While I understand and appreciate their concern ,their opinion was that I wouldn't be able to handle the stress of uni or FT work based on having had some tough years recovering from Depression/Anxiety and agoraphobia.

The thing is, I've had all of these since childhood, and still managed to gain a great ,paid corporate sales internship with a top airline at their HQ AND graduate and achieve my goals. I actually do much better with daily structure and goals to work towards. I imagine in such a highly stressful industry, a huge amount of others suffer from the same , they just hide it very well because of the stigma attached. Especially in the law profession , even more so in corporate law.

What you've said is so true . This is about what you want for yourself, how you envision your future self and your own goals for your life .
It's natural to be frightened, but, now is the time too push though it and live my life.

This is definitely a case of ignoring background noise, I've noticed there is a lot gate keeping in some law forums ,especially for career changers.
Luckily I've never experience that here ,just encouragement from people like yourself !

There are so many routes and opportunities for us to gain experience and become outstanding applicants, for those of us who have taken a non traditional route in law, thick skin is key.

As my Mum used to say, "...If you listen to the noise in the market, you won't buy fish!" ☺️

I feel as though those of us who are making this choice as career changers have a slight advantage when applying for jobs and TCs as it shows we really want this , I mean, we completely have to dedicate everything for a career in law there's no easy route.
This decision is not for the faint of heart so I'm absolutely making sure I'm taking the right steps before I even apply. I have at least until August, so I'm using this time to reflect, read, ask loads of questions, network , teach myself the very basics, apply for Online Vac schemes and Virtual experience programmes. (I just got confirmation of my place on the Legal Cheek/ULaw Online Vacation scheme ,so I'm excited for that!)

You're spot on again, my goal is to work in housing law, due to things I faced personally and having seen what others have had to face. (That's where I got the bug for reading law.) It's important to me that I gain the knowledge to advise others of their rights and hopefully to help support them exercise these rights. So property law is where my focus is and to apply to firms who practice this area of law for TCs, although as I understand, these opportunities can be rare.

Thanks again! Will keep you updated for sure !

Hey @SSmith,

I am so glad to hear that your experience of this forum has been friendly and encouraging. @Jaysen would be delighted to hear this (as would the rest of the team!)k.

Your story has the ability to inspire a lot of people (in our community and out of it). I really admire your willingness to be open about your struggles with mental health. I think it is important to have these conversations to normalise reaching out for help when we need it!

I loved your mum's quote too. I will remember that! 🐟

It goes without saying, but it is important that you do what is best for your mental health. People online cannot tell you whether (or not) to do a high-stress career, nor whether it would be right for you. I know that people certainly do work in law who have suffered with mental health problems in the past. That being said, I think that you are right to fully consider the possibility that entering the profession could worsen your mental health, without fully preventing you from continuing.

As always, I am here to support, so please feel free to tag me at any time 😇

 

[SSmith]

Hey @SSmith,

I am so glad to hear that your experience of this forum has been friendly and encouraging. @Jaysen would be delighted to hear this (as would the rest of the team!)k.

Your story has the ability to inspire a lot of people (in our community and out of it). I really admire your willingness to be open about your struggles with mental health. I think it is important to have these conversations to normalise reaching out for help when we need it!

I loved your mum's quote too. I will remember that! 🐟

It goes without saying, but it is important that you do what is best for your mental health. People online cannot tell you whether (or not) to do a high-stress career, nor whether it would be right for you. I know that people certainly do work in law who have suffered with mental health problems in the past. That being said, I think that you are right to fully consider the possibility that entering the profession could worsen your mental health, without fully preventing you from continuing.

As always, I am here to support, so please feel free to tag me at any time 😇

Thanks so much @George Maxwell !

And yes, I totally agree. I always say it's important for me to be open and transparent . I believe it can save someone's life.

Aw, you're welcome, haha it always gets me through moments of self doubt !

You're so right, it's something I have to consider no matter what I do, so it's about knowing how to handle it in a high stress environment ,to manage it by catching it in its early stages and tackle it before it gets bad.

Thanks again George, I will do !🐟