Hi, I have read through a few of the TCLA forum posts and found much information covered by Jessica really helpful. However, I realised that many discussions are not really directed at international students (which is the reason why I opened this thread). It would also be extremely helpful if anyone can give me some advice on the next step in my career application.
I am an international student currently in the final year of LLB at an RG uni (with an expectation of mid-2:1). I have 2 legal-related experiences in my home jurisdiction. In this cycle, I applied to a few VS and TC (I am aware that there is a good chance that I will not hear back). So I am planning what I would do in the upcoming year if I don't get a TC. I am currently considering 4 options and I want to know about their pros and cons before deciding which road to opt to. (in addition, I have enough funding to complete any route below without any financial difficulties)
1.) Self-fund SQE whilst seeking VS and TC: The key question I want to ask is, will self-funding + passing the SQE exams really increase my chance of getting a TC? Some TCLA forum posts said, if the firm has a funding scheme, it is likely that they won't see a candidate already passing SQE more advantageous than someone who didn't. And, Jessica covered somewhere that it might place candidates at an 'odd position' where they are qualified but without QWE. Some also said that firms might have their own desirable structure of SQE that they want their trainee to complete so it's not wise to do it yourself. My question is: at the time being, are these claims above myth/truth? Is self-funding SQE a good option for someone who wants to secure TC in the future?
2.) Paralegal whilst seeking VS and TC: from various resources I read, this seems like a desirable route to pursue as some firms recruit internally. However, there are two issues I am concerned about.
1. Are firms normally willing to sponsor a working visa for their paralegals? if not, it means that I would need to do paralegal on a Graduate Visa (PSW) that expires in 2 years, which is quite horrifying (lots of pressure
). I also heard that they are very unwilling to recruit international students because of the sponsoring issues, is this a myth?
2. A lot of them seem to require previous working experience. What is the chance for a new LLB graduate to secure a parallel position?
3. What is the best place to look for para-legally positions? Any tips and advice would be appreciated!
3.) LLM at RG University. A big advantage of this is that Visa would not be a problem (same as the Self-fund SQE course at ULaw option) as it extends my student visa status. And it almost acts as a filler year + gives me one more year to go through the VS and TC cycle. However, My question is, does studying LLM really advance my position as a VS/ TC applicant? Would they prefer a candidate who spends a year doing paralegal/SQE than studying LLM?
4.) Enroll on non-law graduate schemes and apply VS and TC during the scheme. I applied for a 2-years graduate scheme in a government body (and have a good chance of being accepted). The work mildly overlaps with Trainee's work (it could be a seating option for the trainee). I personally don't mind delaying the process of qualifying as a solicitor for a few years (however, my ultimate goal is still to become a qualified solicitor). I am wondering, what is the chance of getting back into VS/TC whilst on a non-law graduate scheme, or should I opt for paralegals? and, is there a point of doing this year as it seems to divert my career path?
A last general question is that, given I am committed to pursuing the career of a solicitor + securing a TC. Which route should I opt to consider my status as an international student and my qualification? Thank you!
I am an international student currently in the final year of LLB at an RG uni (with an expectation of mid-2:1). I have 2 legal-related experiences in my home jurisdiction. In this cycle, I applied to a few VS and TC (I am aware that there is a good chance that I will not hear back). So I am planning what I would do in the upcoming year if I don't get a TC. I am currently considering 4 options and I want to know about their pros and cons before deciding which road to opt to. (in addition, I have enough funding to complete any route below without any financial difficulties)
1.) Self-fund SQE whilst seeking VS and TC: The key question I want to ask is, will self-funding + passing the SQE exams really increase my chance of getting a TC? Some TCLA forum posts said, if the firm has a funding scheme, it is likely that they won't see a candidate already passing SQE more advantageous than someone who didn't. And, Jessica covered somewhere that it might place candidates at an 'odd position' where they are qualified but without QWE. Some also said that firms might have their own desirable structure of SQE that they want their trainee to complete so it's not wise to do it yourself. My question is: at the time being, are these claims above myth/truth? Is self-funding SQE a good option for someone who wants to secure TC in the future?
2.) Paralegal whilst seeking VS and TC: from various resources I read, this seems like a desirable route to pursue as some firms recruit internally. However, there are two issues I am concerned about.
1. Are firms normally willing to sponsor a working visa for their paralegals? if not, it means that I would need to do paralegal on a Graduate Visa (PSW) that expires in 2 years, which is quite horrifying (lots of pressure
). I also heard that they are very unwilling to recruit international students because of the sponsoring issues, is this a myth? 2. A lot of them seem to require previous working experience. What is the chance for a new LLB graduate to secure a parallel position?
3. What is the best place to look for para-legally positions? Any tips and advice would be appreciated!
3.) LLM at RG University. A big advantage of this is that Visa would not be a problem (same as the Self-fund SQE course at ULaw option) as it extends my student visa status. And it almost acts as a filler year + gives me one more year to go through the VS and TC cycle. However, My question is, does studying LLM really advance my position as a VS/ TC applicant? Would they prefer a candidate who spends a year doing paralegal/SQE than studying LLM?
4.) Enroll on non-law graduate schemes and apply VS and TC during the scheme. I applied for a 2-years graduate scheme in a government body (and have a good chance of being accepted). The work mildly overlaps with Trainee's work (it could be a seating option for the trainee). I personally don't mind delaying the process of qualifying as a solicitor for a few years (however, my ultimate goal is still to become a qualified solicitor). I am wondering, what is the chance of getting back into VS/TC whilst on a non-law graduate scheme, or should I opt for paralegals? and, is there a point of doing this year as it seems to divert my career path?
A last general question is that, given I am committed to pursuing the career of a solicitor + securing a TC. Which route should I opt to consider my status as an international student and my qualification? Thank you!
