Hey Guest, do you have a question for graduate recruitment? Gemma Baker from Willkie is live to answer your questions!
There are many positives of a smaller intake, including the chances of securing a NQ role upon qualification being higher. A smaller intake is not necessarily a bad thing.What are some reasons why a firm would reduce their trainee intake? Is it necessarily a negative sign?
How long do you think you will be in the role before starting either the LPC, SQE, or TC?@Jessica Booker Hi, I am a future trainee who has an interview for a paralegal role at a different firm. If during the paralegal interview I am asked about my vacation scheme and training contract, should I say that I have a training contract for 2024? This paralegal role is permanent and not fixed term so I am worried that if they know I am a future trainee they won't offer me the paralegal role
A year max. Although after a few months I might be looking to apply to new roles since this one does not pay as much.How long do you think you will be in the role before starting either the LPC, SQE, or TC?
Only applied to the LPC at the end of last week, so please let me know if you hear anythingHas anyone heard anything about next week’s ULaw LPC induction?
Has anyone heard anything about next week’s ULaw LPC induction?
I'm in the same position, I have had a few welcome emails but nothing about induction and can't log in to get my timetable or anything yetOnly applied to the LPC at the end of last week, so please let me know if you hear anything
what campus are you on?I'm in the same position, I have had a few welcome emails but nothing about induction and can't log in to get my timetable or anything yet
Hi JessicaThis is exceptionally complicated due to the variables unfortunately, and it will depend on how the firm is supporting you/whether they have preferred suppliers/their start dates etc. However, if the firm is saying 2025 though, I suspect they have worked this out, and they are right about this.
If you do a PGDL with no SQE1 prep included, I would expect the earliest time scale to be roughly the following, assuming you had to pass the SQE before starting with the firm and based on the current regularity of when you can sit the SQE assessments:
Graduate from your degree - summer 2023
Start PGDL - September 2023
Finish PGDL - June 2024
Start SQE course - late summer 2024
Sit SQE1 - January 2025
Sit SQE2 - end of July 2025
SQE2 results are taking 14 weeks to come through though, so if you couldn't start until knowing you had passed, you might not be able to start until end of October/beginning of November 2025.
However, there are some combined PGDL and SQE1 prep courses (typically MA level courses labelled up with SQE1 prep included). If you went with one of these, then the timeframes could be:
Graduate from your degree - summer 2023
Start PGDL + SQE1 prep course - September 2023
Sit SQE1 exam - July 2024
Start SQE2 prep course - summer/early Autumn 2024
Sit SQE2 - end of January 2025
Be ready to start TC from early May 2025
What's the firm's guidance on when you need to have completed the PGDL? This could also be mentioned in you offer letter.I have a question regarding grades of a self-funded course.
If you receive a TC offer but have already self-funded your PGDL and got the necessary requirements on your undergraduate degree, if your grades come out and (worst-case scenario) you failed and exam or got a mere pass, does that risk you losing your offer?
The offer didn't state a grade for the PGDL, it only said that a 2.1 undergraduate with a PGDL is required for non-law.
I did fairly well in my first semester but second semester was really tough and I have no idea what to expect when grades come out.
A fail is likely to impact your offer just because you would need to retake the course and are then are likely to not be able to start your TC by the time your intake is due to start.I have a question regarding grades of a self-funded course.
If you receive a TC offer but have already self-funded your PGDL and got the necessary requirements on your undergraduate degree, if your grades come out and (worst-case scenario) you failed and exam or got a mere pass, does that risk you losing your offer?
The offer didn't state a grade for the PGDL, it only said that a 2.1 undergraduate with a PGDL is required for non-law.
I did fairly well in my first semester but second semester was really tough and I have no idea what to expect when grades come out.
Hi Jessica
Thanks for your reply. I am interested in these GDL + SQE1 courses. Where could I find one of these?
I am sure there are other providers who do this, but look for a masters level course with SQE1 in the title too - like this course:Hi Jessica
Thanks for your reply. I am interested in these GDL + SQE1 courses. Where could I find one of these?
My intake won't be next year but the year after, do you think it could matter even if it doesn't impact the start dates? (I know some firms really care about you passing on the first go)A fail is likely to impact your offer just because you would need to retake the course and are then are likely to not be able to start your TC by the time your intake is due to start.
Given the terms of your contract you have mentioned, as long as you pass there shouldn’t be a problem.