Hi everyone
just looking for some advice i am current studying a LLB degree in the UK and am thinking about my future.
i know for definite i want to study the LLM in USA and then take the California state bar exam at some point in my life (if it was up to me asap) but am wondering if i ever did want to practice as a solicitor in the UK should i take the LPC straight after i graduate from the LLB and then would i have to do my 2 years training contract straight after or am i better of going for the LLM in California and then in the future if i do want to practice in the UK can take my LPC then.
Thanks any advice would be much appreciated
Isha

Hi, Isha

I'm pretty much in the same position. I've just finished my LLB this year at a top university in the UK and I want my ultimate goal to be living a life in the States.

I honestly don't see how getting a training contract helps you get a job other than by giving you legal experience. Yes, some might say that an LLM is 'inferior' to a JD degree and all that other nonsense...but just imagine all of those years wasted in the UK (and yes, I definitely mean WASTED) trying to get a training contract, then subsequently qualifying and so forth. Then again, if you're lucky enough to get with an American firm in London or so and then transfer over to their CA offices...then that's good news for you. Tough stuff, however.

Therefore, if you really want to work in the UK as a solicitor, I'd say go ahead and do the LPC (on the condition that you have very good prospects of actually getting a TC - a 2.2 from some 'average' university with no vacation placements would inhibit these chances, sadly).

Otherwise, if you don't mind doing the above and postponing your plans in America then I suggest you wait. Getting an LLM means more debt and that, added with the LPC's costs and even your own degree (taking it that you don't have 25,000 lying around to pay for an entire LLB) spells financial restrictions for years to come.

Just because I really don't see a future for myself in the UK, I'm a bit weary about applying for TCs. I've had vacation placements at top City firms - and they were quite fun and interesting - however, I'm looking at the long run of it all. There are plenty more opportunities in America than there are in the UK......(and if you're wondering, yes I've lived in the US to be able to give some credit to everything I'm saying).