This is my CV in details, it really is.

I am 34 and speak only English, and currently, applying to L.L.B's across the UK, and Scotland. Ireland seems way too expensive, the L.L.B's there offer little or no tuition fee for International students. My interests are in EU law with specialty in Intellectual property law/International relations. I am thinking of taking an undegrad in the UK/Ireland and then, practice within EU wherever I'd be able to locate a job.

And as the expression says" Ahead of the pack", I am definitely behind the pack".

At 34, and with only knowledge of English language, I am contemplating applying to L.L.B's across the UK and Ireland, although, Ireland seems pretty tight on scholarships and grants for international undegrads interested in L.L.B.

Even though it appears that I am " always a bridesmaid..never a bride" old fart in the eyes of people that know me, I am addressing this to all of you that know the ropes and hoping to avail an upfront and honest advise.

Considering all the facts, plenty of highly qualified graduates, tuition fees thru the roof for both L.L.B and L.L.M degrees, tight market due to slow down in Global economy and a not quite confirmed EU employment status, since I am a Bulgarian citizen and Bulgaria is not quite a member yet:

Is it realistic to commit to a career in law if I don't have a degree yet nor do I have an experience in the field and I am getting old?

Because I am behind in the game, do you think once I graduate with an LLB it'd be best to just keep on going straight into L.L.M to try to make up for the past?

How would potential employers look at someone graduating from LLB at the age of 37 with no previous experience in the field?

Would graduate L.L.Ms allow me to even knock on their doors with little or no prior experience but only an LLB?

I truly hope that someone would take the time to walk me thru all that. Over all, I want to know if I am making a bet in a burning house...


Thanks
Todd
tuksum@yahoo.com

Hi, old fart and 34... hmmm. I think the first thing you'll have to do to be successful in a career in law is get rid of the fact that you think you're already old. You're not.

In the US, particularly in the field of IP, lawyers will have completed undergrad (an entrance requirement for a JD) but also postgrad, often including an LL.M ,and PhD and add that to their work experience (often three or four years minimum), there are people entering law firms who are much later than you.

But that's the US, and not the UK. I should also say quickly that Scotland does include itself in the United Kingdom.

In Scotland, your route to practice is a little different than in the US. You must complete your LL.B (check for "accelerated" two or three year options) then a diploma in legal practice, and then you have to complete a two year traineeship. So at the minimum I'd say you've got 5 years to get to being a fully qualified lawyer in Scotland. From there you can transfer to England by completing the transfer tests. I think you should also be able to move in to other EU countries by completing similar tests in your target country.

If you are in any doubt, contact the Law Society of Scotland (or England and Wales) and discuss your opportunities for employment with them. I'm sure they'll have some useful advice for you.