Hello all,
A few questions about embarking on a relatively late career change to the law.

Firstly a bit of background. I'm 42 with a 2.2 BSc Economics degree from years ago, and after years of a totally different career in property I am now on the cusp of accepting an offer with a solicitors firm.

The role will be a fairly basic admin role but with immediate training to move to paralegal work and a view to training as a solicitor in future. I know interviews are always full of bold promises from both sides but they do seem to be a firm who have developed people like this before, so I'm cautiously optimistic. However they haven't sonfar offered any opinion on which routes they prefer, and I would like to have a good idea myself.

That in mind I am researching the different options for that training and finding a lot of conflicting confusing or ourdated information, as well as a lot that applies to people in their early 20s, so thought I would ask for my specific circumstances (and hopefully anyone else reading!)

So firstly, as per the title what are the merits and costs of the various training paths?

The LLM option currently looks the most attractive in terms of funding, and I would imagine a Masters has a bit of kudos on a CV? Or does the specialisation narrow you down to that area in the employer's view?

CILEx seems to be the least demanding in time, which is a consideration as I will be working full time but I suspect this has a knock on effect for future employability?

GDL seems to be the most direct and "standard" route, but has a big upfront cost. Struggling to see the advantages over an LLM.

Or lastly, am I simply wasting my time as a 42 year old graduate pursuing a career I have virtually no experience of? Will I be stuck in basic admin roles for decades to come whatever qualifications I get? I know some of that depends on myself and the company however i am always happy to be told I'm making a mistake!

Thanks in advance

[Edited by JohnnyCL on Sep 24, 2019]