Hi,

I'm in the process of applying to a Law conversion course, but I'm not really sure which institutions to go for (and which order to put them in!). I'm having issues with the following:
1) Prestige is very important - no point going to a law school which won't impress on my training contract applications
2) Finance - which would completely rule out London as this would simply ruin me!
3) A place which offers the LPC as well
4) I live in Manchester, but I'm prepared to move around
So I guess what I'm looking for is advice from any of you on your ranking for the GDL in the UK (excluding London). I was thinking of the following:
- Nottingham Law School (I was told it had the best reputation outside London)
- College of Law (Chester)
- BPP Manchester
What are your views on this?
The reason being that someone told me some institutions are really funny if you put them in 2nd or 3rd choice (they will only make you an offer if they are placed in 1st choice), and that some City Law firms only consider candidates from specific courses...
Please help!

Thanks,

Mariche

Mariche, let me answer your question in turn
(1) For a long time Nottingham Law School was considered the best law school (for CPE/GDL and LPC) in the country as it had been rated excellent by the Law Society for the a number of years. However BPP and CoL in London have overtaken Nottingham by forming strong links with City Law firms hence you are much more likely to be employable by City Law Firms if you attend one of these schools. BPP for example incorporate MBA elements into its LPC whilst CoL has an entire new campus just to cater for student wishing to go into the City.
(2) I know you say London is expensive but law school on the whole is expensive try getting a Training Contract before you go and that will not only save you cost but you will also not need to choose a law school as you firm will most likely choose one for you. (Most probably in London)
(3) As far as I am aware if you do the CPE/GDL at any given Law School they tend to guarantee you a place on the LPC.
(4) Outside of London I would suggest Nottingham Law School and would strongly suggest you look at Oxford Legal Practice School - it got a great reputation and good links with both Oxford Brooks and Oxford University so you get great careers advice and law fairs etc. BPP Manchester is new and has had its fair share of problems since the London teaching methods don't seem to have gone down to well with many the students. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd business is just an urban myth. My best friend put Nottingham down as her 3rd choice to fill up the gap (BPP and CoL London being her 1 and 2 choices) and got in. When I applied for the LPC Nottingham was my 2nd choice and I got in - so don't worry about that.

Hope the info helps. Good Luck.

Thanks for your reply it has been very helpful!

I think I will most definitely include Brooks and Nottingham in my choice, as well as one of the CoL locations. I'm off to Chester this weekend to check out the Law School there, and will be speaking to a colleague who attended the CoL in London - hopefully this should help narrow down to the final three. Should I consider any of the others as well? Guildford, York or Birmingham?

I'm still really having difficulty with the idea of studying in London as even with funding from a Top Law firm would only just cover accommodation costs - which is why I'm also looking at Chester (much more economically viable!). London is a concern as the consequence would be me worrying more about my finances than my studies! Being in the best environment possible to concentrate on passing all my exams and getting good grades is crucial, and I dont think that I could take working night shifts in a club to pay for my law books again. Ive done it for my undergrad, but already know that the GDL is going to be a lot tougher! I know that when (if!) I qualify there will be many late nights finalising deals etc, but dont feel that burning myself out before even starting my training contract is a good idea. But Im hesitating: if it really is one of the best placed to go to, then I will compromise. At this stage, Im just weighing out the best options for me. In fact, if anyone has tips about how to make the whole How to fund law school in London malarkey, please send advice and share your own experiences!

Thanks again,

Mariche