Hi, I'm an undergraduate student from Canada and was just wondering:

1. How difficult is it to get into a good school for the GDL/CPE programme? Are they very selective? Or do they accept pretty much anyone?

2. What are the top three ones you would suggest?

3. Is it very hard to get a TC? Would you suggest being in London for the sake of contacts?

4. I want to do the BVC afterwards, and I was just wondering if I get called to the bar after this? Or better still, when do I get called to the bar?

Thanks so much. Sorry for the many questions! ALL feedback is greatly appreciated

The CPE/GDL is not very hard to get into (At least for UK students, who only need a 2:2). I can't imagine many, if any, are rejected.

In terms of which are the top 3, the answer is that it depends on what you want to do after. If you intend to do the BVC and get a pupillage then City is really the only CPE/GDL worth doing. Have a look at the CVs of recently called barristers and you will see virtually all of the CPE/GDLs are from City. However, if you want to do the LPC and get a TC then BPP or College of Law are probably more suitable. City is focused on students who intend to become barristers and the course is quite a bit harder than at any of the others (I went to City). BPP and College of Law will force the stuff you need to know down your throat in a sort of read and repeat type way whereas at City you are expected to do more of the work yourself and have a better understanding of why the law is what it is. City, for example, doesn't provide you with the booklets that tell you everything you need to know. For the LPC and a TC, City is therefore more than is necessary and many solicitor hopefuls at City regret not going to one of the other courses. In any case, the CPE/GDL is a lot of work. You are doing two years of an LLB in one year and this is tough. Whilst I don't wish to seem too biased towards City, the lecturers are incredibly good. Many of the lectures are given by Oxford and Cambridge professors who come down weekly for them and some of City's own, such as David Herling, are very very good.

It is not hard to get a TC. It is hard to get a good TC. If, however, you mean a pupillage then this is incredibly hard. Each year there are 1,500-2,000 people who do the BVC (at a cost of £15,000 or $30,000) and there are only about 300-400 jobs (http://www.barcouncil.org.uk/trainingandeducation/careers/statistics/). Have a look at the websites of some chambers and their new tenants and you will see the standard that is required.

Until last year you got called to the Bar after completing the BVC. Now you have to do a pupillage before you can be called to the Bar. There are about 300-400 pupillages a year so the odds aren't great!

I hope this is helpful!