Hi

I am going to study GDL and LPC in college of law . I am really concerned about the fact that I am an International student and may not be able to save a TC. Apparently the job market is full and firms only accept very high profile students ! Also work permit is naother prob! What do you think ? any ideas? Is it worth wasting two years and 18000 pounds to get GDL and LPC ?

Dear Farzaneh,
It is possible to get a training contract as an overseas student (which is what I think you mean by TC). However, you do really need to have a good first degree from a strong institution and good references. My tip for international students is to apply to the US law firms in London who take students for training contracts to become English solicitors. A lot of English graduates don't apply to them and the US firms have a reputation for being more flexible.

An alternative approach is to take an LLM in the UK, do very well at the LLM and whilst doing the LLM have a good look round for professional legal work; training contracts and financial support from law firms for the GDL and LPC (many firms provide such support).

I hope the above is of help

ALAN RILEY

Professor Alan Riley
LLM Programme Director
City Law School
City University,London
Electronic Mail:alan.riley.1@city.ac.uk