[UK] Training Contract for Non-uk graduates


MartinG

I apologise by now for my ignorance, since I still haven't really understood how the uk legal system works; I notice that the firm's websites are already advertising the opening of the application process for their training schemes.

My question is: do you know if it is possible for a non-uk graduate (i.e. with a law degree, from a European country) to apply for a 2013 training contract in an english law firm?
I'm aware you need to take a GDL, but I also know some firms provide some kind of funding for their trainees to take these courses.

How does it really work? Did anybody here tried to do it?

Thank you in advance for your answers,

Best

I apologise by now for my ignorance, since I still haven't really understood how the uk legal system works; I notice that the firm's websites are already advertising the opening of the application process for their training schemes.

My question is: do you know if it is possible for a non-uk graduate (i.e. with a law degree, from a European country) to apply for a 2013 training contract in an english law firm?
I'm aware you need to take a GDL, but I also know some firms provide some kind of funding for their trainees to take these courses.

How does it really work? Did anybody here tried to do it?

Thank you in advance for your answers,

Best
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MartinG

Dear Laura,

Thank you for answering.
You're right, my post has nothing to do with LLM but this is why I originally wrote it under the "general" section, then somebody moved it.

In any case, I will check the sites you indicated: many thanks!

Dear Laura,

Thank you for answering.
You're right, my post has nothing to do with LLM but this is why I originally wrote it under the "general" section, then somebody moved it.

In any case, I will check the sites you indicated: many thanks!
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Good Gosh

yes it's possible. deadline for most applications are in the summer (end of july). the deadline for applying for summer placements has passed however. good luck

yes it's possible. deadline for most applications are in the summer (end of july). the deadline for applying for summer placements has passed however. good luck
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Inactive User

I don't want to be the profet of doom as I believe that we all have our place in the world.

What I can tell you is that chances of getting a TC are very very slim. You need to be outstanding in order to get one as a foreigner. If you are doing an LLM go to the best school you can and get a distinction. Then you need to compete with English law school graduates which are in very high demand. The market is that bad.

Of course if you know someone then it changes a little bit, but you are intending to remain here to work as a lawyer think twice and look at your chances of getting to assessment center in the big firms. I see the profession in the UK in decline and would see advantages in qualifying in the UK and then moving overseas.

I don't want to be the profet of doom as I believe that we all have our place in the world.

What I can tell you is that chances of getting a TC are very very slim. You need to be outstanding in order to get one as a foreigner. If you are doing an LLM go to the best school you can and get a distinction. Then you need to compete with English law school graduates which are in very high demand. The market is that bad.

Of course if you know someone then it changes a little bit, but you are intending to remain here to work as a lawyer think twice and look at your chances of getting to assessment center in the big firms. I see the profession in the UK in decline and would see advantages in qualifying in the UK and then moving overseas.
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MartinG

I don't want to be the profet of doom as I believe that we all have our place in the world.

What I can tell you is that chances of getting a TC are very very slim. You need to be outstanding in order to get one as a foreigner. If you are doing an LLM go to the best school you can and get a distinction. Then you need to compete with English law school graduates which are in very high demand. The market is that bad.

Of course if you know someone then it changes a little bit, but you are intending to remain here to work as a lawyer think twice and look at your chances of getting to assessment center in the big firms. I see the profession in the UK in decline and would see advantages in qualifying in the UK and then moving overseas.


Dear Wheretogo,

You're not a profet of doom and I appreciate your straightforwardness.

You actually read my mind: I've heard that the English market got bad after the crisis (still that bad?) but my reasoning was that an English law qualification is worth a hundred times a continental Europe one (US would be another option, but too expensive) but living in England for more than 4 years is not in my plans. I'd rather prefer to use the English qualification to relocate anywhere, which is easier as a solicitor than being an "abogado", "avvocato", "Avocat".

My regret is not having taken the path of the English LLB soon after the high school, but I'm aware it would have been tougher since I didn't have sufficient language skills neither sufficient good grades.

I understand that getting a TC is a though walk for a foreigner, anyway I want to deepen the issue.

<blockquote>I don't want to be the profet of doom as I believe that we all have our place in the world.

What I can tell you is that chances of getting a TC are very very slim. You need to be outstanding in order to get one as a foreigner. If you are doing an LLM go to the best school you can and get a distinction. Then you need to compete with English law school graduates which are in very high demand. The market is that bad.

Of course if you know someone then it changes a little bit, but you are intending to remain here to work as a lawyer think twice and look at your chances of getting to assessment center in the big firms. I see the profession in the UK in decline and would see advantages in qualifying in the UK and then moving overseas.
</blockquote>

Dear Wheretogo,

You're not a profet of doom and I appreciate your straightforwardness.

You actually read my mind: I've heard that the English market got bad after the crisis (still that bad?) but my reasoning was that an English law qualification is worth a hundred times a continental Europe one (US would be another option, but too expensive) but living in England for more than 4 years is not in my plans. I'd rather prefer to use the English qualification to relocate anywhere, which is easier as a solicitor than being an "abogado", "avvocato", "Avocat".

My regret is not having taken the path of the English LLB soon after the high school, but I'm aware it would have been tougher since I didn't have sufficient language skills neither sufficient good grades.

I understand that getting a TC is a though walk for a foreigner, anyway I want to deepen the issue.
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Inactive User

You can always do the LLM and focus probably more on English (domestic) subjects or do the MA in law that is a qualifying law degree. You will be equipped with a good degree and the MA is only 2 years.

Think twice about the training contract...but then again if you want to go for it do it!!!

You can always do the LLM and focus probably more on English (domestic) subjects or do the MA in law that is a qualifying law degree. You will be equipped with a good degree and the MA is only 2 years.

Think twice about the training contract...but then again if you want to go for it do it!!!
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nlawsite

TRUTH IS REVEALED FINALLY! - I understand that it is hard to take but to find a training position or legal job in UK is tough and very tough. Dont worry - as someone said we all have our place in the world.

I would say its better to start early in our respective countries and prosper rather than to struggle in UK. Plus dont forget that UK taxes the most in the world. There is really no point working so hard and paying it all in taxes :).

TRUTH IS REVEALED FINALLY! - I understand that it is hard to take but to find a training position or legal job in UK is tough and very tough. Dont worry - as someone said we all have our place in the world.

I would say its better to start early in our respective countries and prosper rather than to struggle in UK. Plus dont forget that UK taxes the most in the world. There is really no point working so hard and paying it all in taxes :).
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waitgirl

TRUTH IS REVEALED FINALLY! - I understand that it is hard to take but to find a training position or legal job in UK is tough and very tough. Dont worry - as someone said we all have our place in the world.

I would say its better to start early in our respective countries and prosper rather than to struggle in UK. Plus dont forget that UK taxes the most in the world. There is really no point working so hard and paying it all in taxes :).


Speaking from experience (non- EU), its almost impossible to get a TC these days in the UK. I studied at a decent law school in England, graduated with a very high 2:1 degree ahd had some relevant legal experience. I dont know anyone that has got a TC. Many even struggled to get a paralegal position. Think carefully before you invest your money.

<blockquote>TRUTH IS REVEALED FINALLY! - I understand that it is hard to take but to find a training position or legal job in UK is tough and very tough. Dont worry - as someone said we all have our place in the world.

I would say its better to start early in our respective countries and prosper rather than to struggle in UK. Plus dont forget that UK taxes the most in the world. There is really no point working so hard and paying it all in taxes :).</blockquote>

Speaking from experience (non- EU), its almost impossible to get a TC these days in the UK. I studied at a decent law school in England, graduated with a very high 2:1 degree ahd had some relevant legal experience. I dont know anyone that has got a TC. Many even struggled to get a paralegal position. Think carefully before you invest your money.
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Inactive User

I agree waitgirl.

People are lured into this without any guarantee whatsoever and it can be emotionally distressing. I would advise not to do it. It is not worth it and you will never be treated the same way. It is the truth!

I agree waitgirl.

People are lured into this without any guarantee whatsoever and it can be emotionally distressing. I would advise not to do it. It is not worth it and you will never be treated the same way. It is the truth!
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waitgirl

I agree waitgirl.

People are lured into this without any guarantee whatsoever and it can be emotionally distressing. I would advise not to do it. It is not worth it and you will never be treated the same way. It is the truth!


To be fair, a non-eu graduating with a first class from my class got an interview at A&O but she didnt make it any further. But I think its worth getting the baisc law degree and go try somewhere else. After all, a law degree is the entrance ticket to any legal (lawyer) position (with some conversion exams in other countries).

<blockquote>I agree waitgirl.

People are lured into this without any guarantee whatsoever and it can be emotionally distressing. I would advise not to do it. It is not worth it and you will never be treated the same way. It is the truth!</blockquote>

To be fair, a non-eu graduating with a first class from my class got an interview at A&O but she didnt make it any further. But I think its worth getting the baisc law degree and go try somewhere else. After all, a law degree is the entrance ticket to any legal (lawyer) position (with some conversion exams in other countries).
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Inactive User

Yes and an English law degree is so flexible you can work anywhere you want. It shows you studied law abroad and there is no question of how bright you are.

English Universities are very good and have a great reputation outside the UK. Going overseas is wiser.

Yes and an English law degree is so flexible you can work anywhere you want. It shows you studied law abroad and there is no question of how bright you are.

English Universities are very good and have a great reputation outside the UK. Going overseas is wiser.
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