One thing I wish I was told or found out earlier was the constant need for applicants to supply an academic reference i.e. from your university.
Edit: The Inn of Court scholarship, admission, BVC and Pupillage application forms all require candidates to supply an academic reference and it is the candidate’s responsibility to arrange for references to be sent.
Tip: You should pick someone reliable and give them plenty of notice before the reference has to be submitted. It is also a good idea to supply your referee with any relevant information that might help when writing your reference.
Well it's summer and once again I’ve been trying to get legal based work experience to;
a) Help me decide whether I want to be a barrister (Which I think I do) or solicitor, and
b) Improve my CV.
So I sent out what felt like a hundred letters and emails (slight exaggeration) and spent quite a bit of money on stamps and envelops. But it's all paid off I have been offered 2 mini pupillages where I will be shadowing a barrister in court and chambers. The first is in June and the second in July, both in London and both a week long. I am also looking to work in the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and maybe Victims Support (VS) as my careers department said these carry out the basic work of a solicitor i.e. giving advice.
So now I just need to:
1) Find somewhere to live in London for 2 separate weeks.
Ok, second year of uni and I’ve got assignment deadlines coming up and a lot of friends are already wound up and becoming very tetchy as these results count towards our degree classification. I’ve drawn up a plan of action and already have first drafts of my assignments being reviewed. I’m currently living on soup and my weekend work is becoming a welcomed break from revision and assignment writing.
My work experience went great!!
I was employed as an administrator and was able to see first hand the lifestyle and work carried out by solicitors and other legal based professions.
Most importantly I was able to see the structure and workings of law firms and the skills they are looking for in candidates for new roles.
Well after much searching and applying I finally got a legal based job. It’s with a consultancy firm who; 'specialise in the placement of Solicitors, Para Legals, Legal Secretaries and support staff’ throughout the Thames Vally region. I will be providing cover whilst a member of staff is on holiday.
As a result I am hoping to gain insight into the work and lifestyle of solicitors and other legal professions.
