Hi, I'm thinking of applying for a training contract for a law firm. I'm wondering if this is a good idea considering my limited legal experience. Perhaps it's better that I wait for more legal work experience or next year for a vacation scheme?
I have done bar work for two years during university, mentoring and tutoring for over a year, and I'm currently a researcher volunteer for an education NGO. Just to clarify I ahve graduated with an MA in a non law degree.
In terms of legal work experience, I have completed a two week legal internship which was essentially like a vacation scheme. I also have an a week long insight/internship scheme coming up in the summer and I'm awaiting feedback for two internships this summer that will also last a week. I'm confident that one of the interviews went well.
I realise because I haven't done a formal vacation scheme there is a bit uncertainty about my experience, however from speaking to grad rec, vac schemers, etc at the places I completed work at, many of them have said that what I have completed should be communicated like I completed a vacation scheme because of the length scheme and series of tasks that I completed. I will be applying for a different law firm that I haven't completed a vacation scheme for. I know time is not an important factor, it is the work that you have completed, insight you have gained and how you communicate that. But I have noticed that the internship I completed is longer than the vac scheme that the firm I am applying for offers. Also, it's very likely that I will have more experience by the time summer comes. Should I hedge my bets or wait for more legal work to come in to apply for their TC/Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship?
