Hi everyone,
I’m coming to law as a career changer, and wanted to use this to get some some advice and hear from others who are making / have made the switch!
I’m coming from a career in foreign policy and public affairs. I initially wanted to become a diplomat, and got into the Foreign Office - but after a lot of soul searching, I realised the path wasn’t really for me. I’ve worked alongside solicitors a fair bit in my career, and after speaking to some, I’ve decided that I want to make the switch. A brief history of my career to date:
I’m planning to apply for winter vac schemes through the autumn. I’ve applied to both BPP and ULaw for the part time GDL starting in September - currently waiting to hear back on Career Changer Scholarship applications that I’ve put in with both providers, and will make a decision based (at least in part) on whether I’m successful in securing funding.
I have an open day coming up with a US firm, and they’ll be opening up vac scheme applications shortly thereafter, so that’s my immediate priority.
I have a few questions that I’d really appreciate guidance on from anyone who feels well-placed to give it:
I’m coming to law as a career changer, and wanted to use this to get some some advice and hear from others who are making / have made the switch!
I’m coming from a career in foreign policy and public affairs. I initially wanted to become a diplomat, and got into the Foreign Office - but after a lot of soul searching, I realised the path wasn’t really for me. I’ve worked alongside solicitors a fair bit in my career, and after speaking to some, I’ve decided that I want to make the switch. A brief history of my career to date:
- 1.5 years at a corporate intelligence and strategic advisory firm
- 1.5 years at the Foreign Office (in a strategic communications role)
- 6 months (to present) at a boutique public affairs firm
I’m planning to apply for winter vac schemes through the autumn. I’ve applied to both BPP and ULaw for the part time GDL starting in September - currently waiting to hear back on Career Changer Scholarship applications that I’ve put in with both providers, and will make a decision based (at least in part) on whether I’m successful in securing funding.
I have an open day coming up with a US firm, and they’ll be opening up vac scheme applications shortly thereafter, so that’s my immediate priority.
I have a few questions that I’d really appreciate guidance on from anyone who feels well-placed to give it:
- Assuming I’m able to secure funding, is studying the GDL part time worth it as a signal of my commitment to law? Conscious I have no legal background, and I want to show that I am dedicated to this path.
- Relatedly, how might I be able to secure some relevant legal work experience? I’ve read up on volunteering for Citizens Advice - is this something that would be looked favourably upon by recruiters for someone in my position?
- Is there anything else I could helpfully be doing between now and when vac scheme applications open to boost my chances of success? I’ve been having a few informational interviews with associates at US and MC firms, but very keen to hear any other ideas people may have!
