Career Changer Guidance - becoming a solicitor

[jamesdv2000]

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:

• 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

Academically, I have a good non-law 2.1 from Cambridge (humanities, 68%) and got the full 45 points in the IB, so hoping that might help me clear some bars at least.

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!

Thanks so much in advance - it’s a daunting journey to be embarking on, but an exciting one too!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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:

• 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

Academically, I have a good non-law 2.1 from Cambridge (humanities, 68%) and got the full 45 points in the IB, so hoping that might help me clear some bars at least.

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!

Thanks so much in advance - it’s a daunting journey to be embarking on, but an exciting one too!

Hey!

Firstly, you've got a really strong profile already! Your academic record and the experience you've built in foreign policy, strategic communications and public affairs should give you plenty to draw on in applications, particularly when explaining why you are making the switch to commercial law.

In terms of your questions:

1. Is studying the GDL part-time worth it as a signal of commitment?

I don't think firms will necessarily view starting the GDL before securing a training contract as a stronger signal of commitment than someone who hasn't (although I did not complete the GDL, so others may have differing opinions!). Plenty of successful applicants (+ career changers) begin the GDL only after receiving a training contract as firms expect to sponsor it.

If securing a scholarship makes financial sense for you and you are happy with the commitment, then it could be a great option, but I wouldn't do it solely because you think that graduate recruitment teams will value it more.

2. Legal work experience

Citizens Advice is definitely a good option, particularly if you are looking to demonstrate an interest in the law and develop client-facing skills. I also volunteered at my university's legal clinic during my degree, and found it really valuable. It gave me plenty to talk about during interviews and helped me demonstrate skills like client communication, problem-solving, and working with people in challenging situations.

However, I wouldn't worry too much if you do not have extensive legal experience before applying, and many non-law students/career changers secure vacation schemes without it. I would focus on getting whatever exposure you can - whether that is open days, insight events, virtual work experience, networking with lawyers, or some volunteering. What matters most is that you can use these to articulate why commercial law is the right move for you.

3. Between now and applications opening

Generally, it sounds like you are already doing a lot of the right things! I would probably spend the remaining time refining your commercial awareness, researching firms in depth, thinking about the stories and examples you'll use in applications and interviews, and making sure that you have a really convincing narrative for why you are moving from foreign policy/public affairs into commercial law. Given your background, I think that narrative will be particularly important, as recruiters will naturally want to understand what has motivated the transition.

It might also be helpful to have a plan for the cycle ahead, and have an idea of what firms you'd like to apply for and whether you are solely applying for vacation schemes/DTC or a mix of both.

Overall, I think you are in a good position. The key now is less about adding as many things to your CV as possible, and more about presenting a clear and well-evidenced case for why you are making this career change and why you are applying to each firm. Attending open days and volunteering may be useful in helping to articulate these motivations, and speaking to those in the profession is never a bad idea!

Wishing you the best of luck with your open day and your scholarship applications, and I look forward to hearing more about your journey into commercial law!