GDL outside of London

[hunter]

Hi there,

I’m applying for TCs at US law firms in London. Quite a few say that their preferred provider/provider is BPP.

I’ve been wondering if it would be possible to do the GDL outside of London or at a different institution other than BPP. Only because it might be nice and cheaper (!) to do a year outside of London before doing the LPC.

 

[Nicktim]

Hi there,

I’m applying for TCs at US law firms in London. Quite a few say that their preferred provider/provider is BPP.

I’ve been wondering if it would be possible to do the GDL outside of London or at a different institution other than BPP. Only because it might be nice and cheaper (!) to do a year outside of London before doing the LPC.

Hi,
The firm I'm joining (Magic Circle) specify you must study the GDL with BPP but they seem to be flexible about where you study and BPP have centres across the country. I think their preference is London full time so you can mix with future colleagues and get used to living in the city (less relevant at the moment) but that can be discussed with the trainee development team and they are flexible in allowing study at other centres. I believe they are less flexible with the LPC and that must be studied at the BPP London centre. I'm not sure if that is the case for other firms so you may want to ask the Grad Recruitment team at the firms you are considering applying to.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi there,

I’m applying for TCs at US law firms in London. Quite a few say that their preferred provider/provider is BPP.

I’ve been wondering if it would be possible to do the GDL outside of London or at a different institution other than BPP. Only because it might be nice and cheaper (!) to do a year outside of London before doing the LPC.

Location is generally not an issue (although be mindful the GDL is wrapping up for many institutions, and so may not be available at so many locations in 2021). If firms do have a preference, it’s typically just by provider and that’s purely because they get preferential rates that as a single purchaser, you’d never get.

 

[Daniel Boden]

Hi there,

I’m applying for TCs at US law firms in London. Quite a few say that their preferred provider/provider is BPP.

I’ve been wondering if it would be possible to do the GDL outside of London or at a different institution other than BPP. Only because it might be nice and cheaper (!) to do a year outside of London before doing the LPC.

Yeah it's not an issue. I'm a future trainee with US firm Gibson Dunn and they were very happy for me to do the GDL at ULaw outside of London but would prefer me to do the LPC at BPP in London, mainly so that I can get to know my future colleagues who I'll join the firm with. I think most US firms are more flexible re the GDL than the LPC so just contact them and ask after you have been made a TC offer

 

[Jane Smith]

Yes, it's fine but remember BPP have out of London centres - one of my children is at one although will be London (technically although if it is all online these location issues are weird - cheaper fees but rent to pay for us if out of London - so more expensive and in London - no rent to pay as live at home but higher fees and all for exactly the same online only course - Alice in Wonderland world......

 

[hunter]

So I asked my firm where people do the GDL and they said usually it's at the Waterloo campus of BPP, so that trainees can get to know one another. But I'm a bit cautious about moving to London because what if there are further lockdowns etc. So far I don't know any other non-law people in my intake (small intake). I don't know if I should ask or just do what people usually do with the firm.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

So I asked my firm where people do the GDL and they said usually it's at the Waterloo campus of BPP, so that trainees can get to know one another. But I'm a bit cautious about moving to London because what if there are further lockdowns etc. So far I don't know any other non-law people in my intake (small intake). I don't know if I should ask or just do what people usually do with the firm.

You should at least ask. There’s not harm in doing so.