I’ve always said I’m severely lacking in legal work experience – therefore in an ideal world I would LOVE to walk into a Law related job at the end of my exams. I never thought I wouldn’t want to… but then I found a job that just screamed “I WANT IT” at me. So I proceeded to fill in the application form with more enthusiasm than training contract apps I’m afraid to say – not because I want it more than a training contract (I don’t) but because I actually feel I have a chance of getting the job and it isn’t as demoralising as TC applications – yes an actually chance not to have my application thrown out due to lack of experience and bad grades.
Application is almost finished just got to check over, give references and send it off – and then await to see if I get a reply. Of course I might not get a reply – they might question a law students desire to work in an office job – and give the job to someone more “passionate about the job”, even though I’ve sung my little heart out with passion in that application (as with all my applications).
If I got a law related job offer at the same time, I’d take it – I would love it more. But at the same time I don’t want to pass over on a great opportunity and hold out in the hope of something better – at a time when jobs are hard to come back, and I’ve rent to pay.
However the question on my mind is what are the implications if I do get the interview, or even a job offer – should I take a non legal job, forfeiting the opportunity to LOOK for legal experience therefore, potentially damaging my training contract applications again and showing a “lack of commitment” Or will the experience in any working environment still serve a purpose in strengthening my applications. Obviously I’m still applying for legal experience / paralegal type stuff – but no luck so far, and preferably don’t want to spend another year as a commuter. But at the end of the day, I need the money and I’ll take what I can get.
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Trouty,
ReplyDeleteIf it gets you commercial experience in the right industry then, why not?
Would it be a long-term permanent job or will you carry on looking for legal jobs? If its temporary (well at least for you - all you have to do is hand in your notice when you to leave) then shouldn't be a huge problem.
I know someone who has spent over 2 years out of law and is trying to get back in and is finding it very difficult.
Carry on hunting for paralegal work... you never know what might come your way. Try your careers place again?
X
AW,
ReplyDeleteThere is a bit of business / political experience, a lot of client contact and a lot of my interests outside of law. A lot of local focus - which every TC app I've made this year claims I need. Besides the job requires an over-organised person like myself.
They are advertising for a permanent job, if I would take it, it would be for no less than a year (to make it worthwhile for both myself and them). Of course, next round of training contract applications come within a year (hopefully an increase in numbers to) - I want to have more of a fighting chance this time round.
Still no luck on paralegal jobs still waiting to hear from a few. Careers place put up 1 job this week - I can already see the bloodshed.
Trouty,
ReplyDeleteYou do make me laugh... although law students are without a doubt ridiculously competitive. The job sounds pretty cool and you can make TC apps/ paralegal apps while working. A year goes by very quickly. It sounds like the jobs requires skills that most legal employers would look for anyway - organisation, interpersonal skills, commercial awareness etc etc.
I found this site today called www.indeed.co.uk. I might do a blog about it later. Its kind of like Confused.com ONLY for people searching for jobs. If you type in "paralegal" and the place you're looking to work in... the search gives you a list of jobs that are advertised on different sites all in one place. Very handy.
Goodluck with the applications - legal and otherwise! x
ooh that's not a bad site (just had a quick look at jobs in my area - 2 I've already applied for, 1 I haven't - so progress, and a few in my "wider area"). I usually use trovit or job hunting (same kind of idea), so thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeletep.s. anyone aware if a LPC student can apply for an ILEX/paralegal job, I'm not clear on the distinction?
Hey I would say go for it. Having worked in retail for the past 6 and a half years (whilst trying to get through law degree, lpc) there are so many trasnferrable skills that will help in a law firm from most jobs. Right now it is so hard in finding anything so for now you could go for any office sort of job and then still keep your eye out for any law related job.
ReplyDeleteLPC students can apply for paralegal jobs but what I found is that most firms want those with lots of experience as a paralegal, usually a minimum of about 6 months which I didn't have, there's no harm in trying. ILEX is completely different as its their own little insititution, but I have never applied for an ILEX job before.
Pooni,
ReplyDeletethanks for the comment. That's a long time in retail.
Yeah a lot say you need experience, but there are those who say they are suitable for LPC student and those who say LPC shouldn't not apply - half the time I just take a chance and apply anyway.
x
I would also say you should go for it, Travis! Sounds like the type of thing you'd regret if you didn't. :)
ReplyDelete