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Routes to go down with a law degree

  • 03-04-2011 3:07pm
    #1
    staygold
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 ✭


    Next year is the final year of my LLB so am wondering what direction to go in!

    I'm a good student, currently just below a 1:1 (I'm on 69%) but I'm still unsure as to what exactly I'll do.

    Being a barrister sounds more interesting than being a solicitor but tbh I'd rather work for a law form than be self employed, is it possible to work for a law firm as a barrister? Also the fees for the Kings Inn look crippling, whereas it seems possible to get Law Firms to pay your fees for Blackhall. Is there any way of finding similar funding for barristers or can it only be done by solicitors?


    Given the current jobs market here, would I be better off emigrating? If so, would being a solicitor or a barrister be easier to work abroad with?

    Thanks!


Comments

  • #2
    234
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,529 ✭✭✭234


    Some grants are available for the King's Inns fees. If you already get a grant from your local authority it may be possibel to continue it. The King's Inns also have a system to cater for students suffering from financial hardship. There is no arrangement as with solicitors where the barrister who you would devill with will pay your fees. You should also note that only the larger firms will pay your fees for Blackhall. It is not possible to work for a law firm as a barrister. Some barristers do leave practice and take up inhouse work with various companies or the civil service but a practicing barister has to be self-employed. If you want to go the solicitor route you should decide pretty quickly. Most of the big firms (i.e. the ones that would pay your fees) recruit years in advance for trainig contracts. You can't start in Blackhall unless you have secured a TC. You would also want to take into account that most people take a year out to study for the FE1s while it might be more usual to pass the KI entrance exams in a shorter time frame. Also, if you are thinking of going to the KI you need to check that your degree is approved and that you have studied all the required subjects.
    Pople will probably tell you that it is hard for both brances of the legal profession at the moment. It is very difficult to get a TC as a solicitor and even if you do you are by no means guaranteed a job at that firm when you qualify. Barristers always have it hard for the first 5 years or so. You would have to live on very little and if you are successful you will eventually build up a reputation and bring in more money.


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