Fe1 Training

DaveKit

Hello,

I'm sitting half the fe1's in 5 weeks time and I was wondering what's the outlook on securing training contracts.

I studied business with law in an IT and graduated with a high 2.1. I know it's tough even for the Uni guys to obtain a training contract at the moment.

Does anyone have an idea how difficult it is to secure training coming from an IT?

Thanks

MarkAnthony

Depends on what you want. Yes the top 5 court a small number of Trinity and UCD students. They still have to go through a rigorous application process which is essentially open to anyone.

I'm went to a private college, anyone in my year who wanted a training contract got one. None with the top 5 to be fair but I imagine if someone had been motivated enough they would have.

It's not where you graduated it's the work experience and way you put yourself across. Even if I'm being naive and the top 5 will only take from TCD/UCD then you've still got the majority of the market to chose from, and I imagine if you excel in a smaller firm you could move if you really wanted too.

TBH I've learnt more and more that once you've a 2.1 bar a few people in HR departments no one cares.

Uno my Uno.

MarkAnthony wrote: »

Depends on what you want. Yes the top 5 court a small number of Trinity and UCD students. They still have to go through a rigorous application process which is essentially open to anyone.

I'm went to a private college, anyone in my year who wanted a training contract got one. None with the top 5 to be fair but I imagine if someone had been motivated enough they would have.

It's not where you graduated it's the work experience and way you put yourself across. Even if I'm being naive and the top 5 will only take from TCD/UCD then you've still got the majority of the market to chose from, and I imagine if you excel in a smaller firm you could move if you really wanted too.

TBH I've learnt more and more that once you've a 2.1 bar a few people in HR departments no one cares.

the Top 5 cast their net far wider than TCD/UCD these days, most of them have very progressive Hiring processes now and they will consider anyone they think capable of achieving the levels the firm expects. More then one firm has recruited extensively from NUIG as they rate the Commercial Law program there very highly.

Equally anyone who thinks a 2:1 or even a 1:1 from TCD/UCD is golden ticket into the Big 5 may find themselves disappointed.

DaveKit

Thanks Mark your post was very helpful. Ya I've been a little concerned after reading a few of the threads here of people having difficulty in securing training.
I just want to be sure all my study won't go to waste.

MarkAnthony

DaveKit wrote: »

Thanks Mark your post was very helpful. Ya I've been a little concerned after reading a few of the threads here of people having difficulty in securing training.
I just want to be sure all my study won't go to waste.

Honesty, frankly, the study is a waste (sort of) most people could probably work through the FE1 manuals and pass that with the right motivation. What I can not reccomend highly enough is interships, mooting, legal essay competitions and anything that makes you standout from everyone else. Some volantary work like FLAC or frankly anything else charitable would be ideal as well.

DaveKit

Ya I am using the manuals, much better than any of the textbooks. I'll be looking for an apprenticeship or something similar after I pass these 4. The free legal aid sounds like a good idea.

Cheers for the response

MarkAnthony

If you can get in with a good firm in the area you're interested in (I had it easy as it was criminal) just sitting in the office photocopying will teach you a huge amount.

If you turn up switched on, well presented and knowing your stuff you'll also be presented with some amazing learning opportunities. Highlights for me:

- Reading through as file, questioning a barrister's opinion on an insanity, and being told "well phone him and speak to him then". Got a first in Criminal law off the back of a similar question came up in the exam and I was almost sick in the toilets I was so nervous phoning the guy.

- Helping with finding a barrister of a certain 'specification' to go in and get shouted at by a judge! (I phoned a couple of my lecturers! :pac:)

- Anything that involved me sitting in court.

- Seeing how some of the clients where dealt with (excellently) despite them being disruptive.

j80ezgvc3p92xu

+1 on doing internships. I remember doing one at a smaller law firm and I had unreal (pretty much unrestricted) to various files and briefs. Made for some very interesting reading. The solicitor I was working with was a young guy who had a "no sh*t" attitude so it was always funny to hear him scream someone down the phone. It was definitely a fun experience.

If youre lucky enough to get a top 5 internship these are pretty neat as well because a) you get paid and b) they will wine you and dine you so as to look better than other competitors. Downside: you will work your ass off, it can be interesting but often it just plainly isn't. You will not get a chance to just flick through the Law Society Gazette for an afternoon.