How do I become a general practice solicitor?

z6vm1dobfnca3x

Hi,

I'm a second year BCL student with one year to go before I graduate. I have been applying for internship programmes over the last number of weeks with the hope of eventually securing a traineeship.

However, all of the firms that I have applied to are large commercial law firms (Arthur Cox, A & L etc).

I have begun to question whether I actually want to work for a large commercial firm, or whether a career in commercial law is right for me.

I decided to study law so that I could help individual clients in terms of personal matters - personal injury claims, conveyancing, tenancy disputes etc.

However, I do not know anybody who works in a small size or family firm. So I have no idea how to pursue in general practice.

Hopefully someone can give me some advice. Should I just email a CV and cover letter to dozens of small firms asking for an internship?

Thanks,
Hugo

johnnyskeleton

Bryson Dry Quintet wrote: »

Hopefully someone can give me some advice. Should I just email a CV and cover letter to dozens of small firms asking for an internship?

Thanks,
Hugo

Yes. Pretty much. You should find someone willing to give you a shot.

MarkAnthony

You really shouldn't need to look to hard to get an internship, unless - shock horror - you want to be paid! :eek:

Getting a decent one though can be tough. E.g. one where you're let loose to do stuff. Does your college not have support for this, I was rather spoiled in this regard I must admit.

z6vm1dobfnca3x

MarkAnthony wrote: »

You really shouldn't need to look to hard to get an internship, unless - shock horror - you want to be paid! :eek:

Getting a decent one though can be tough. E.g. one where you're let loose to do stuff. Does your college not have support for this, I was rather spoiled in this regard I must admit.

My college is good for showcasing the large corporate firms. But unfortunately we've had no interaction with smaller firms.

I'll start sending out emails on Monday.

Thanks for your replies!

nuac

Contact the secretaries of the Solicitor Bar associations near you.

Usually they circulate their members by email, so they might send out your request to their members

z6vm1dobfnca3x

nuac wrote: »

Contact the secretaries of the Solicitor Bar associations near you.

Usually they circulate their members by email, so they might send out your request to their members

Thanks a million - that's very helpful!

Hugo

tiger_cub

Go down to your local courthouse and watch some sittings, get a feel for local solicitors who's advocacy style and personality you like. Ask them if you have a few free hours could you help out at their office with filing, compiling bundles etc.

I have never looked back!