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Considering becoming a solicitor

  • 13-04-2017 9:47am
    #1
    Glgl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1 ✭


    [font=arial, sans-serif]I graduated from TCD last year with a degree in Economics, and took on a job in a big 4 professional services firm. While I like the people I work with, I hate the work and have spent the last few months figuring out what I want to do with my life.[/font]

    [font=arial, sans-serif]After studying some law modules in university, I have really wanted to study law, but i am a little apprehensive as I have heard that it is quite a crowded market and most people I know taking their FE1s have a family connection to a firm that are willing to give them some work. I'm a little worried that as I am not from a law background I will have trouble getting a traineeship.[/font]

    [font=arial, sans-serif]I am considering doing the Law Society's diploma next year, and then starting my FE1's the year after. Would that be a good way of going about it? Is there much chance I'll be able to find a traineeship? I have talked to a few lawyers i know and people currently studying, but the advice has been a little conflicting.[/font]

    [font=arial, sans-serif]Any advice/info would be greatly appreciated.[/font]


Comments

  • #2
    Mr. Incognito
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,798 ✭✭✭Mr. Incognito


    Hi there.

    I trained in tax in a Big 4 in the boom times and whilst the money was good the work drove me bananas especially compliance.

    I had done an undergrad in Law and went back to finish the FE1 exams and qualified as a solicitor and work in litigation.

    I love it. Its challenging, the hours can be long. The money is certainly no where near what it would be if I went back to tax but it's a much more fulfillling career. I'm picking up technical work in tax appeals now so it certainly does help to have another specialisation. A law degree is pretty poor for critical thinking as the exams are memorise and regugitate. I find non law graduates tend to be more rounded. The FE1 exams will more than compensate for a law degree anyway as you will esentially have to cover the same material.

    I'd advise you to get work experience in a solicitors Firm and go in as a legal executive. That will allow you to build experience and practice and will get you exposed to the work and you can decide if you like it.

    Training varies immensely. Some firms will work you like a dog and not pay for fees or exams but things are improving.

    You dont need family connections, it might help at the Bar for the first few lean years but the job, in my experience is a meritocracy. If you are clever and capable you will do well. If you are lazy or do not have the aptitude you will not. Like anything in life.

    It's attitude and apptitude. If you have both you will succeed no matter what.


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