Use the Christmas holiday to apply for a Vacation Scheme

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Law students! 

If your goal is to secure a training contract at some stage after your Law degree and you are currently in your second or final year, you might like to spend part of your Christmas break applying for Work Placements or, to use their more common name, Vac schemes.

The larger commercial law firms have opened their spring and summer Work Placement schemes for applications.  Most of the closing dates are mid to end of January or February 2016 although some firms will offer places before the deadlines so it can be worthwhile to apply early.

What's even better is that as well as a Work Placement looking good on your CV, you also get paid!

For details of firms offering Work Placements and closing dates see:
Chambers and Partners
Target Jobs
LawCareers.Net


Good luck with your applications!

Applying for the BPTC for September 2016?

Applications are now open for the BPTC for September 2016.  You apply on the website www.barsas.com and applications close on Monday 11 January 2016.

It costs £50 to make an application and you have 3 choices of provider.

Candidates must pass the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) in order to be accepted onto the BPTC.
https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/qualifying-as-a-barrister/bar-professional-training-course/bar-course-aptitude-test/
but please note the following announcement from the Bar Standards Board:

"The opening of the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) for students starting in 2016 will be deferred until at least March 2016. This is to allow time for completion of an important evaluation of the test in its first years of implementation. Please read this press release for further information.
Please note, you can still apply for a BPTC place via BarSAS before you have taken and passed the BCAT."

Succesful candidates must also join an Inn by 31 May 2016.

 

Please let me know if you need any help with your application by emailing p.hardie@chester.ac.uk

 

 

SRA proposes a qualifying exam for all new solicitors

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has proposed a new exam for all trainees wishing to qualify as solicitors to ensure they all meet the same "high standard" of professional competence.

Under the SRA's Training for Tomorrow programme, the SRA has launched a consultation on introducing a common professional assessment for intending solicitors: the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).  The consultation period lasts until 4 March 2016.

I quote from the SRA's website:

"It is important that newly qualified solicitors, regardless of the pathway they have followed, should demonstrate a level of intellectual and analytical ability at least equivalent to that of a graduate. This is reflected in the standard we propose for qualification."

The exam would be available in autumn 2018 at the earliest.

For full details please see http://www.sra.org.uk/sra/consultations/t4t-assessing-competence.page

Interesting article in @Independent this week re skills gained from a Law degree

If you're not sure what to do with your Law degree and are looking for alternatives to solicitor or barrister, have a read of this article in this week's Independent newspaper.

http://www.independent.co.uk/student/legal-education-a-law-degree-can-be-a-perfect-route-to-a-career-in-other-fields-a6737931.html

Law Society sets new recommended minimum salary for trainee solicitors

A year on from the abolition of the old required minimum salary for trainees by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the Law Society has recommended its reinstatement.

Although not enforceable, The Law Society’s new recommendation is that trainees should be paid at least £20,276 in London, and £18,183 elsewhere. This is based on the living wage plus the average yearly Legal Practice Course repayment. It will be reviewed every November.

This is a step in the right direction for trainees, some of whom were being paid only the minimum wage since the old minimum salary was abolished.  It is hoped that this move will also encourage greater social mobility within the legal profession.

Win a week's work experience at the London office of Law firm Ropes & Gray!

Lawyer 2B and Ropes & Gray have teamed up for our latest competition! Students are invited to submit three-minute videos addressing the question: Is national security more important than individual privacy? Who can Enter? The competition is open to all undergraduates, GDL and LPC students. How to Enter Videos should be no more than three minutes long. Email your video submission to londonHR@ropesgray.com with the subject line "Video Competition". The deadline for entries is 23.59 on 15 November 2015. In your email please also include your full name and brief academic details (undergraduate university and course with result or predicted result; current course and institution if a postgrad; and A Level grades). The Prizes Finalists will be invited to a drinks evening at Ropes & Gray on the evening of 26 November 2015, where the overall winner will be announced. The firm will pay for reasonable travel expenses for finalists residing outside the M25 area. The top prize is one week’s work experience at Ropes & Gray’s London office (date of work experience to be between March and August 2016). The best video entries will be published on Lawyer2B.com.

BPTC Scholarships Deadline is now approaching (Friday 6 November)

If you are considering the BPTC for September 2016 you can apply now for a Scholarship from one of the Inns of Court to help with the cost of the course.  Here's a few things you need to know:

• The four Inns of Court are:

        Lincoln's Inn
        Inner Temple
        Middle Temple
        Gray's Inn

The criteria they use for selection are:

Intellectual qualities (ability to analyse complex information and identify essentials, judgement, perceptiveness, good memory - academic achievement generally being good evidence on all counts)

• Motivation (very high level of drive and determination, commitment to appropriate aspects of work at the Bar)
• Relationships (ability to get on with a wide range of people, diplomacy, ability to sustain relationships)
• Character (calmness under fire, ability to work hard for long hours and against deadlines, sound personal values and integrity)
• Impact (articulacy, persuasiveness, confidence, ability to suit conduct to the occasion)

• All the Inns have huge sums of money to give to aspiring barristers in the form of Scholarships
• You can only apply to one Inn.
• You do not have to join an Inn before you apply, but if you are successful in gaining a Scholarship you would then have to join that Inn.
• Inner and Middle Temple interview all candidates who apply to them for a Scholarship.
• Lincoln's Inn and Gray's Inn preselect on application before interview.
• The closing date for Scholarship applications is Friday 6 November - check the time of day on each Inn's website. They are different.
• Make sure you have read and understood the reference requirements.  They differ for each Inn, too!
• Remember, the Inns award Scholarships based on merit but it is in your interests to provide your financial information, too.

 Good luck with your application!

Don't delay, apply today for NationalLaw Live in Manchester Friday 4 December

NationalLawLIVE is a one-day student careers conference for those considering a career at a large, national law firm.

It will take place in the conference centre at the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) in Manchester on Friday 4 December 2015.

NationalLawLIVE offers delegates an immersive, full-day event looking at the economics of national firms, what they do, how a career might progress and the life of lawyers working in this sort of business.
The event offers;

• advice on crafting excellent applications, shining at interview and forging a successful career;
• exposure to, and insight from, some of the UK’s most experienced recruiters and lawyers;
• networking opportunities with those same recruiters and lawyers, and fellow delegates; and
• participation in interactive firm-led workshops, which drill down into what it’s like to work in a particular practice area within a national firm.

Places are limited so don't delay in applying at http://www.nationallawlive.com/

Please note there is a charge of £24 to be paid if you are successful in gaining a place.

Important dates for all Second and Third Year Law Students

Welcome back to all returning Law students.

Here are a few key dates you need to be aware of:

•Wed 21 October 2.00 - 4.30pm  CWE019

    University of Law – LPC talk and

    Springboard into Law Part 1 –

    Training Contracts and Vac Schemes
 

Free tea, coffee and cakes will be available!

 

 

 

 

 

• Wed 28 October 10.00 – 4.00pm

    Airbus Employability Workshop

•Wed 2 December 1.00 – 3.00pm

    BPP Law School –

    Commercial Awareness for the Legal Sector
 

Please sign up for any of the above talks by emailing careers@chester.ac.uk

For further details please look at our website www.chester.ac.uk/careers
 

Also if you are interested in the Bar and want to apply for a Scholarship you must submit your application by Friday 6 November 2015. Please let me know and I can help you with your application but don't leave it until the last minute!

 

• Tues 17 November

        Manchester Law Fair
See details at http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/recruit/fairs/law/

Have a good term!

 

 

Welcome to Careers and Employability at the University of Chester

Hello

My name is Philippa Hardie and I am the specialist Law Career Consultant here at the University of Chester.

A warm welcome to the University and to Careers and Employability, in particular. Enjoy Freshers' Week!

You might wonder why you are getting this message about Careers so early in your studies but it really is important that you start thinking about your future, whether in Law or elsewhere, from Level 4 onwards.

I will be meeting all of you during the Law School Induction during Freshers' Week and hope to be able to talk to some of you at the Social Event on Tuesday 29 September.

I am based in Careers and Employability on the Parkgate Road campus opposite the Binks Building.

Please have a look at the Careers and Employability web pages at www.chester.ac.uk/careers where you will find further details of how we can help you:

UniJob (jobs on campus): closing date Monday 19th Oct 2015

Interested in part-time work on campus?

·        Download an application form via: www.chester.ac.uk/unijob 

·        Make sure your application stands out (we receive hundreds of applications each year for a few places):

·     Attend our workshop on submitting a successful UniJob application -

         14/10/15, 12-2pm – book a place via http://www.chester.ac.uk/eyetraining/book or email unijob@chester.ac.uk
 

Finding other part-time work:

·        Register for vacancy alerts via: http://www.chester.ac.uk/careers/vacancies

·        Email your draft CVs or applications to careers@chester.ac.uk if you’d like feedback

·        You can also call into one of our drop-ins with your CV or application:

·        Ring 01244 513066 (Chester), find out drop-in times for each week

Work Shadowing service (visits to organisations/companies to find out more about specific roles or areas of work):

·        Register online to receive monthly emails about work shadowing visits: www.chester.ac.uk/work-shadowing

Chester Difference Award (CDA) - gain points and Awards for extra-curricular activities to enhance your future employability:

·        Find out more about The CDA here: http://www.chester.ac.uk/careers/chester-difference-award

·        Download and complete The CDA application form here: http://www.chester.ac.uk/careers/chester-difference-award/apply

My email address is p.hardie@chester.ac.uk

I look forward to meeting you. Enjoy your studies!

NationalLaw LIVE event for aspiring solicitors Friday 4 December in Manchester

NationalLawLIVE is a one-day student careers conference for those considering a career at a large, national law firm.

It will take place in the conference centre at the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) in Manchester on Friday 4 December 2015.

NationalLawLIVE offers delegates an immersive, full-day event looking at the economics of national firms, what they do, how a career might progress and the life of lawyers working in this sort of business.
The event offers;

• advice on crafting excellent applications, shining at interview and forging a successful career;
• exposure to, and insight from, some of the UK’s most experienced recruiters and lawyers;
• networking opportunities with those same recruiters and lawyers, and fellow delegates; and
• participation in interactive firm-led workshops, which drill down into what it’s like to work in a particular practice area within a national firm.

Places are limited so don't delay in applying at http://www.nationallawlive.com/

Please note there is a charge of £24 to be paid if you are successful in gaining a place.

University of Law to offer Employment Promise to students starting the LPC in September 2015

Announced today, the University of Law is offering to reimburse half  the tuition fees of the LPC if students have failed to get a job in commerce or legal fields within nine months of graduating from the course.  This offer applies to full and part-time students starting the LPC at the University of Law in September 2015.

This promise is subject to further conditions set out on ULaw's website
www.law.ac.uk/postgraduate/employment-law-promise/

BPP Liaison Officer Vacancy - closing date Tuesday 11 August 2015

I have just received this vacancy from BPP Law School.  This is a great opportunity for a current Law student.

BPP Law School is currently recruiting for a proactive and enthusiastic BPP Liaison Officer based at the University of Chester for academic year 2015/16.

 

This is an exciting opportunity for a current Law or Non Law student who is a member of the University of Chester Student Law Society to professionally represent our leading Law School at their university. Working in collaboration with BPP’s Education Liaison team, the BPP Liaison Officer will diligently promote and generate attendance at a variety of our legal events and workshops aimed at inspiring and educating future Solicitors and Barristers.

 

The successful candidate will be entitled to a £2,000 scholarship for any programme delivered by BPP Law School, have access to BPP’s specialist careers service and be allocated a professional Law School mentor.  

 

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 11th August, with telephone interviews to take place on Tuesday 18^th August. Please see below for full role details, benefits and responsibilities.

 

 

 

Duties will include but are not limited to:

 

• Distribution of BPP Law School material (e.g. prospectus, promotional material)
• Managing a Facebook group for all University of Chester students considering studying at BPP Law School
• Raising awareness and ensuring a high attendance of BPP Law School’s presentations and workshops taking place at the University
• Promoting BPP Law School’s Open Evenings, off-campus events and webinars across the student community
• Keeping BPP Law School up to date with any relevant information affecting students at the University of Chester
• Liaising with relevant University departments and the student law society to co-ordinate any BPP presentations/workshops
• Being the first point of contact within the University student law society for any queries relating to BPP Law School
• To be a highly visible BPP presence, with a creative approach and the primary point of contact between University of Chester and BPP Law School

 

Requirements

The successful applicant must have the following essential qualities/qualifications:

 

• Excellent presentation/communication skills at all levels
• Understanding of BPP’s law programmes
• Initiative, enthusiasm, sense of humour and drive
• Good organisation skills and the ability to deliver effective feedback
• Desire to make a difference and ‘can-do’ attitude
• Good IT skills and familiarity with social media, especially Facebook
• The ability to commit a minimum of two hours a week to promoting BPP Law School’s products and services
• Strongly involved in the student community

 

Benefits

The successful candidate will be entitled to a scholarship worth up to £2,000 for any programme delivered by BPP Law School*. Additionally, the candidate will be entitled to:

 

§  A guaranteed place on BPP Law School’s LPC*

§  Access to a BPP Law School mentor; a qualified solicitor or barrister, who can provide careers coaching and advice. Where possible we will allocate you a mentor from your preferred area of legal practice

§  A full reference from BPP Law School

§  An excellent set of skills to help stand out on applications and your CV

§  Access to BPP’s specialist careers service

 

How to apply

To apply please send a copy of your CV and a cover Letter (one A4 page) to educationliaison@bpp.com.

 

Deadline for applications: Tuesday 11/08/2015, with telephone interviews to take place Tuesday 18/08/2015.

 

 

 

 

Information for Law School Graduates of 2015

Congratulations to all Law School graduates on gaining your degree!

Please see below some information which may be useful for you as graduates of the University of Chester.  Good luck to you all and keep in touch.

Kind regards

 

Philippa

Destinations Survey

 

You can help us by returning your Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey questionnaire later this year (November).  Please let us know if your contact details (including email address) have changed.

 

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Helping you after graduation

Our services are available free of charge for up to three years after graduation. If you would like to make an appointment with a Career Consultant visit us in the Careers and Employability Centre (opposite the Binks Building) at the Chester campus or the Martin Building at the Warrington campus or contact us via phone or e-mail.

T: 01244 513066 (Chester Campus)       T: 01925 534235 (Warrington campus)

E: careers@chester.ac.uk                      E: warrington.careers@chester.ac.uk

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Vacancies

Careers and Employability has an online vacancy and events system for students and graduates.  To use the system you first need to register by going to www.chester.ac.uk/careers/vacancies and then click on the “Online Vacancies Service” links.

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Graduate Head Start

 

Are you a recent University of Chester graduate not yet in a graduate job?

Are you looking for ways to make yourself more employable?

 

Then why not enhance your careers opportunities with our free Graduate Head Start (GHS) programme?

GHS is a unique and innovative three-day programme which been designed to support Chester graduates who are yet to find employment or who are not fulfilling their career ambitions.

 

What’s in it for you? 

·       Career Planning Day One - manage your career progression, analyse your skills, values and experience, learn how to complete successful applications and how to successfully prepare for interviews.

·       Career Planning Day Two - discover more about yourself, what type of learner you are and an opportunity to gain 20 credits at Masters level by completing the associated assessment.

·       Career Planning Day Three - learn about personal branding, effective networking and hear an employer’s perspective on what makes a successful graduate applicant.  Undertake a mock interview with constructive feedback being given.

·       A five-week work placement - undertake a developmental project, gain valuable experience and give your CV the competitive edge

·       Careers coaching from a Career Consultant - receive support with career planning including CVs, applications and mock interviews for specific job roles.

·       ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) - gain a nationally recognised IT qualification.

 

Programme dates:

Ø    September 2015 - 7th, 8th and 9th

Ø    October 2015 - 19th, 20th and 21st

Ø    November/December 2015 - 30th, 1st and 2nd