Why not use the Christmas break to start those work placement applications for 2018?

The Christmas break is a great time to unwind with family and friends and have fun.  You've worked hard all term so why not relax a bit? It might be a good idea, however, to give some thought to getting some legal work experience in 2018, particularly if you are a second or final year Law student.

You can leave it until after New Year but you do need to be aware that Work Placement or Vacation Scheme application deadlines will be coming up fast at the end of January or February 2018.  The holiday might give you time to look at the list of closing dates on Lawcareers.net and decide which, if any, of the larger firms you'd like to apply to.  

If you are interested in becoming a barrister, start applying for mini-pupillages for next summer.  See Lawcareers.net for details.

A growing list of Law firms offer open days for first years.  This is an ideal opportunity to spend a day at a large commercial Law firm.  For further details go to Lawcareers.net
Work Placements in the larger commercial firms usually last for one or two weeks during Easter or Summer 2018 and they are paid! You can also apply for other work placements in smaller firms.  You probably won't get paid but the experience gained could be just as valuable and you will be adding useful contacts at the same time.

If you are a second year opting for Work Based Learning in May 2018, why not look for opportunities at home to carry out your 5 week placement?  You can search for local firms at Find a Solicitor

Seasons Greetings from all of us in Careers and Employability!

Applications for the BPTC open on Monday 18 December 2017

If you are an aspiring barrister in your final year of university, Monday 18 December 2017 should already be imprinted on your memory.  In case it isn't, this is the date from which you can apply for the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) on the BARSAS website.

There is a very useful guide on the website which is worth reading before you start your application.

I have summarised the key points below:

Students can apply for up to 6 programmes across the 8 Providers of the BPTC.
The 8 providers are:

1. BPP University Law School - London , Leeds, Manchester Birmingham
2. University of Law - London, Birmingham, Leeds
3. The City Law School (formerly Inns of Court School of Law)
4. Manchester Metropolitan University
5. Nottingham Law School
6. The University of Northumbria at Newcastle
7. University of the West of England at Bristol
8. Cardiff Law School

Most providers offer full time (1 year) and part-time (2 years) options.  

Funding

The costs of the BPTC vary from £14,500 to over £18,000 depending on the provider and its location.  You may be fortunate to receive a Scholarship for at least part of the cost from one of the Inns of Court if you applied in November.

If not, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan from the Student Loans Company for up to £10,000 if you choose to study the BPTC with a Masters option.  Check with providers to see if they offer this.

Other options include:

• Future Finance Loans
• Professional and Career Development Loans
• High Street Bank loans

Applicants are not required to be a member of an Inn of Court upon submission of their application but must be a member by 31 May 2018.

The closing date for BPTC applications is Wednesday 17 Jan 2018 at 12 noon.

 Applicants must pass an aptitude test, known as ‘BCAT’. It is a multiple choice computer based test which assesses applicant’s critical thinking and reasoning. Applicants will not be able to enrol on the BPTC without passing it. For further guidance on the BCAT click here