Applications for the BPTC open on 17 December

Applying for the BPTC for September 2019?

You can apply via the BARSAS website from Monday 17 December at 12 noon.  You need to apply by 12 noon on Friday 18 January 2019.

The aptitude test (BCAT) is also available from 17 December 2018.  This will test your aptitude for critical thinking and reasoning; it does not test legal knowledge. Its aim is to ensure that those undertaking the BPTC have the aptitude to succeed. The test consists of 60 multiple choice questions, lasts 55 minutes and is completed on a computer at a test centre. The current cost of the BCAT is £150.  You can find out more details here

In order to start the BPTC in September 2019 you must join one of the four Inns of Court by 31 May 2019.  See the Inns' websites for further details.

Future Legal Mind Competition 2019 now open for entries

This is a great opportunity for Law students or recent Law graduates to win a prize to support their legal careers.

The competition is run by National Accident Helpline and in 2017, Comfort Ochefu, a graduate from the University of Chester Law School was successful in achieving a place in the final shortlist of 10. This was a fantastic achievement in a national competition.

You could be one of those finalists in 2019.

Prize structure

The winner will receive:

-        A £2,000 cash prize

-        Mentoring from National Accident Helpline Legal Director, Jonathan White, and Partnerships Director, Adam Nabozny - both qualified lawyers with a wealth of experience

-        Meeting in London with a legal politician

-        A starring role in a professionally produced video, endorsed and promoted by National     Accident Helpline, which the winner can share as part of raising their own professional profile

How to apply

Round 1

Write a personal response to the statement below in 500-650 words:

In today’s world, the law provides a great foundation for any career. Outline your ambitions and aspirations and why you’ve chosen the Law. How do you think having a legally-trained mind will benefit you in the future and could benefit society, the country and/or your community?

Submit your entry by emailing futurelegalmind@nahl.co.uk by 28th February 2019.

Round 2

The judges will choose a shortlist of 10 people and invite them each to submit a short home-made video (1-2 minutes) to support their written response to the above.

In this video, shortlisted entrants can tell us why they have applied and how their initial entry represents them as a Future Legal Mind.

The winner

The winner of Future Legal Mind 2019 will be selected from the shortlist of 10, taking into account both the written response and the supporting video.

The decision will be announced in May 2019.

Further information on Future Legal Mind 2019

Information for entrants is available at

www.national-accident-helpline.co.uk/future-legal-mind  

BPP University Law School Presentation on Commercial Awareness

Careers and Employability is hosting a session on 5 December 1.30 - 3.30pm 
(Parkgate Road Campus, Careers and Employability Building, Seminar Room) delivered by Rebecca Yates from BPP University Law School. The session is aimed towards all students considering the legal profession as a career to find out what legal recruiters are looking for. 

The session will cover:
·        Skills and attributes of a successful lawyer
·        The importance of commercial awareness to the legal profession
·        How to become commercially aware.

Students can book onto this event via CareerHub here

How technology is changing law and business – with Addleshaw Goddard in Manchester Thursday 29 November

Please see details of this event below - guaranteed to increase your commercial awareness.

On Thursday 29 November Legal Cheek is partnering with Addleshaw Goddard for an evening of commercial awareness discussion and networking with its lawyers and graduate recruitment team at the firm’s Manchester office.

The focus of the session will be on how technology is changing law and business. With the Financial Times’ ‘Innovative Lawyers’ report citing Addleshaw as one of the most tech-savvy in the UK, the firm is well-positioned to discuss the disruption taking place in the legal profession.

Manchester is a particularly important location in this respect, with Addleshaw’s office in the city a key part of its firm-wide Intelligent Delivery strategy, that brings together legal technology, new resourcing models and smarter delivery of traditional legal services.

The session commences from 6pm with a panel discussion, featuring banking partner Richard Oman, banking associate Nick Parkin, real estate partner Cathy Fearnhead, and Mike Kennedy, a trainee carrying out his training contract with the firm’s legal innovation and technology team. This will be chaired by a Legal Cheek journalist.

There will then be drinks, nibbles and networking with the lawyers on the panel, trainees and members of Addleshaw Goddard’s graduate recruitment team. 

Apply to attend here.  You’ll be asked to submit a CV and two questions for the panel. 

Don't miss Manchester Law Fair 2018 on Tuesday 13 November

Manchester Law Fair 2018 is taking place at Manchester Central Convention Centre on Tuesday 13 November from 12.30 - 4.00pm.

This is one of the largest Law Fairs in the country and is open to both Law and non-law students from any university.



This fair is an excellent forum for students and graduates to have discussions with firms of solicitors about their opportunities for vacation placements and training contracts, to talk to training providers about their law courses or to find out about careers at the Bar or in other areas of Law.

Online registration for the Fair is now open. Click here to register in advance to avoid the queues.

Over 90 exhibitors!

• Make personal contact with firms of solicitors and discuss their opportunities for vacation placements and training contracts
• Talk to training providers about their law courses
• Find out about a career as a barrister
• Investigate jobs in various areas of Law
• Get advice from professional legal bodies

For more details see: www.manchester.ac.uk/lawfair

Step into Law Part 2 at the University of Law Wednesday 14 November 3.30pm - 6.30pm

Demystify the selection process for vacation schemes and training contracts with this interactive workshop at the University of Law, Chester.

When?   Wednesday 14 November 3.30pm - 6.30pm

The workshop will include:

• Different types of interviews and typical assessment centre activities
• Tips on how to excel at legal interviews and assessment centres
• A chance to take part in some mock assessment centre activities
• An opportunity to network with representatives from some of the UK’s leading law firms

To find out more email stepintolaw@law.ac.uk

Book at https://cc.law.ac.uk/Personal/Events/book?et=53

Don't miss Step into Law Part 1 Presentation by the University of Law 24 October 2018 - still time to book!

The University of Law will be on the Parkgate Road campus to present Step into Law Part 1 on Wednesday 24 October 2018.  This is your opportunity to find out more about the legal market in general and the Legal Practice Course (LPC).

When?: 1.30 – 3.45pm on Wednesday 24 October 2018

Where?: Chritchley CCR004/1&2

Step into Law is designed to provide you with an insight into the recruitment process for vacation scheme and training contract opportunities. The session is perfect preparation for those who want to become  a solicitor, giving valuable insight into the legal market, what you can expect with future assessments and tips on how to improve your employability prospects.

The event includes:
-latest developments in the legal market, pathways to qualification and an overview of the type of legal employers

-how to apply for the LPC.

If you are interested in the event please register your interest through the link below:https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/StepPart1-Chester

Don’t delay in booking your place as this event is likely to be very popular!

LawCareersNetLIVE still open for applications - Manchester, Friday 7 December 2018

Are you considering a career at a large, national Law firm?  If so, this one day careers conference in Manchester on 7 December 2018, could be for you.  It is designed for talented students (Law and non-Law) who want to learn more about how to build a career as a successful solicitor.

Please see below for more details from the organiser, Lawcareers.net

LawCareersNetLIVE 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. It is timed to maximise the benefit to students intending to apply for 2019 vacation schemes.

The event includes:

• 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; and
• networking opportunities with those same recruiters and lawyers, and fellow delegates, including during interactive firm-led workshops, which drill down into what it’s like to work in a particular practice area within a national firm.

Why should you attend?

If you want to learn more about life as a lawyer in a national firm, from the people who are already living it and those who hire them, and you have the experience and grades to back up your enthusiasm, then LawCareersNetLIVE is the perfect event for you.

Who will be there?

Graduate recruiters, trainees, associates and partners from some of the UK’s most prestigious firms. You will have a chance to hear their opinions and advice, speak to them directly at the numerous networking opportunities and impress them personally during the workshops.

How do you apply?

The application form is available here. The closing date for applications is 28 October 2018 but applications will be looked at on a rolling basis so apply sooner!  

If you are successful in gaining a place you will have to pay the delegate fee of £29. 

Make sure that you give your application the due care and attention required; we are looking for many of the same things that law firms are, so consider this good practice!

Think you’ve got what it takes? We look forward to receiving your application and wish you luck in your bid to be one of the hand-picked delegates at this unique careers event.

Step into Law Part 1 Presentation by the University of Law 24 October 2018

The University of Law will be on the Parkgate Road campus to present Step into Law Part 1 on Wednesday 24 October 2018.  This is your opportunity to find out more about the legal market in general and the Legal Practice Course (LPC).

When?: 1.30 – 3.45pm on Wednesday 24 October 2018

Where?: Chritchley CCR004/1&2

Step into Law is designed to provide you with an insight into the recruitment process for vacation scheme and training contract opportunities. The session is perfect preparation for those who want to become  a solicitor, giving valuable insight into the legal market, what you can expect with future assessments and tips on how to improve your employability prospects.

The event includes:
-latest developments in the legal market, pathways to qualification and an overview of the type of legal employers

-how to apply for the LPC.

If you are interested in the event please register your interest through the link below:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/StepPart1-Chester

Don’t delay in booking your place as this event is likely to be very popular!

Welcome to all Law students on behalf of Careers and Employability

Hello

My name is Philippa Steed 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 am based in Careers and Employability on the Parkgate Road campus opposite the Binks Building on Tuesdays and Fridays. I offer short drop-in appointments for quick queries as well as longer confidential guidance appointments.




Please sign in to  CareerHub where you will find further details of all the services offered by Careers and Employability.

Also make sure you check the Careers and Employability section in the Law Hub on Moodle where you will find our Career Planning for Law Students booklet with example CV and Cover Letter handouts specifically for legal work.

Please follow this blog for access to legally-related issues, too.  There's always a lot going on in the legal world so plenty to blog about! Please follow the Law School Twitter account @UoC_LawSchool as well as the Student Law Society @ChesterSLS and find University of Chester Law School on Facebook too.

I look forward to meeting you.

Philippa

Less than one week to go for training contract applications in commercial Law firms for 2020!

With less than a week to go before the closing date of 31 July for training contracts in a large number of commercial Law firms, now is the time to finish off those applications.

Don't leave applying until the very last minute as this will show through.  Use the days you have left until the deadline to check over your forms one last time.  It's always a good idea to ask someone else to look through the application just in case you've missed a typo, or even missed out an answer to a whole question!  It happens!  You've spent a huge amount of time doing numerous applications so the last thing you want is to be rejected at the first stage!  We, as Career Consultants, are always happy to check CVs, cover letters and application forms for you.

Use resources like Lawcareers.net to help you.  Samantha Hope, the Head of Recruitment and Marketing for trainee solicitors at Shoosmiths wrote an article recently on the "Top 10 brainless blunders that could cost you your training contract".  It makes interesting reading.

Good luck!

LawCareersNetLIVE applications now open for students - Manchester, Friday 7 December 2018

Are you considering a career at a large, national Law firm?  If so, this one day careers conference in Manchester on 7 December 2018, could be for you.  It is designed for talented students (Law and non-Law) who want to learn more about how to build a career as a successful solicitor.

Please see below for more details from the organiser, Lawcareers.net

LawCareersNetLIVE 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. It is timed to maximise the benefit to students intending to apply for 2019 vacation schemes.

The event includes:

• 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; and
• networking opportunities with those same recruiters and lawyers, and fellow delegates, including during interactive firm-led workshops, which drill down into what it’s like to work in a particular practice area within a national firm.

Why should you attend?

If you want to learn more about life as a lawyer in a national firm, from the people who are already living it and those who hire them, and you have the experience and grades to back up your enthusiasm, then LawCareersNetLIVE is the perfect event for you.

Who will be there?

Graduate recruiters, trainees, associates and partners from some of the UK’s most prestigious firms. You will have a chance to hear their opinions and advice, speak to them directly at the numerous networking opportunities and impress them personally during the workshops.

How do you apply?

The application form is available here. The closing date for applications is 26 October 2018 but applications will be looked at on a rolling basis so apply sooner!  

If you are successful in gaining a place you will have to pay the delegate fee of £29. 

Make sure that you give your application the due care and attention required; we are looking for many of the same things that law firms are, so consider this good practice!

Think you’ve got what it takes? We look forward to receiving your application and wish you luck in your bid to be one of the hand-picked delegates at this unique careers event.

Deadline for 2020 training contracts in commercial Law firms coming closer!

The 31 July deadline for  training contracts in commercial Law firms to begin in 2020 is approaching, but there's still time to put together some good, targeted applications.

My piece of advice on this is, that it is better to do fewer applications but do each one well, than to try to do as many as possible before the deadline. 

Here are  my top 10 tips when applying for training contracts:

1. Be realistic about the kind of firm you apply to.  Look at the selection criteria and be honest with yourself about whether you can match it.
2. Identify a shortlist of suitable firms and do your research on each one.  You need to spend time understanding firms and how they differ so you can make an informed application.
3. Read the application procedure very carefully and make sure you follow the instructions. You don't want to fall at the first hurdle because you misunderstood how to apply.
4. Make sure you know your own skills and abilities and have good examples of where you have demonstrated these skills.
5. Stick to word limits when answering questions but note that 100 words isn't enough to answer a question if the limit is 250 words.
6. Draft out answers to questions and ask advice from a Career Consultant to see if you are on the right track.  If you haven't answered the question your application will be rejected.
7. You must be able to write in a clear and concise manner.  There is no margin for error here so be very careful to check and recheck your application for errors.  Then show your completed form to a Career Consultant who will look at it with a critical eye.
8. Don't leave your applications until the last minute.  If you rush to meet the deadline you could regret it later.  Late applications will not be accepted.
9. Make sure you are commercially aware by keeping up-to-date with the business news as well as current affairs.
10. Check your application one last time and print off a copy.  You will need to revisit this if you are invited for interview!

Remember that the 31 July deadline applies mostly to commercial Law firms.  If you don't want to be a commercial Lawyer then don't apply.  You won't succeed in making a convincing application if your heart really isn't in it.

There are resources available to help you with your applications on CareerHub as well as on Lawcareers.net

Good luck!

Day in the life of a Trainee Solicitor - The University of Law, Chester 18 July 2018

If you've ever wondered what life as a trainee solicitor might be like, why not find out by attending this free event at The University of Law, Chester on Wednesday 18 July from 10am to 4pm?

Book your place now here

Government Legal Department Legal Trainee Scheme opens for applications on 2 July

The application process for the 2018 Government Legal Department (GLD) Legal Trainee Scheme (LTS) opens on 2 July.

The deadline for completion of the application form is 12 noon on Friday 27 July 2018.

There are 75 trainee solicitor and pupil barrister places being advertised this year for those ready to start their training in September 2020 and 2019.  

The majority of trainee places will be based in London. However, 2 Trainee Solicitor places being offered by GLD (to start in 2020 and 2019) are based in Leeds.

This year, GLD is offering 13 trainees the opportunity to complete their entire training contract within GLD’s Commercial Law Group (working across the different commercial law teams).

Most of the available places will be offered by GLD but there are also some places available at HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), National Crime Agency (NCA) and Competition & Markets Authority (CMA)
You must have, or be predicted to obtain, a minimum of a 2:2 in an undergraduate degree. This does not have to be in Law.

For more information please click here

National Law Fair at the University of Law, London Moorgate Campus, Friday 22 June

The University of Law is holding its National Law Fair at its London Moorgate Campus this year on Friday 22 June from 12 noon to 4pm.

This is a great opportunity to talk to legal organisations and law firms about their training contracts and placements and to get advice on the legal recruitment process.

For a list of legal organisations and firms attending and to book your place please click here

After the event, the University of Law will be hosting a VIP networking drinks reception for Student Law Societies across the UK, taking place from 4 - 6:30pm. A great finish to a really worthwhile event!

What next after your Law degree? What are your options with postgraduate study?

Many of you now coming to the end of your undergraduate Law degree may be thinking about           postgraduate study for next academic year or beyond.

This can be divided as follows:

Vocational Study related to your Law degree

This, at present, comprises the Legal Practice Course (LPC) for aspiring solicitors or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) for intending barristers.

LPC

If you are considering applying for the LPC for September 2018 there are still places available at most providers.

There is no official closing date so providers will keep their course lists open for as long as possible.

If you study the LPC LLM, MSc in Law, Business and Management, or the new MA Law at the University of Law, you could be eligible for a £10,609 postgraduate loan from the Student Loans Company.  Similarly, BPP Law School offers the LLM Legal Practice, which would also qualify you for a postgraduate loan.

How to apply

If you are applying for a full time LPC, you use the Central Applications Board website Lawcabs
You are allowed to make up to 3 choices of institution.  Bear in mind, that if you are a Law student at the University of Chester, you are guaranteed a place at the University of Law centre of your choice, provided you get at least a 2:2 in your undergraduate degree.

BPTC

Applications for the BPTC have now closed for September 2018 and will reopen for 2019 in late November. Check for updates on the BarSAS website.

You will also have to pass the Bar Course Aptitude Test before starting your course. See
Bar Standards Board for further information.

You must also join one of the Inns of Court before enrolling on the BPTC.

Don't forget, there are large sums of money available in scholarships from the Inns of Court. 

• The application deadline for scholarships is always the first Friday in November in the year before you wish to commence the BPTC.
• You can only apply to one Inn.

Both the University of Law and BPP Law School offer the BPTC LLM course which would make you eligible for a Student Loans Company Postgraduate Loan.

Academic study related to your Law degree

LLM

You might be thinking about going on to Masters study and, in particular an LLM.  This could be a good idea if you really want to focus on a particular area of law, such as Human Rights, and intend to forge a career using that expertise.

A few points to remember about studying a Masters:

• It can be expensive, though a Student Loans Company Postgraduate Loan of up to £10,609 could help you with the finances. See Find A Masters for details.

• If you had received a postgraduate loan for an LLM you would not be eligible for more funding from the Student Loans Company in order to study for an LPC or BPTC LLM

• You can often study part-time enabling you to work at the same time as studying

• You need to be motivated to study your chosen specialism at a higher level.  Even if you are doing a taught Masters as opposed to a Research Masters (known as an MPhil) you will be expected to carry out hours of study outside of lectures.

• Think again, if you are considering a Masters to make up for a poor result in your undergraduate degree.  Employers will see through this and look at your original degree result first!