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Should I do my LLM before LPC?

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londontown

Joined: 13 Jan 2008
Posts: 1
Should I do my LLM before LPC?
Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:01 AM
I would like to do an LLM...is it better to do this before you do your LPC? Asking because, I read somewhere that employers prefer you to go from LPC to contract straight away...instead of having that 'gap' year...?

Will having an LLM increase my chances of getting training contract? I'm interested in corporate Law.

[Edited 14 Jan 2008 by londontown]
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pedrinus

Joined: 26 Mar 2005
Posts: 95
Should I do my LLM before LPC?
Thu Mar 13, 2008 06:04 PM
Hey Londontown,

I am in the same position, however I am currently taking the LPC.

Employers don't give a fig if you take a gap year. You can certainly study in that gap year or simply travel if you have the money. I think the LLM will help you if you know what exactly you want to do in practice and it will also allow you to get the extra that you could not get in your degree or during the LPC.

Corporate law, again very competitive area, as everyone wants to do it. If you have a 1st class or a high 2.1 from a good UK uni, there is no need for the LLM as the firms will consider you straight away.

If you want to take the LLM, it only worth if you do it a top school to the get your foot in the door in the London city practice, because otherwise it is a waste of your time and money!!!

Hope this helps!!!
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MariArti


Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 68
Should I do my LLM before LPC?
Fri Mar 14, 2008 01:35 PM
Hi All:

I would like to know the general procedure of becoming a solicitor in UK? So could your please clarify what stages it takes?

As I understand, (1) you become a member of the Law Society (what do they require to submit you as a member, exept of paying entry fees, of course?); (2) you apply and take LPC course...

Is that all? What are training contracts doing with all this? Or you just must have 2 years of legal practice?..

I would be very grateful if anyone could discribe the whole procedure.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Maria
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pixie

Joined: 24 Oct 2007
Posts: 21
Should I do my LLM before LPC?
Mon Mar 17, 2008 03:45 PM
to become a solicitor generally u first get an LLB (3yrs Law at undergraduate level) then u you do the LPC and after that you "train" with a law firm for about two years (training contract)
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lmwoods

Joined: 11 Jan 2007
Posts: 98
Should I do my LLM before LPC?
Mon Mar 17, 2008 04:44 PM
With regard to the academic phase of qualification, what you need is a degree that fulfils the requirements set down by the Law Society (and the Bar Council). This is a qualifying degree. You need to study certain subjects, but the degree does not have to be of a particular length: thus a two year senior status degree, as well as the standard 3 yr law degree, or a four year law + something degree will all do this provided you have passed (not just studied) the requisite subjects. An alternative course of action for someone without a qualifying law degree is to take a conversion course, sometimes known as the CPE or, now, the Graduate Diploma in Law. This is a one year course. Having passed this, you can then do the vocational training (LPC plus training contract).
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MariArti


Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 68
Should I do my LLM before LPC?
Mon Mar 17, 2008 07:48 PM
Pixie and Imwoods:

thank you for your posts!.. I searched Internet and the site of the Law Society, but still could not find the answers to some additional questions.

I have finished my LLB in Law and Pre-Master Degree in Law from Ukrainian University. As of today I have three years of legal practice (including last 1.5 year working for leading American law firm)... In July or August 2008, I will take the Bar Exam and to become a solicitor here, in Ukraine... And this fall I am starting my LLM with UCL. After that I hoped to go for LPC and to become a solicitor in UK.

Under these circumstances, do I still have to take some courses prior LPC?..

As I already have 3 years of experience, I am not interested in taking trainee contracts... as I can just be passed by associate position with the London office of my law firm... Can I skip all these 2 years of being trainee and still become a solicitor?

I would be very grateful if you could clarify these issues.

Thanks.

Regards,
Maria

[Edited 17 Mar 2008 by MariArti]
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pedrinus

Joined: 26 Mar 2005
Posts: 95
Should I do my LLM before LPC?
Mon Mar 17, 2008 09:08 PM
Dear Mari,

If you are going to become a solicitor in the Ukraine there is no need to study the LPC.

You can take the qualified lawyers transfer test (QLTT) and work as a lawyer in the UK. Saves you a lot a money and it is just four exams!!!!

Check out this link!!

www.college-of-law.co.uk/qualified_lawyers/content…

I would then advise you to register with a legal recruitment agency and they will help you to find a good position in the city.

Hope this helps

xxx
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MariArti


Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 68
Should I do my LLM before LPC?
Mon Mar 17, 2008 09:32 PM
Dear Pedrius,

thanks for reply!.. This is what I was looking for. I though that some kind of QLTT should exist for such cases as mine.

Again, thank you for your reply.

With best regards,
Maria
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Sir William


Joined: 11 Sep 2007
Posts: 8
Should I do my LLM before LPC?
Wed Mar 19, 2008 02:57 PM
I don't want be a spoiler here, but it seems to me that there may be a problem with your eligibility to take the QLTT.

www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/qltt/apply.page

www.sra.org.uk/documents/solicitors/qltt/qltt-guid…
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pedrinus

Joined: 26 Mar 2005
Posts: 95
Should I do my LLM before LPC?
Wed Mar 19, 2008 03:50 PM
Sir William lol

You are def a spoiler. :)
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MariArti


Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 68
Should I do my LLM before LPC?
Thu Mar 20, 2008 01:26 PM
Eh, ok.

So LPC is the only way ;)
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pedrinus

Joined: 26 Mar 2005
Posts: 95
Should I do my LLM before LPC?
Thu Mar 20, 2008 03:12 PM
mari,

I will send you a personal message later today !!!
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