Filling in the gap.

My last post was in February 2013 - just around the time of my dissertation hand in. Since then, I have abandoned this blog and let myself become consumed by, what I like to tell myself is, "a very busy and time consuming schedule."

In other words, I was embarrassed by how many people appeared to be reading my terrible literacy skills and shied away.

So now, I have my brave boots back on and will try harder to find the time for the blogs original purpose - reflecting on my journey into the legal industry and more recently, my hunt for a Training Contract.

For those that don't know...

I graduated from History last year and have since been studying the GDL at the University of Law. My end goal is to become a Solicitor Advocate specialising in Criminal Defence. However, I consider myself to still be young, so keep my mind open to areas of law such as Private Client and Employment.

What happened between February 2013 and May 2014?

Other than graduating, I spent the summer travelling Eastern Europe and moved from the Midlands to Greater London. I completed a mini pupilage (confirming I prefer solicitor over barrister) and transferred location with the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

I sent off three Training Contracts, all of which I got through to the second or final stage, but haven't yet made it to the last post!

I have started, and now almost completed law school - I am about to enter exam period in June.

What's it like studying the GDL?

The GDL is radically different to my History degree. The course is EXTREMELY intense, although is designed around a manageable structure by the University of Law.

I previously studied a course where you could read a couple of books over night and splurge out some argument, which was awarded with good grades without trying very hard at all. I now study a course where it takes you 400 years to even try and remotely put together a decent argument , with the exact PRECISE law (may be slight exaggeration).

In essence, to study the GDL you have to be committed and driven. So now, I spend every waking minute with a law book, at least in the corner of my eye.

Despite the fact it is mentally draining, it's for a worthy cause. To qualify in law it isn't just about academic prowess - you need commitment.

At the University of Law, I have made full use of the Careers service and got involved with the Mooting competition which I really enjoyed. My time at the college has taught me that the legal industry isn't full of these strange insanely intelligent creatures, but instead, it is made up of lots of people like me who all want to do one thing - practice law.

The battle of the Training Contracts

Training Contract applications are often even more time consuming than your academic work for law school. I have a lot of relevant experience, which I hope makes me stand out. However, there are a lot of other, want to be lawyers out there, who may have just as much experience and are blessed with the gift of being a straight A Oxbridge student. So, the battle continues.

I have sent off three applications so far, which in comparison to most, isn't a lot at all.

Each firm has been different. For the first stage, I have sent off either online applications or CVs with covering letters. Some of them jumped straight to interview, then assessment centre, whilst others have interim stages such as tests or writing exercises. For one firm, I had to submit a paper on 'How to solve the problems of medium sized firms'.

Each stage is coupled with the agonising wait to hear the outcome - staring at your email inbox or jumping every time the phone rings and the letter box opens. The process makes you a nervous wreck.

However, with each experience my application and interview technique has improved. Most importantly my confidence grows.

It is important to always take a reality check in this process. I have been extremely fortunate to get through the first couple of rounds with all of my applications. Only 10% (if that) of my year have a Training Contract so we're all in the same boat together.

Advice for other want-to-be Trainees

Take a reality check. We have entered one of the most competitive industries. As they say, Rome wasn't built in a day. Take every experience as an opportunity to improve until you land your Training Contract.

Also consider your application technique. For me, I have started to realise the importance of networking. Firms will prefer applications from faces they know.

What next?

I will continue with my battle for a Training Contract and complete my law exams. I have a place confirmed at the University of Law for the LLM LPC and have secured two legal placements in Hong Kong and Sydney.

In the next couple of posts, I'm aiming to look at applications, my CV and my experience at the Citizen's Advice Bureau with clients and company negotiations.