This document provides information on finding training contracts and pupillage after completing an LLB degree. It discusses the different options if not pursuing a law career, the process for becoming a solicitor or barrister, when and how to apply, and tips for making a strong application. The key steps are: completing an LPC for solicitors or BPTC for barristers, then applying for 2-year training contracts or 1-year pupillages 12-18 months in advance through schemes like OLPAS. Researching firms and addressing their specific requirements is emphasized.

1. Finding a training contract/ Pupillage

2. Session will cover: What next? Other options Solicitors & Barristers Training contracts & Pupillage Who to apply to, how to apply and when to apply! What do I do now? How to make a good application? How Careers & Employability can help

3. Other options with a Law Degree If not a law career, then what? Statistics suggest that approx 60% of all graduate jobs do not ask for a specific degree subject Consider your options- www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/review.php Look at jobs where a law degree is useful and unrelated jobs- www.prospects.ac.uk

4. What is a training contract? LLB Legal Practice Course Training Contract 2 years (may start 6 months early ) Complete ‘seats’ in areas of Law Complete Professional Skills Course

5. When to apply ? Training contracts Larger firms recruit 2 years in advance Many deadlines fall on 31 st July 2010 Smaller firms 1 year or less – may require a CV/ speculative approach See list of deadlines at www.lawcareers.net Legal Practice Course Application deadlines usually in December in the year before you’re due to start the course see www.lawcabs.ac.uk

6. Who to apply to? Which areas of law interest you? Who do you want your clients to be? What kind of solicitor do you want to be? Private practice or in-house What size of firm? - international/city/magic circle - national/regional - high street firms Location Other considerations- training salaries/ financial help during LPC

7. How to research the firms Publications Training contract & Pupillage Handbook Target Jobs Law 2010 Lex 100 Websites The Firm’s website www.Lawcareers.net www.prospects.ac.uk/communities www.legal500.com www.thelawyer.com www.wikijob.co.uk- excellent site with fantastic insider information www.yell.com – for smaller local law firms Also check out the links on the our website- www.sussex.ac.uk/careers

8. What is pupillage? LLB Bar Professional Training Course Pupillage Called to the Bar after BPTC 1 year Pupillage 2 six month periods ‘sixes’ spent in Chambers

9. When and how to apply? Joining an Inn Must join before commencing the BPTC but there are many advantages to joining early – www.barstandardsboard.org.uk & www.barcouncil.org for further information Bar Professional Training Course Apply at www.barprofessionaltraining.co.uk from Nov 2010 to Jan 2011 (usually a clearance round Apr- July) Pupillage – 12 months OLPAS online application scheme for pupillages from March 2011- closes in April - www.pupillages.com (12 chambers and 1 clearance) Check out www.lawcareers.net & www.prospects.ac.uk

10. How to make a good application? Research the firm/chambers in depth Address their requirements. These include: communication skills, attention to detail, commercial awareness, good academic grades Give evidence from a range of settings- include your part-time work and extra curricular activities Show why you want to be a solicitor/barrister- it is important to show your commitment to a career in Law Dedicate sufficient time Don’t copy and paste from previous applications Accuracy is essential

11. Careers Support Information Centre Website: Look under Law www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/careers_info Feedback on draft applications/CVs/cover letters (Weekdays 12- 4pm and Wednesdays 5-7pm) Mock interviews and Assessment Centres