Law jobs for graduates will continue to grow alongside the ever-expanding legal market in the UK. The routes into law are fairly standard with most having a traditional law degree and completing their LPC. However, some choose to obtain a degree in another field altogether but then have the option of studying an intensive masters in law in just a year. Whatever the chosen way, the qualifications and areas covered must be the same.

Law graduate jobs will require the candidate to have covered all of the seven traditional foundations of law. These are:

• Contract and tort
• Criminal law
• Equity and law of trusts
• Law of the European Union
• Property law
• Public law

(Those who have a law degree from foreign countries will need to apply for a Certificate of Academic Standing. This will legally confirm whether you can apply for English and Welsh law courses.) LPC After obtaining your degree in law, before you can apply for law graduates jobs, it is mandatory that you complete the Legal Practice Course. The LPC must be taken even if you have, or intend to do, a Masters in law. The LPC is the last hurdle before looking for law graduates jobs and eventually becoming a solicitor in Britain. It is a practical course that gives trainees the skills and knowledge required in the legal profession. The course can be completed at a range of institutions nationwide, and can be done as a full time one year course, or part time over two years. Training Contract Whilst studying for the LPC you should begin to apply for Training Contracts. Most candidates find that they will apply to a large number of firms and will only hear from a few. With this in mind, it is vital that you keep applying and do not become demoralised. It is perfectly normal to apply for tens of training contracts and only hear from a handful. This is because in 2009 there were 130 applicants for every one training contract. Different training contracts will vary from firm to firm. Larger organisations will have more structured programmes in place. It is common that when on a training contract you will spend a certain number of months in different departments so that you can achieve an overall experience of the law profession. Applications Law graduates jobs will normally require a CV and covering letter and/or an application form to be filled out online. It is thoroughly advisable to research all the firms you apply to. These firms look out for those who show they are motivated and their hunger for the job. Directories and websites will assist you in your research. Some top firms will require you to apply as much as 2 years in advance of starting law graduate jobs, while most will need a year. Future From 2011, the Solicitors Regulation Authority will begin a new route into law. If successful, this could mean that traditional training contracts as they are known now could be abolished. The idea is to give more options for those who wish to become lawyers. Paralegals will be able to gain solicitor qualifications whilst at work. Trainees in training contracts will have to work harder in order to become a solicitor, rather than it being just a given at the end of the contract.

The National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) is the first organization of its type to achieve accreditation from the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (OFQUAL), the Government agency regulating qualifications in England. With NALPs excellent track record, the accreditation enhances the professional body’s standing within the UK and internationally. Amanda Hamilton, Chief Executive of NALP, expressed her delight at the accreditation and commented on the unique nature of the courses. “What makes the NALP’s qualifications special is that they have been specifically designed and are recognised by the profession.  This means that students interested in working as a paralegal will have easier access to accredited courses and training’. NALP is the leading professional body for paralegals in England and Wales and specialises in promoting the Paralegal Profession and paralegal training offering courses for school leavers, legal support staff, law graduates and career changers. ‘The OFQUAL status award has enhanced our opportunity to service the increased demand from potential students’, said Ms Hamilton.  ‘NALP has now extended access and are planning to encourage more colleges and universities to run their courses throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland’ The National Association of Licensed Paralegals will be celebrating their 23^rd Anniversary and Awarding Body Status on the 11^th March 2010 at the House of Commons. For further information please contact:  Lauren Emmett: Lauren@globalpr.co.uk or 0113 218 0118

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD – QUALIFY AS A PARALEGAL

The National Association of Licensed Paralegals introduced the term ‘Paralegal’ into the UK and is the only recognized professional governing body that has dedicated itself to the promotion of paralegals in England, Wales and N. Ireland and all matters ‘Paralegal’ for 22 years. NALP offers recognised accredited Paralegal Qualifications from entry level to post graduate and beyond either online with full tutorial support, or by class attendance. We accredit a practical paralegal skills course that has been successfully running for 16 years. Over 8,000 students have gained qualifications through us, why not be one of them. LAW GRADUATES Enrol now for the Post Graduate Diploma in Paralegal Practice starting September 30^th 2009. Further information about the Association, our affordable courses and levels of membership can be viewed by visiting our website. Click Here To View This Site

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