I completed the LPC in July 2007 with a commendation after a consistently good academic record (AAB for A levels, 2:1 at a top ranking university with no retakes or gaps in education). I’ve had interviews from “magic circle” firms throughout my degree, and a few weeks ago had an interview at a top 20 city firm. For the last few months I voluntarily paralegalled, clerked and now work for a legal headhunting company while applying for training contracts at mid-size commercial firms. I would like to know, now that I’ve completed the LPC, whether there is a chance of me obtaining a training contract at a reputable firm? And, secondly, what steps I should be taking now? Am I right to work for a legal recruitment company in the mean time or will that work to my disadvantage?

The short answer to your first question is yes, you can still secure a good training contract. You may have to be a bit flexible, but the fact that you were called to interview recently proves this. Furthermore, as you probably know, the LPC qualification does not go “stale” so, theoretically, there is no time limit on you getting that training contract. Your second question, however, is more complicated.

You say you have been called to interview at a number of firms, but presumably not offered the position. This would suggest there is something about the interview or assessment that counts against you. Do you know what this might be? Did you ever ask for feedback? One of your first priorities should be to address this issue: if it is something about you, such as you fail to communicate your thoughts clearly, you can work on this. Equally, if it’s something you lack — if, for instance, firms doubt your commercial acumen — you can address it. This latter point is important as it affects the type of work you may seek in the short term.

There is nothing wrong with working in legal recruitment and if through doing so you are able to address certain weaknesses. In that case, it could be very useful. For example, if you came across as too timid at interview but you’re now being made to cold call partners, it will certainly overcome this weakness. However, the limitation of recruitment work is that it doesn’t allow you to apply your legal skills or keep them up to date. Furthermore, your ability to network and make contacts within the profession may be limited. This is why paralegal work is such a popular stepping stone, although it isn’t a panacea. Standing by the photocopier all day isn’t going to help you much.

Good quality work within the legal sector, either in-house or in private practice, is ideal if you can get it. This is particularly true if the organisation would look at its paralegals as potential trainees. Not all firms do, and you need to be careful of being drawn into unsuitable work offered “with a view to a training contract” if none is likely to materialise. The main thing, though, is to keep trying.

If you have a question about your career in the law, e-mail law@timesonline.co.uk

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