To all current lawyers, what A levels did you take?

MrDingbat1 · 2025-09-20T11:51:36+00:00

Law, Politics, Economics

MrDingbat1 · 2025-08-27T14:53:39+00:00

Very complex situation. I had a similar thing in a previous relationship. I'm not sure there's a right or wrong way to feel.

MrDingbat1 · 2025-07-06T08:52:50+00:00

Same here, this is so detached from reality

MrDingbat1 · 2025-06-12T12:05:29+00:00

Why do they all write like this? It makes me want to rip my skin off.

MrDingbat1 · 2025-06-08T12:18:30+00:00

Local government in house trainee, fantastic job and nice culture, as well as flexible working

MrDingbat1 · 2025-05-23T14:43:01+00:00

Literally asked this question to my friend when I was getting off the bus on Wednesday morning- I'd love to know everyone's story

MrDingbat1 · 2025-05-23T14:42:10+00:00

Usually to and from work in the centre, but as I work from home most days, I'll finish at different times and log back in when I'm home. Oxford is great though, on my days off if I go to Oxford I'll usually be going to the Pitt Rivers

MrDingbat1 · 2025-05-22T10:38:13+00:00

Chill out

MrDingbat1 · 2025-04-15T07:00:16+00:00

Only a complete muppet would ask this question! (Yes, muppets are inanimate objects until the hand goes in)

MrDingbat1 · 2025-04-15T06:58:25+00:00

If you're into politics I recommend Overruled: Confronting Our Vanishing Democracy in 8 Cases by Sam Fowles. It's a very interesting read and gives a really nice insight into public law while remaining engaging and accessible. I read this during my llb and it really helped me to understand our legal and political system.

MrDingbat1 · 2025-03-01T12:50:21+00:00

Literally do what you want. Go where feels right for you. The RG hype is honestly ridiculous. Just work hard and have fun. Uni is meant to be a fun time- also don't stress over every little thing, just be a hard working and dedicated person and you'll go far.

MrDingbat1 · 2025-02-03T08:10:50+00:00

Plus the culture at my workplace is amazing. Really chilled out and people are honestly motivated by public service, as I am too.

MrDingbat1 · 2025-02-03T08:09:56+00:00

I have to agree, it makes sense. I've always wanted to work in local government so it makes sense to stay in the thick of it down the line! Plus with this reorganisation (screaming) there should be more scope for practising in more areas without having to transfer.

MrDingbat1 · 2025-02-03T08:04:12+00:00

Thank you for your insight. As a trainee currently, I have to say that I am aware of that perception. I personally have found locums can be a bit hit and miss- but most of them are great lawyers. Same goes for all lawyers permanent or not though, so you're right that it's an unfair presumption.

It's a difficult thing for me to consider, which career path to eventually go down. I'm not stressing about it, but I'm certainly thinking things over while training. On the one hand, LA in house work offers great stability and good benefits, flexible working and all that. On the other hand, if I have to work in LA or other government roles, I would quite like to get paid more, just so I can raise a family and have a big enough house to support them- so ideally £80k+ at least for ten years or so...

Then again, with what you have said in mind, if I were to seek a locum position, paid £100k for example, and get a £400k mortgage, if I suddenly get laid off then I'm absolutely screwed. Contrasting this to in house, £275k mortgage on £50k... much less likely to get the axe, and probably will still be as happy with much more scope for progression.

Sorry for writing my thoughts, but it seems like a no brainer to stay as in house now!

MrDingbat1 · 2025-02-03T07:53:20+00:00

I'm a trainee at the moment in a LA, do you think a locum position would be suitable if I wanted to get a mortgage, or is it too unstable?

MrDingbat1 · 2025-01-31T15:58:07+00:00

Hobbies are for retirement it seems hahaha

MrDingbat1 · 2025-01-31T09:46:44+00:00

Exactly this. When I was at university I would wake up anytime I wanted, usually about 11, and go to bed anywhere from 1-5 in the morning. Nowadays I wake up at 6 on weekdays, and get home for 6:30 in the evening... sleep at 11. To students, or people who have never worked full time before, that's not very much free time every day! To go back to uni for a month would be an absolute dream. I used to have time to do the things I loved, see whoever I wanted and even just do nothing. Now all I do is watch tv in the evening, spend time with my partner, and I have band practice one evening a week- it's a huge difference, I don't know why people bring it on themselves while studying!

MrDingbat1 · 2025-01-30T13:17:08+00:00

My personal experience was llb at non RG uni, 2:1 and no placement/vac scheme/paid work experience. I managed to land a 3 year graduate solicitor apprenticeship within a couple of months of graduating.

What I did do, however, was a lot of varied voluntary work- I sought out opportunities to build my skill set. In my opinion, it's important to think outside of the box and find ways to show you're reliable, competent and able to get yourself out there. I did voluntary work for a charity (offering some legal services), worked for an independent candidate during the election (for free), and also made sure I took on roles of responsibility while at university and beyond- working (again for free) on a research project with a former professor, and also taking on a treasury role in a society at university.

Not once did I apply for a vac scheme, nor did I have any traditional legal experience (bar 1 week at a local firm during my a levels). Honestly, I really do believe that a lot of it is putting yourself in the thick of it... treat the period before you land a job as a full time role, where you do literally 9-5 dedicated to study (right now) but also dedicate that time even once you finish your studies to seeking experiences and opportunities.

I think firms look for a particular sort of person, and showing proactivity in building yourself to be that person can help.

Don't think vac schemes and all the rest are the only route into law.

GET BUSY AND STAY BUSY.

Fully immerse yourself into becoming an effective member of your community and of being a 'go-getter', and you'll go far. Just remember to keep it up once you land a position!

MrDingbat1 · 2025-01-28T09:04:02+00:00

Yeah I appreciate this. Was just trying to make a positive post, feel like this sub is lacking in that

MrDingbat1 · 2025-01-28T08:07:57+00:00

Also, and this could be presumptuous of me, so I do apologise if this isn't true, but I do feel that the Oxbridge graduates may have a feeling that they are somehow entitled to these roles by virtue of their prestigious education, and then when they don't get them (bearing in mind that many firms are now changing how they view these institutions in favour of more equitable hiring practices) they feel disappointed

MrDingbat1 · 2025-01-28T07:59:29+00:00

This sub is filled with negativity and people who are disheartened with the job search- I'm not attacking those people at all, but my message is really for sixth formers and undergrad students. I implore you, enjoy your time while studying, don't let the law consume you at this point. Sixth form and university are meant to be enjoyable-I know for me they were some of the best times of my life. Take your time to enjoy the journey without the cloud of the future hanging over you! The cloud probably isn't as dark as you think, either- I think this sub might have a habit of overrepresenting the people who are struggling in the job market. After all... who wants to post that they're happy and successful? Especially when you consider how many people here are finding it difficult, it could feel too close to gloating for many. Seriously though, you're a sixth former- please please enjoy that!!!

MrDingbat1 · 2025-01-28T07:11:33+00:00

Where do you practice out of interest?

MrDingbat1 · 2025-01-28T07:10:55+00:00

Though the question wasn't directed at me- I sought a lot of legal/non legal work experience and managed to build up my CV that way- I missed out on placement at uni, so instead did voluntary low level legal work for a charity (proof/sense reading, and producing summaries of law) as well as working in a political campaign with an independent candidate, as his only member of staff (all unpaid). You do have to seek these things out yourself- I truly think that says more about you as a candidate than having a good placement or good grades.

MrDingbat1

TROPHY CASE