Dear Pi, Thank you so much for helping us out. My main question is: how do practice areas and mobility relate? From what I'e heard, lateral shifts only really work for cap marks, BnF and funds. For everything else, it's a one-in-a-million thing. So, my question is: I've currently joined a PE/VC team in a T2 firm. Should I look to change practice areas if I want to shift? I would've applied for a TC in law school itself, but I had a very mediocre CV. But should I consider applying for a TC now, after some work ex? I don't mind compromising on a max of 3 years of PQE (one year's work ex before applying plus the two-year waiting period). It's a lot, but it's a trade-off I'm willing to make if it gives me a good shot. My understanding is that since as a TC holder they groom you from the beginning, they have greater value, as opposed to a lateral hire who comes from a different culture and jurisdiction, hence, the chances of getting a TC is higher (because they get a more valuable worker).
a) gain 3 year PQE in Indian law firm then apply for lateral in a UK firm, if you get through the process they will ask you to pass SQE (they will pay for prep and exam costs) This is a non TC route b) gain 2 year PQE and pass SQE on your own and then apply to smaller firms directly (have a look at rollonfriday website). This is a non TC route. For general information have a look at https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor/qualifying-from-abroad-to-work-in-england-and-wales c) Soon after graduation you can do a SQE prep course from University of Law [University of Law was a prep provider like Byju but a couple of years ago they were given degree awarding powers, part of their degree can be done online as well]. They sometime also give you the option to do an integrated masters etc. You will have to still apply for a TC to get the requisite PQE to fully qualify. d) apply for a conversion course (several unis provide MA conversion course previously known as GDL), then you can apply for the Bar Course and hopefully get a pupillage after that and become a barrister
Do lots of research before you take any decision, do not do standalone LLM unless you are in category (a) above and the firm pays for it.
Thank you so much for helping us out. My main question is: how do practice areas and mobility relate? From what I'e heard, lateral shifts only really work for cap marks, BnF and funds. For everything else, it's a one-in-a-million thing.
So, my question is: I've currently joined a PE/VC team in a T2 firm. Should I look to change practice areas if I want to shift? I would've applied for a TC in law school itself, but I had a very mediocre CV. But should I consider applying for a TC now, after some work ex? I don't mind compromising on a max of 3 years of PQE (one year's work ex before applying plus the two-year waiting period). It's a lot, but it's a trade-off I'm willing to make if it gives me a good shot. My understanding is that since as a TC holder they groom you from the beginning, they have greater value, as opposed to a lateral hire who comes from a different culture and jurisdiction, hence, the chances of getting a TC is higher (because they get a more valuable worker).
b) gain 2 year PQE and pass SQE on your own and then apply to smaller firms directly (have a look at rollonfriday website). This is a non TC route. For general information have a look at https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor/qualifying-from-abroad-to-work-in-england-and-wales
c) Soon after graduation you can do a SQE prep course from University of Law [University of Law was a prep provider like Byju but a couple of years ago they were given degree awarding powers, part of their degree can be done online as well]. They sometime also give you the option to do an integrated masters etc. You will have to still apply for a TC to get the requisite PQE to fully qualify.
d) apply for a conversion course (several unis provide MA conversion course previously known as GDL), then you can apply for the Bar Course and hopefully get a pupillage after that and become a barrister
Do lots of research before you take any decision, do not do standalone LLM unless you are in category (a) above and the firm pays for it.