Do law firms accept GDL?

Asked by: Freeda Bernier  |  Last update: July 24, 2022
Score: 4.3/5 (74 votes)

Even if your dream firm doesn't provide financial aid, you can apply to the law school directly for discounted tuition or do the course part-time. Many of the large, commercial law firms cover the cost of the GDL, as well as other living expenses.

Does it matter where you take the GDL?

Does it matter where I study the GDL? A GDL conversion course allows any graduate to learn the legal knowledge a law graduate already has. It doesn't matter if you choose GDL courses in London or anywhere else in the UK, they all include similar content and assessments.

Does GDL count as LLB?

Put simply, a GDL is for non-Law graduates who want to convert their degree to an LLB (Hons) and eventually pursue a legal career. The next step in this path is the SQE: a two-part exam introduced in September 2021 as a way of simplifying the qualification process for solicitors.

Is the GDL better than a law degree?

You might consider the LLB if you want a less intensive academic experience and would like extra time to apply for vacation schemes and training contracts. The benefit of the GDL is its shorter timeframe - it enables you to complete the course in half the time and save considerably on costs.

Is GDL equivalent to LLM?

The difference between a GDL and an LLM is essentially your career aspirations. If you want to be a lawyer (a solicitor or a barrister) then you need to either complete a bachelor's degree in law or have studied another subject at undergraduate level and completed the GDP.

What to know about the LAW Conversion Course (GDL) - Graduate Diploma into Law.

36 related questions found

Is GDL harder than LPC?

Star Member. Compared to the GDL, I found the LPC a lot easier as it's less theoretical and more practical so to score well you just need to focus on applying the law to the facts in front of you.

Can you become a barrister with a GDL?

To become a barrister, you must either read law at university, or a non-law subject and take the GDL (or law conversion course). Ideally, you'll need to procure a 2:1 or above from a leading university and have excellent extra-curricular activities.

Can you do bar after GDL?

Law degree/GDL if you want to become a barrister

Candidates can apply for an extension of time via their course provider. In addition, candidates must start the Bar course within five years of graduating with a law degree or GDL.

How do I become a lawyer after GDL?

To become a CLE, you must:
  1. Complete the one-year Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), or the Law Conversion Course after finishing university;
  2. Become an Associate Member of CILEx;
  3. Complete the CILEx Graduate Fast-Track Diploma, with takes between 9-15 months;
  4. Become a Graduate Member of CILEx;

Are you a lawyer after GDL?

The GDL is a one-year course which non-law graduates aiming for a career as a solicitor must take before doing the obligatory Legal Practice Course (LPC). In effect it 'converts' your non-law degree into a qualifying law degree – for that reason it is sometimes also known as the 'conversion course'.

Is the GDL being scrapped?

After September 2021, the GDL will cease as a qualification route and you'll need to take an SQE1 preparation course. For non-law graduates, qualifying under the new system may look something like this: study for a three-year non-law degree. take an SQE1 preparation course.

How tough is the GDL?

Essentially, you'll be condensing three years worth of LLB course content into just ten months, so yes, the conversion course is likely to be difficult! Passing it takes huge commitment and academic talent, so graduating with the qualification is a great achievement.

Can you get a job with a GDL?

If you're studying the GDL full time, a popular option for those seeking employment is casual shop work on the days off. Something like office work isn't the easiest thing arrange for a couple of days a week or at weekends, but you never know what opportunities are knocking around.

Is Diploma in Law useful?

This means that having a diploma in law makes you a good fit for this career. Arbitration is fast evolving as an alternative to traditional litigation. This means there are genuine opportunities for dispute resolution professionals with experience. So, there is no need to worry about job opportunities.

Is GDL competitive?

The GDL market is fiercely competitive. There are several private providers and universities to attend. Every provider is truly different. The private providers such as BPP and University of Law tend to have more of a practical focus on the law.

Is GDL a masters degree?

The Graduate Diploma in Law/Postgraduate Diploma in Law/Common Professional Examination (GDL/PGDL/CPE) is a postgraduate law course in England and Wales that is taken by non-law graduates (graduates who have a degree in a discipline that is not law or not a qualifying law degree for legal practice) wishing to become ...

What should I study after GDL?

On top of this, after passing the GDL, would-be lawyers must take the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), depending on whether you want to become a solicitor or barrister.

Can a 2.2 be a barrister?

We have no bar on applications from those with a 2:2 or 3rd but it would be rare for such a candidate to be invited to a first round interview, and very rare for them to be the most impressive candidates at interview and so offered pupillage. Thus you will find far fewer than 10% of commercial pupils have a 2:2 or 3rd.

Is SQE better than LPC?

Another factor to consider are the differences in the assessments: for example, the SQE has far more skills assessments than the LPC (16 tasks in total).

How do you become a 2022 barrister?

Qualifying as a barrister is a three-stage process.
...
You must complete three stages:
  1. The academic stage: an undergraduate law degree or any non-law degree plus a graduate law conversion. ...
  2. The vocational stage: a postgraduate Bar course (see more about the new Bar courses below).

Is GDL recognized in Canada?

Hope that helps! While this is a slight oversimplification, law degrees in Canada are generally all second degrees and there is no equivalaent of the CPE/GDL. As you stand now, if you wanted to practice in Canada you would have to go through three years of law school to get an LL.

Is a diploma in law Hard?

Most students report that the law degree is more difficult than their other degree. Students who undertake our post-graduate JD offering also often say law is more difficult than their previous degree. Law involves a LOT of reading and difficult and rigorous application of materials. Some concepts are difficult.

Is PGDL and GDL the same?

BPP says its new Law Conversion Course (PGDL) will help non-law students meet the “specific demands” of the SQE, which is due to come into force in September 2021 and will replace both the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC).

Is SQE harder than LPC?

In contrast, the SQE assessments are more intense. SQE 1 involves two papers, each being over five hours long and made up entirely of single best answer multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on a mixture of LLB/GDL/PGDL black-letter law subjects and on topics very similar to the core practice areas of the LPC.

Can you do a GDL at Cambridge?

The GDL is a one-year 'conversion course' that focuses on the seven foundation subjects. This option is not currently offered at Cambridge, but is available from a range of other providers. After completing their academic requirements, aspiring barristers must also complete vocational and professional prequesites.