Age: 26

 

Occupation: Paralegal

Best bit about studying the Diploma / LPC part-time: Meeting new people from various backgrounds. There is a good mix of us; some are fresh out of an undergraduate course and others have been working for years.  I also enjoy studying part-time as it allows me to continue working full time. I doubt I would have been able to afford the fees if I had chosen to study full-time with a part-time job.

 

In addition, the course is far more practical and hands-on than the law degree, and I have really enjoyed developing my skills and improving my self-confidence. In general, the other part-time students also seem to be more mature, so I feel that I am more at ease with them than I would be with full-time students.

 

Worst bit about studying the Diploma / LPC part-time: The lack of time for myself! I really find I have to plan and prioritise my course workload in order to meet deadlines and avoid stressful last minute jobs! I would also say that taking annual leave to attend certain lectures and classes can be frustrating at times.

Tips for students considering, or about to start, studying the Diploma / LPC part-time: I would advise anyone to really consider whether or not they can fully commit their time, effort and finances to the course. I would also recommend that students interested in the course should attend course open days and speak to staff and students in order to discuss any issues or concerns prior to starting the course.  I would advise you to purchase a good diary! It is essential that you plan and prioritise if you want to keep up to date with all the assignments and classes. A diary comes in particularly handy when you come to doing the transactional learning part of the course. For example, in the civil action, we had to lodge certain forms and documentation by certain dates. We definitely all live by the saying ‘failing to prepare, is preparing to fail’.

Part-time students may find they do well with: Most of the part-time students on my course have worked full-time, some have travelled and it would be fair to say that most have a lot of life experience; therefore they find many tasks easier than some of the younger full-time students.  I also think that gaining some real work experience will stand you in good stead for the course. Personally, I believe my previous work history has helped me to work well within groups of people. I have also gained a lot of confidence over the years in various roles; therefore I don’t find it so terrifying when I have to give presentations to groups of people.  I also think most part-time students are generally good at prioritising their workload. Many of the students have families and full-time jobs so they are probably highly experienced in prioritising their everyday lives.

 

Part-time students may find they struggle with: Lack of time is one of the things most of the part-time students really struggle with in the beginning; however time does become more manageable throughout the course as you learn to plan.

 

Another aspect of the course that some part-time students may find difficult is working so closely on assignments with other students. On my part-time course we are required to work in ‘virtual’ law firms and, although I feel I can work constructively as part of a team, there are often times when I feel frustrated because we cannot agree on certain things or if other people are not pulling their weight.

 

For most of us on the part-time course, the aim is to finish and obtain a training contract. Although working in our virtual firms can prove to be testing at times, I think the majority of us are of the opinion that it is excellent practise for us before we head out in to the real world of law.

 

Additional thoughts/ideas that might help improve the experience of students studying the Diploma / LPC part-time: In my opinion, if you are committed to the course and are aware that you will have to dedicate a lot of your time and effort to your studies then you will get on very well.

 

It is also a good idea to try and be sociable and talk to your fellow part-time students. I have formed great friendships with a large group of the part-time students and we all tend to get together to study, discuss course work and any other issues that may be troubling us. We often socialise out-with the course too and we are planning to organise a big graduation party (when the time eventually comes!). I feel we have all come such a long way together and most of us will, hopefully, continue to stay in touch after the course.

 

I would also recommend part-time students to make full use of the time you have in class with your tutors. We are privileged in that we are being educated by highly skilled legal practitioners with years of experience; so attend the classes and ask questions!

 

A training contract becomes available but it only pays the statutory minimum wage of £6.08p p/hr: This particular issue is a regular hot topic of discussion amongst the part-time students! As a mature student and, given the fact I have committed a great deal of time, effort and money to (hopefully!) becoming a solicitor, I feel that working as a trainee for the minimum wage would be rather unfair and disheartening.

 

I currently work as a paralegal at a large firm and hope to continue working at the same firm as a trainee. I am skilled at using the firm’s IT software, I have a good knowledge of the area of law that I work in and I really do work hard, therefore it frustrates me that I may have to take a drop in wages if I become a trainee. However, I have to look at the bigger picture and consider myself lucky that I have been given the opportunity.

 

The reality is I have many friends who have completed the course and are still searching for training contracts. So, for me, it really would be a case of taking the minimum wage traineeship, working hard for two years and hope it results in a better paid qualified position. Obviously, for some of the part-time students who have families, mortgages and bills to pay, a minimum wage traineeship is not an option. Students considering the Diploma / LPC should really take all of this into consideration prior to embarking on to the course.

 

Age: 50

 

Occupation: Information Security Officer

Best bit about studying the Diploma part-time: Learning the practical skills that are relevant to the profession. Refreshing legal knowledge, as it is some time since I obtained my LLB. Being able to continue to work full-time while studying allowing me to fund the course. Meeting up with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and experience of law and working life.

Worst bit about studying the Diploma part-time: Additional demands on time outwith the scheduled classes. Part-time study is not the easy option. Being a mature student and being treated as someone with no life experience or previous work experience.

Tips for students considering, or about to start, studying the Diploma part-time: Budget for the costs of the course; expect to have several demanding pieces of work due at the same time; write off your weekends – part-time study is full time commitment – you do not have any spare time! You must get on with people – virtual firms test your resolve to deal with ‘people’ issues. Do not under-estimate the time and work required.

 

Part-time students may find they do well with: Depending on background and previous experience, doing negotiation and delivering presentations may prove to be aspects that you may do well in. Speaking in front of or to people may come easier if it is something you have previous experience of. You are in control of your learning.

Part-time students may find they struggle with: Being a student again. Depending on how long it is since you last studied. Going at other’s pace or waiting on others to provide their input for project work.

Additional thoughts/ideas that might help improve the experience of students studying the Diploma part-time: Continuous assessment through project work and assignments is a more practical way of establishing learning. I preferred this approach to that of sitting exams. There was only one this year, which was about enough. On the down side I do not think two ten week semesters is appropriate. From Oct to Oct (University year), there are 52 weeks and the course is delivered over 20 weeks. Either extend the semesters and reduce the need to cram it all in or allow a third period of ten weeks and fit in other topics from the syllabus.

 

A training contract becomes available but it only pays the statutory minimum wage of £6.08p p/hr:  I am of the view that trainees work extremely hard to get a training contract, and work extremely hard during their training contract.  For a part-time student it could mean a considerable drop in wages, especially if they are already in full-time professional employment. The current approach towards paying only the minimum wage tends to suggest that a career in law is for an elite group of financially supported people.  This in my view will result in the loss of some potentially very good people.

 

Age: 46

 

Occupation: Nurse

Best bit about studying the Diploma part-time: Part-time study has really suited me as I have been able to work around school hours, which means that I have been available for my family throughout the day.  Furthermore, I have also been able to continue to earn money whilst studying.

 

Worst bit about studying the Diploma part-time: It has been a very intense period of study over a short time frame, with many different subjects being studied over two twelve week semesters.  However, by the end of this period, I felt as though I had learned so much and achieved many new skills.

 

Tips for students considering, or about to start, studying the Diploma part-time: Consider whether you have sufficient free time to accommodate studying part-time.  Also if you have a family consider whether you have their support.  During term time you will be expected to attend lectures/tutorials several nights a week.  In addition, a considerable part of every weekend may be spent preparing work for tutorials, for assessments or project work.

Part-time students may find they do well with: As a mature student I found that I was able to prioritise my workload effectively as I often have to do this within my day job.  Furthermore, having considerable experience of working either on my own or as part of a team I was able to adapt to the demands of the course whether it required preparing individual work or collaborating with others on project work or delivering presentations.

Part-time students may find they struggle with: Initially time management may be a struggle, however after a couple of weeks most people find that they are pretty organised in respect of identifying priorities and organising their workload accordingly.

Additional thoughts/ideas that might help improve the experience of students studying the Diploma / LPC part-time: Don’t be afraid or intimidated about speaking up/asking questions as often the tutorial groups are small.  Therefore these sessions are often a great opportunity to get to know your peers and learn from their experiences.  Also I would encourage everyone to participate in as many different activities that are available to them in order to optimise their learning experience. 

A training contract becomes available but it only pays the statutory minimum wage of £6.08p p/hr:  

I disagree that trainees should be paid the statutory minimum wage for several reasons.  Firstly, I believe that given the amount of study a trainee lawyer has undertaken I think they merit a higher rate of pay particularly when compared with the rates of pay on offer to someone of a similar age who has undertaken no training.  Secondly, it appears unjust to pay such a rate when you compare the rates of pay received by an FY1 Junior Doctor who has undertaken a similar length of study as a trainee lawyer. 

 

I understand that law firms make a significant financial commitment to paying for and training a trainee.  However, if firms want a return on their investment they could ask trainees to sign a contract to ensure that they will continue to work with that firm once qualified for a specified period of time.  In the event that the individual voluntarily leaves before that period, they could be asked to repay part of the fees incurred for their training on a depreciation basis.

 

I believe the measure of a person is not how strong they are, or how fast they are, or how clever they are.  The true measure of a person is their ability to get back on their feet after a knock, adapt to the new situation, to put one foot in front of the other, and to keep going (even if it means taking a different path).

 

Here are some poems, words of wisdom, and lyrics that have (on occasion) helped lift my spirits and encourage me to keep going when the going gets tough.

 

********************

 

Don't Quit - author unknown

 

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

 

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow--

You may succeed with another blow.

 

Often the goal is nearer than,

It seems to a faint and faltering man,

Often the struggler has given up,

When he might have captured the victor's cup,

And he learned too late when the night slipped down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

 

Success is failure turned inside out--

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far,

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

  

(These words were stuck to a door of an office at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone.  This was where I learned, among other things, to stick to the fight when you're hardest hit; it’s when things seem worst that you must not quit)

 

********************

 

Desiderata - Words for Life by Max Ehrmann

 

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

 

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,

they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain and bitter;

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

 

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs;

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals;

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

 

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment

it is as perennial as the grass.

 

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,

be gentle with yourself.

 

You are a child of the universe,

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

 

Therefore be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be,

and whatever your labours and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

 

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

 

(When I joined the Army my Mum gave me a card with these words of wisdom printed on it.  The words are simply beautiful, and they make me lift my chin up every time.)

 

********************

 

If - Rudyard Kipling

 

IF you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated, don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;

If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build  them up with worn-out tools:

 

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

 

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,

if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

 

(This poem reminds me of my Dad.  He gave me some advice before I joined the Army.  His wording was nothing like Kipling’s poem; and his actual words I couldn’t repeat here, but my Dad got his point across, just as Kipling does.)

 

******************** 

 

Streets of London - Ralph McTell

 

Have you seen the old man

In the closed-down market

Kicking up the paper,

with his worn out shoes?

In his eyes you see no pride

And held loosely at his side

Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news

 

So how can you tell me you're lonely,

And say for you that the sun don't shine?

Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London

I'll show you something to make you change your mind

 

Have you seen the old gal

Who walks the streets of London

Dirt in her hair and her clothes in rags?

She's no time for talking,

She just keeps right on walking

Carrying her home in two carrier bags.

 

So how can you tell me you're lonely,

And say for you that the sun don't shine?

Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London

I'll show you something to make you change your mind

 

At a quarter past eleven,

Same old man is sitting there on his own

Looking at the world

Over the rim of his tea-cup,

Each tea lasts an hour

Then he wanders home alone

 

So how can you tell me you're lonely,

And say for you that the sun don't shine?

Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London

I'll show you something to make you change your mind

 

Have you seen the old man

Outside the Seaman's Mission

Memory fading with the medal ribbons that he wears

In our winter city,

The rain cries a little pity

For one more forgotten hero

And a world that doesn't care

 

So how can you tell me you're lonely,

And say for you that the sun don't shine?

Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London

I'll show you something to make you change your mind

 

(The lyrics of this song always remind me of others who are worse off than me.  In particular the last verse reminds me of the statistically high number of ex-servicemen and women who are homeless and living rough on the street.  As a solicitor in Sheffield I, and many other lawyers, spent the night sleeping in the grounds of the Cathedral to raise awareness and funds for a homeless charity.  If that didn’t open our eyes to how worse off others are, then nothing would! )

 

 

Once more unto the exams, dear friends, once more; or close the wall up with our past papers.

 

In term time there's nothing so becomes a student as modest stillness and humility:  but when the blast of exams blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger; stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, disguise fair nature with hard-favoured rage; then lend the eye a terrible aspect; let pry through the portage of the head like the brass cannon; let the brow overwhelm it as fearfully as doth a galled rock overhang and jutty his confounded base, swilled with the wild and wasteful ocean.

 

Now set the teeth and stretch the nostril wide, hold hard the breath and bend up every spirit to its full height. On, on, you noblest student.  Whose blood is fet from fathers of revision mocks!  Fathers that, like so many previous students, Have in these parts from morn till even studied and sheathed their pens for lack of need of further answers:  dishonour not your mothers; now attest, that those whom you called fathers did beget you.

 

Be copy now to students of grosser blood, and teach them how to pass exams.  And you, good students of accounts, business and law, whose limbs were made in balance sheets, profit and loss, and case reports, show us here the mettle of your pasture; let us swear that you are worth your breeding; which I doubt not; for there is none of you so mean and base, that hath not noble lustre in your eyes.

 

I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips, straining upon the start. The exam's afoot: follow your spirit, and upon this charge cry 'for revision, note taking and PASSING'!

 

 

Best wishes & good luck to all the students who are sitting exams in the next few weeks.

 

Michael

 

Congratulations to all the students who have joined their virtual firms.  Working in groups can feel very daunting, especially for students who have become accustomed to working on their own.  Don't panic!  It's normal to feel apprehensive. 

 

Working in a team can be a great learning opportunity, as well as being a vital skill.  Employers need you to have such a skill.  Managers are not likely to select you on your academic ability alone.  If this were the case they would not bother to interview you.  You must also be seen as a team player.  I would be very surprised if a question about your experience of working in a team does not come up at either an interview or on an application form.  So soak up all your experiences of team working.

 

I have set out a couple of well known theories on groups/teams (see below).  I hope they give you food for thought, and perhaps a thirst to learn more about the benefits of working in teams.    

 

TUCKMAN: DEVELOPMENTAL SEQUENCE OF GROUPS

 

FORMING:  Individuals come together with collective tasks.  Team members are filled with enthusiasm and excitement about the challenges that lie ahead.

 

STORMING:  The conflict stage – ideas, personalities and tasks are challenged.  Some individuals jockey for positioning (roles – see Belbin’s Team Roles at Work).

 

NORMING:  The group evolves and settles.  Members develop rules of behaviour.

 

PERFORMING:  The group carries out tasks effectively & collaboratively and achieves synergy.  The group reaches its full potential.

 

DORMING:  An additional stage to Tuckman’s sequence.  The group can gets a bit too cosy and become complacent.  The group can become insular.  New members, new tasks and/or new challenges can help overcome this stage.

 

 

BELBIN – TEAM ROLES AT WORK

 

1. PLANT – creative thinker, novel suggestions;  
2. RESOURCE INVESTIGATOR – extrovert, skilled networker, has many links outside the group;  
3. CO-ORDINATOR – controls activities:  this is the leadership role; 
4. SHAPER – drives the group forward & focuses on achieving group tasks; 
5. MONITOR-EVALUATOR – the analytical mind; challenges ideas & encourages others to think things through carefully;  
6. TEAM WORKER – the member who pays most attention to the emotional balance of the team.  Co-operative, diplomatic & calming;  
7. IMPLEMENTOR – always looking for the best way to put ideas into practice; 
8. COMPLETER – the details person; ensures objectives are completed ‘properly’ and on time; 
9. SPECIALIST – provides particular expertise in the group.  

Not all teams have 9 members – most people can & will adopt 3 to 4 roles.

 

A great skill to have is being able to fit into a team quickly.  To do this involves adapting, rather than competing for a role that is already taken.  Competing in this way can result in the group being pushed back into the storming stage of development, especially if the new member tries to compete for the leadership role (which, more often than not, is already taken!).

 

I would like to begin the first entry in this new blog for the academic year 2011 - 2012 by wishing all my students the very best of luck with their studies.  I hope you will all enjoy the subjects as much as I do.  It is a pleasure to be able to share my experience and knowledge with you.

Michael.