Converting with a graduate diploma in law

Keen to begin my career in the capital, I decided to look for a London-based GDL. I attended several open days and Kaplan’s small intake, good reputation and personal approach stood out. Undertaking the GDL without a training contact seemed a daunting prospect, but the careers service was on hand to help.

GDL course structure

I have two hours of lectures each day, plus four seminars spread over a four-day week. Lectures provide a basic grounding in legal topics and are complemented by interactive seminars focusing more closely upon their practical application. I enjoy the seminar-based teaching: topics are covered in such a variety of ways (eg individual presentations and group debates) that sessions don’t become dull. Self-study, although time consuming, is key to getting to grips with the material in such a short space of time. I treat the course like a nine-to-five job, but coursework sometimes spills into the weekend. Thanks to the tutors’ open door policy and online resources, I’m rarely left to cope with a topic unsupported.

The workload is substantially higher than on my undergraduate degree. This was a shock at first, but fitting in part-time work and socialising is manageable once you get organised and into a routine. The institution’s sports and social committee organises events throughout the year and my peers and I appreciate the necessity of good wine on a Friday night!

Pros and cons of conversion

I’d urge those considering conversion not to take the decision lightly. It is tough living on a tight student budget while balancing full-time study with training contract applications, law fairs, part-time jobs and pro bono work. Having said that, despite the inevitable stress, I’ve loved this year and it has left me confident that being a solicitor is what I want to do.

Carmel graduated from the University of Warwick in 2009 with a BA in classics. She has just completed the graduate diploma in law at KAPLAN LAW SCHOOL and is going on to study the legal practice course at the same institution.