Legal Practice Course LPC

Kate Howell

KATE HOWELL, FROM WALSALL, WAS AN ARCHAEOLOGIST FOR TEN YEARS BEFORE OPTING TO RE-TRAIN IN LAW. SHE EXCELLED IN HER GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN LAW AT SWANSEA UNIVERSITY AND HAS NOW BEEN OFFERED A TRAINING CONTRACT WITH A LARGE REGIONAL LAW FIRM.

"After working as an archaeologist for 10 years, I decided that I wanted a career change and decided on law. The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) offered a relatively quick way of retraining for a legal career, without the need to do another three-year degree.

The GDL is a ‘law conversion course’ which covers seven key areas of law - constitutional, contract, criminal, EU, land, tort, and trusts. Although there was a huge amount of new information to take in, we got on very well as a group and the support and camaraderie was invaluable.

I opted for Swansea University because of its excellent reputation, first-rate facilities and attractive location, and I have really enjoyed the experience. Although it’s been hard work, I’ve relished the challenge of learning a new subject, practicing new skills and making new friends. Although there has been a short-term cost, I am confident of the long term benefits, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction.

During my GDL I undertook a vacation placement with the firm Morgan Cole, after which I was invited to an assessment day and interview. They covered the cost of my LPC and offered me a training contract. Postgraduate study has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to retrain and take my career in a different direction - I’ll be sorry to leave University, but am really excited about starting my new job and commencing my legal career!"