Funding the LPC
Funding available for Legal Practice Course students
As the LPC is a post-graduate training course, students are not eligible to apply to the government sponsored student access fund or student loan scheme. The general policy of the government is that full time students should be outside the benefit system. The only exceptions to this relate to specific groups, such as those who are lone parents or are registered disabled. If you are in doubt or feel you might be eligible to claim benefits then you should approach your local benefits agency for advice. Any Citizens Advice Bureau would also be able to give you further assistance.
Law Society Bursary Scheme
Sponsorship by Law Firms
Other Awards
Career Development Loans
Other Loan Schemes
Law Society Bursary Scheme
The Law Society has a bursary scheme for those intending to take the Legal Practice Course. It consists of a variety of funds and grant-making trusts, providing grants and loans which have been grouped together under an umbrella scheme. The fund in total is very limited and there are both competitive elements and hardship criteria which must be applied. For example, a candidate needs to be both outstanding in achievement or dedication, and genuinely in need of support with no other access to major funding via own, parent's or spouse's income or a local authority award, in order to be considered.
Applications forms are provided from the 1st March and the closing date for receipt is 10th May in the year in which the applicant hopes to commence his or her course. Further information can be obtained from the Law Society Legal Education Department by writing or telephoning as indicated in the list of contact addresses for the Law Society.
Bursary Information and Application Forms are available from:
Information Services
The Law Society
Redditch B98 0TD
Tel: 0870 606 2555
http://www.lawsoc.org.uk/
Sponsorship by Law Firms
A law firm may be willing to provide sponsorship. They will usually pay your LPC course fees, a maintenance allowance and possibly provide vacation work plus pay for your PSC. In return they would normally expect you to serve your two year training contract with them and possibly make a longer employment commitment. A number of law firms run summer placement programmes for second year undergraduates which might lead to sponsorship.
The most comprehensive information about firms offering sponsorship is obtainable from ROSET (Register of Solicitors Employing Trainees) which is available free from your university or careers service or, if you are a graduate, from the Law Society Bookshop.
Other AwardsA limited number of scholarships are also available to members of ethnic minority communities, who are British Citizens and who wish to qualify as solicitors.
For further information please contact:
Jerry Garvey
Ethnic Minorities Careers Officer
114 Chancery Lane
London WC2A 1PQ
Career Development Loans
Career Development Loans are available through a partnership arranged between the Department for Education and Employment and four major banks – Barclays, The Co-operative, the Clydesdale and The Royal Bank of Scotland. These are deferred repayment loans of between £300 and £8,000 to cover up to 80% of course fees and other course related expenses.
Other Loan SchemesHigh street banks are a major source of finance for those considering a career in law. Several banks offer special schemes for the CPE / GDL and the LPC, with discounted interest rates and deferred repayment options.
