I personally found my experience on the Diploma to be excellent, as it built upon my previous knowledge I had gained from being on summer placements, and served to really confirm to me that I wanted to pursue becoming a solicitor as my career. The Diploma really brought out my advocacy skills, which is something that you don't get as much of a chance to do at undergraduate level, and resulted in me developing a keen interest to practice in the field of civil litigation.

Personally, the part I enjoyed the most was having the chance to learn how to structure and make oral submissions to the court, particularly as we got the chance to do this in the Sheriff Court itself for one of our assessments. This was a little intimidating at first, but I really enjoyed how quickly you learn and progress when 'on your feet', eventually developing your own style.

I found the course to be immensely practical, for example learning to use ARTL, which is something I understand is specific to the Diploma at Glasgow, making submissions in court, and taking part in practical based assessments such as negotiating in a personal injury case, giving you a true idea of what it is like to practice, rather than just feeling like artificial 'staged' assessments in tutorial rooms all the time.

The programme helped me very much in terms of my career plans. Despite having completed various summer placements and knowing that I had a particular interest in civil litigation, like many others I had not secured a traineeship prior to starting the Diploma. However, through one of my tutors on the course, I was put into contact with a firm which specialises in civil litigation, and this helped me organise some work experience there. I was then assigned a Mentor through the 'Glasgow Legal 40', who was a partner in the same firm. He helped me focus my applications, and gave me some hints and tips for succeeding at interview.

I then applied for a traineeship with that firm, and I am delighted to say that by the end of the second semester I had managed to secure a traineeship with them commencing in August 2013. This really taught me the value of networking in the legal profession, and I am very grateful for the support and advice that the Legal 40 afforded me. Although the Legal 40 cannot promise you a traineeship by the end of the year - it takes a lot of hard work and perseverance on the student's behalf too - I found it to be an invaluable support network. Again, the Legal 40 is Glasgow specific, and is something that I feel makes it stand out from other Diploma providers.

I would recommend that any potential student of the Diploma at Glasgow is prepared for it to teach you a lot about prioritisation, organisation, and working to deadlines as well as affording you with the practical experience necessary to enter legal practice. It can be demanding in terms of workload at some points, but overall it is an immensely rewarding experience, in terms of broadening your legal knowledge beyond university, making new friends, new professional contacts through networking events and offering opportunities for career progression

What can you tell us about your experience?

The time from September 2012 to March 2013 was quite possibly the hardest I have ever worked, but the time flew by as the course was both challenging and rewarding. Juggling the demands of the course with working was tough but taught me skills which will no doubt be useful during my traineeship, including the importance of prioritising work and time management. The small tutorial groups encouraged discussion and class participation, giving us ample opportunity to ask questions, practice new skills, and learn from the mistakes. Most significantly, I found that this course has given me confidence in my abilities and has provided me with an excellent foundation upon which I can enter the profession as a trainee.

What did you like the most?

I particularly enjoyed the criminal and advanced criminal courses. The lectures were informative, providing a background of the procedural aspects of criminal law with tutorials building upon this foundation. The oral assessments assisted with developing my ability to present submissions succinctly but effectively; a skill which I had never really required until I commenced the Diploma. However, a particular highlight of the course was the plea in mitigation assessment in Glasgow Sheriff Court before a Sheriff. By placing the assessment within the context of a court room made it as realistic as possible for a Diploma student, and really made me aware of would be expected from me once I begin my traineeship.

How practical was the programme?

The programme was extremely practical which made it both interesting and challenging. Many of the assessments covered procedural transactions undertaken within a law firm, be it drafting an initial writ for a personal injury action or submitting defences for family action. These written submissions, coupled with the oral assessments, developed a whole range of skills which will be transferrable to my traineeship.

How do you feel your programme helped you with your career plans?

The structure of the programme and the assessments enabled me to develop vital skills and provided an excellent foundation upon which I can enter the profession. Many of these skills are transferrable to my traineeship and beyond, and most importantly it has given me the confidence to be able to implement these skills and build upon the knowledge which I acquired during the Diploma.

What support/facilities did you find most useful?

Being taught by solicitors and advocates was the most useful aspect of the course. Not only did this allow me to learn from people working in the profession, but they were always eager to address any question (no matter how trivial!) and shared all manner of useful tips for when the time comes to embark on a traineeship.

What would you recommend to a potential student thinking of coming to Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Glasgow?

The practical nature of the programme, together with the support from the tutors and the programme director, and the opportunities to develop skills and network with solicitors and advocates is an excellent starting point for a career in the legal profession. For these reasons I would definitely recommend undertaking the Diploma at the University of Glasgow to potential students and to make the most of all the opportunities that come their way.

What can you tell us about your experience?

Out of the seven years spent at university the Diploma year stood out as my favourite. Although all students were marked individually for assessment purposes there was the opportunity to work in collaboration with others for aspects civil litigation and conveyancing.
The Glasgow Legal 40 mentoring network provided me with an envious opportunity to be mentored by a highly respected member of the legal profession in Scotland. It’s a privilege to now regard that person as a friend from whom one can seek advice.
We also had a good social scene and plenty of light-hearted moments along the way. In the second semester a group of the advanced criminal litigation class went through to Edinburgh to see one of the tutors appearing in the Appeal Court. Having spent many months on our feet being tested it was good to see the tables turned! Even now when I meet up with friends who are in traineeships we speak about we how miss the camaraderie that went with the Diploma!

What did you like the most?

In both the civil and criminal litigation modules students were given excellent opportunities to get on their feet, hone their advocacy skills and become accustomed to appearing in court. The assessments that involved making a submission before a sheriff were, above all else, good fun!

How practical was the programme?

The Diploma is considerably different from the LLB. For me it was welcome change from black letter law, textbooks and traditional exams. Each subject, whilst utilising the knowledge built up on the degree, exposes students to real life everyday practical legal problems. For the first time one was able to get a sense of how the law operates in reality by replicating what happens in practice whether it was writing letters to clients, drafting legal documents or making submissions to a sheriff. Furthermore, the assessments are geared towards imparting and improving the skills that will be required of a trainee in practice.

How do you feel your programme helped you with your career plans?

The core subjects in the first semester gives every student a grounding in civil litigation, criminal litigation, conveyancing and private client. The electives are such that students can tailor their choices to suit the requirements of a traineeship or simply their own interests.

I have always had an interest in public law based subjects so I chose public administration and human rights. I was also attracted to subjects that had a strong advocacy flavour and opted for advanced criminal litigation. This was hugely beneficial from my own point of view as I will be undertaking a criminal traineeship that will see me appearing in court in my second year.
However, all electives provide students with good transferable skills that can be utilised in any legal setting. For example, a friend of mine who was going on to a traineeship in a corporate firm took the advanced criminal litigation module because she enjoyed the core class and recognised the transferable skills offered by an intensive advocacy based subject.

What support/facilities did you find most useful?

The quality of tutorial staff was excellent. One of my tutors invited me for work experience with his firm for two months. This was beneficial and enjoyable as it involved the kind of work I was interested in. Even after the Diploma had ended, tutors were always available for advice and encouragement. Diploma staff have also been excellent in keeping former students up-to-date with traineeship opportunities. In that sense, the relationship between students and the School of Law doesn’t end when the Diploma finishes, it takes on another dimension.

What would you recommend to a potential student thinking of coming to Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Glasgow?

I have already recommended the Glasgow Diploma to LLB students whom I know. For students who are non-Glasgow graduates there is the opportunity to spend an academic year at a university with a wonderful history, great surroundings and a beautiful campus.
Above all else, take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Diploma such as the Glasgow Legal 40. Use your time wisely and get as much out of the course as you can. Don’t forget that tutors are potential employers. Competition for traineeships and work experience has never been greater. Show you are interested and you will get noticed!

When I started my Diploma study, I did not have a training contract. Through the help and assistance of the Diploma staff, I was allocated a Partner in one of Scotland’s leading commercial law firms as my mentor. His experience had been matched to my interests. From the moment I contacted him, he couldn’t have been more helpful. He was knowledgeable, approachable and above all seemed genuinely happy to help.

He critiqued my CV, made suggestions in terms of networking opportunities and suggested where I should concentrate my efforts in terms of securing a training contract. He even made a comment that he felt I would end up with more than one offer. Which, at the time, seemed somewhat out of touch. However, I have recently been offered two training contract opportunities and have accepted one with a large commercial law firm – hoping one day to be working with my mentor in civil litigation.

This is a unique offering by the University of Glasgow Diploma team and one which I am sure I will continue to benefit from as my career moves forward.