Working closely with lawyers is making me want to become one myself

http://www.theguardian.com/money/work-blog/2014/oct/06/working-lawyers-become-one-dear-jeremy

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Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?

I’ve been working in business development and public relations for a large law firm for about a year. While I enjoy aspects of the role, working closely with lawyers is making me want to be a lawyer myself.

Everywhere I turn online makes it clear that training is expensive. There’s the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course to consider, and both seem so expensive. Is there a way I can utilise my current position, without jeopardising my current employment? I’ve read about the CILEx route, but from what I see it is looked down upon.

Given the high costs, am I mad? I’m 29, so wouldn’t qualify until about 33, and my wife had our first baby two months ago. There seem so many reasons not to do it, let alone the fact that it’s an expensive, long road to qualification.

Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.