do I have to disclose an offence

[oscar123]

I had a caution for shoplifting at 13 can I apply for a job in law when I leave university or will this caution affect my future career

[Buenchico]

Before commencing a Legal Practice Course (LPC), you must register with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

The SRA requires all applicant to disclose all convictions and all cautions, even if they'd otherwise be regarded as 'spent':
http://www.sra.org.uk/students/student-enrolme nt.page

I very much doubt that a caution for shoplifting, at the age of 13, would affect your chances of successful registration with the SRA, but you can read their criteria here:
http://www.sra.org.uk/documents/students/stude nt-enrolment/characterguide.pdf
(In particular, read Section 6.3).

The Bar Council (for those who wish to become barristers, rather than solicitors) will apply similar criteria.

There are plenty of career paths for law graduates outside the direct 'administration of justice', where you'd not be required to declare your caution. See here:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_p age/Options_with_your_subject/Your_degree_in_l aw/Job_options/p!empFbib

Chris

[Abdulmajid]

Just to add to what Chris has said.................................

Of course you have to disclose it. Do you think companies, especially any legal practice will not undertake their own full CRB check?

Yes they will. So how silly are you going to look when confronted will facts from their HR person??

But it was hardly the crime of the century and the fact you got a caution (sure it was not the lesser reprimand???) shows you admitted the offence and hopefully saw the error of your ways.

[terambulan]

Law is perfect for a thief.......'cause that's wat lawyers do 'legally'

[terambulan]

A caution is not an offence.......hope you reimbursed that hard-working shop-keeper!