I disagree that a first is a pre-requisite for the bar, the vast majority of those that obtain pupillage have 2.1's; the statistics speak for themselves. Nevertheless, extra - curriculars are key, particularly ones which show that you're actually capable of advocating - specifically, FRU. roh is right about doing the LLB, it's more academic and moreover it makes financial sense as you won't have to fork out for the GDL. But remember, only around 1 in 6 people who complete the BPTC will ever gain pupillage.