[The99Call]

Basically just looking for some advice.

I do a non-law degree at the moment (History) at a good University. I attained an A*(Economics) and 2 A's (Politics and History) at A level. I am looking into doing the GDL and then the LPC after i finish my degree.

Howeverthis year i havent been doing very well due to being incredibly unfocused and lax with my work, and am likely to end up with around a 57/58% mark for my 2nd year of University. I am very confident if i work even just a bit harder in my 3rd year , which counts for 2/3rds of the overall mark, i can get a 2:1 overall in my degree.

Im just wondering if anyone has any advice on how to get on to Vacation schemes and possibly obtain a TC before i start my GDL with only a 2:2 to show for my second year of University, as i know me saying i will be able to obtain a 2:1 is obviously not good enough. I have some work experience in small law firms near where i live, and also in a surveying agency.

It just seems to me everyone has a cut off of a 2:1 for these things. As it seems at the moment i will have to graduate with a 2:1, possibly a 62/63, and then apply for TC's during my GDL year, which will obviously incur much more debt.

I know evidently this is my own fault for not focusing on my work, but any help would be appreciated.

[The99Call]

Also with that lowly 2:1 would there actually be any point in pursuing a career in law, as i have heard its extremely difficult to get a TC and thus a job.

[positivevibes]

I'm in exactly the same position as you but two years ahead (am revising for my GDL exams now).

I obtained a 62 overall but got a 2:2 in second year.

So far I have not been successful in getting a training contract but I've only sent four applications. Will be applying for loads more after these exams are over at the end of the month so I shall let you know how I get on!

[The99Call]

(Original post by positivevibes)
I'm in exactly the same position as you but two years ahead (am revising for my GDL exams now).

I obtained a 62 overall but got a 2:2 in second year.

So far I have not been successful in getting a training contract but I've only sent four applications. Will be applying for loads more after these exams are over at the end of the month so I shall let you know how I get on!

Thanks that would be really useful! What UG degree did you study and where at?

[The99Call]

Does anyone have any idea which type of firms would instantly disregard my application form for a TC or VS scheme on this basis? I dont know if my A levels would manage to show i am academically able. Obviously Magic circle/Silver circle firms are off the list as im only at a redbrick not Oxbridge.

[Benjamin1989]

I doubt your A levels will mitigate your results in any way, do you have good extra-curriculars?

[timelordess2]

(Original post by The99Call)
Obviously Magic circle/Silver circle firms are off the list as im only at a redbrick not Oxbridge.

Wrong! Non-Oxbridge people get into magic circle/ silver circle firms all the time!

[The99Call]

(Original post by timelordess2)
Wrong! Non-Oxbridge people get into magic circle/ silver circle firms all the time!

Yeah i know this, but the fact i will have a 2:2 (A 57/8) in my 2nd year means that will hinder me further. Think i saw a stat where it was about 38% Oxbridge in Magic circle firms.

[The99Call]

(Original post by Benjamin1989)
I doubt your A levels will mitigate your results in any way, do you have good extra-curriculars?

Have a few weeks law experience at local firms. 4/5 years of part time work in a chartered surveyors office. Have played Rugby and Football to a fairly high standard. Was deputy head boy in sixth form.

Would i be better off in applying once i graduate with a 2:1 as opposed to during my 3rd year then?

[Benjamin1989]

(Original post by The99Call)
Have a few weeks law experience at local firms. 4/5 years of part time work in a chartered surveyors office. Have played Rugby and Football to a fairly high standard. Was deputy head boy in sixth form.

Would i be better off in applying once i graduate with a 2:1 as opposed to during my 3rd year then?

There's no harm in trying, but be conscious of the fact you're up against people with better/more consistent grades and very similar extra curriculars/work experience. Getting a 2:1 won't guarantee anything.

[The99Call]

(Original post by Benjamin1989)
There's no harm in trying, but be conscious of the fact you're up against people with better/more consistent grades and very similar extra curriculars/work experience. Getting a 2:1 won't guarantee anything.

Any advice on what i can do to make myself stand out then? Or will the second year 2:2 forever hold me back?

[Benjamin1989]

(Original post by The99Call)
Any advice on what i can do to make myself stand out then? Or will the second year 2:2 forever hold me back?

Work hard to improve your grades, get more relevant work experience, get more extra curriculars.

[ForKicks]

(Original post by The99Call)
Does anyone have any idea which type of firms would instantly disregard my application form for a TC or VS scheme on this basis? I dont know if my A levels would manage to show i am academically able. Obviously Magic circle/Silver circle firms are off the list as im only at a redbrick not Oxbridge.

What on earth? I know loads of people who didn't go to Oxbridge and have TCs at MC and SC

Just focus on getting the highest grade you can next year. Why aim for a 2:1 next year when you can aim for a 1st? Get on with doing it

[The99Call]

(Original post by ForKicks)
What on earth? I know loads of people who didn't go to Oxbridge and have TCs at MC and SC

Just focus on getting the highest grade you can next year. Why aim for a 2:1 next year when you can aim for a 1st? Get on with doing it

Yes, but as i mentioned above theyd probably be less forgiving about my 2:2 for my second year because im not at those.

[ForKicks]

(Original post by The99Call)
Yes, but as i mentioned above theyd probably be less forgiving about my 2:2 for my second year because im not at those.

Get a first next year, build up your CV and get extra curricular nailed and you would have a shot. Give up and just aim for a 2:1 next year without changing much and you will have a negligible chance. The choice is rather simple when broken down If you want a chance of getting into a MC or SC, work your balls off next year

[The99Call]

(Original post by ForKicks)
Get a first next year, build up your CV and get extra curricular nailed and you would have a shot. Give up and just aim for a 2:1 next year without changing much and you will have a negligible chance. The choice is rather simple when broken down If you want a chance of getting into a MC or SC, work your balls off next year

Haha cheers, think a 1st overall in my degree is out the question, but will aim for one in my 3rd year. What extra curricular stuff is good to do? All i have ever really done for extra curricular is sports, which obviously has little usefulness.

[ForKicks]

(Original post by The99Call)
Haha cheers, think a 1st overall in my degree is out the question, but will aim for one in my 3rd year. What extra curricular stuff is good to do? All i have ever really done for extra curricular is sports, which obviously has little usefulness.

Law society, mooting, and any club or sport you are interested in. You can always volunteer for the CAB or the uni legal advice centre if they have one. Work experience is very important too. Even though you may not be interested in becoming a barrister, it is quite easy to secure a mini-pupillage or 2 which allows you to answer why a solicitor/why commercial law etc.. You have the summer to prepare a decent plan and start applying for work experience with any and every law firm. Then when 3rd year starts you have to hit the ground running It will be undeniably tough, but also undeniably worth it!