[lawyerwannerbe]

Hey guys, I really need some help.

I have done the LPC this year and to my disappointment managed to fail all of the Stage 1 Cores and 2 Electives from stage 2. I was only a few marks off each of them and I now know it was down to timing/exam technique and the fact that I panicked in the exams. I also have had extenuating circumstances for my Stage 2 exams due to a recent death of a loved one.

I am really down about my situation, as I have to now re-sit 5 exams for my LPC and what’s worse my GDL grade was a pass only as I had extenuating circumstances. I am really beginning to question my career in law. I know I am fully capable of passing the exams (yeah I know everyone says that but I do believe I can) and I really do not want to do anything else apart from law. I really want to be a lawyer and truly believe I can be!!!

I just want to know on a realistic level is it still possible for me to attain a TC. Will my grades really affect my chances? Off course it has become even more difficult for me to obtain one but its not impossible right? Do all firms give relevance to LPC grades? And how should I mention my reasons for failure when applying for a TC in the future?

[jacketpotato]

Where was your undergraduate degree from and what grades did you get?

[h-g-1]

1. Do you have any prior work experience; i.e. vac schemes?

2. What are your previous grades like (A-Level? High enough to pass most filters? Uni grades?)

3. What kind of firms are you aiming for? London firms / Regional firms / Corporate big-wigs or high street?

Your grades will obviously affect your chances. The degree to which they affect your chances is undetermined and you may get a more accurate response after you answer those questions. You know that you have stiff competition and therefore you are starting (with 5 failed exams) on a back foot. You just will have to demonstrate how you are much better in other areas. Of course, it may not be impossible but again, it will be difficult.

Firms may really distinguish between a pass, commendation or distinction but I'm sure they will care if you have failed (particularly if you don't have great previous academics). If you had AAA at A-Level and a 1st at Uni and then got these grades, you can explain using your extenuating circumstances. However, if your academics previously have been a bit low as well, HR will view that as a sign that you're not academically strong.

As for how you should mention your failures - you will just have to be honest. There's no point in making up a story about why you failed. Use your extenuating circumstances if they're relevant but be honest.

Just on a side note though, I know someone who also failed a lot of modules on the LPC and if I'm honest, she just didn't grasp the simplest of concepts in the core modules. Do you understand what's actually being taught on the LPC or do you have problems understanding what you're being taught. IMO, the LPC is not difficult at all...

[lawyerwannerbe]

Hey. Thank you for your response.

1. I don't have any vac schemes. I have Work experience in small local law firms as of yet.
2. I have 410 UCAS points and a 2.1 degree from Queen Mary.
3. I'm aiming for London firms / Regional firms mainly.

And finally yes I do grasp what I have been taught. It has simply has been my exam technique as to answering questions and timing!!

[h-g-1]

(Original post by lawyerwannerbe)
Hey. Thank you for your response.

1. I don't have any vac schemes. I have Work experience in small local law firms as of yet.
2. I have 410 UCAS points and a 2.1 degree from Queen Mary.
3. I'm aiming for London firms / Regional firms mainly.

And finally yes I do grasp what I have been taught. It has simply has been my exam technique as to answering questions and timing!!

I didn't mean to sound harsh there at the end!!

Best thing - do your research now when the applications are pretty much all closed. Then hit them hard when they open; both vac schemes and TCs.

[lawyerwannerbe]

(Original post by h-g-1)
I didn't mean to sound harsh there at the end!!

Best thing - do your research now when the applications are pretty much all closed. Then hit them hard when they open; both vac schemes and TCs.

Hey! You didn't sound harsh at all! I hope I did not come across that way either! Thank you for all your advice and help! I shall definately do that!