2.2 law degree. Convert credits to open university or not ?

Hi so I have found out I have achieved a 2.2 degree in law from a redbrick uni. I wasn't expecting this result as I needed high 2.2s in thus yr to get a 2.1 overall but I performed badly in my exams unfortunately and I am gutted with the result. I would do anything to get another chance but that's life. :frown:

I am still set on becoming a solicitor and have a considerable amount of work experience. However, I understand it will be very difficult with a 2.2. I was never interested in city firms but want to aim for high street firms that specialise in family law. Even then I know it will be tough for me when there are plenty of candidates with 2.1 or better.

After going to the careers centre for advice , I am told if I really want to overcome my 2.2 then there is a possibility I can convert some credits over to open uni and take some new modules. After a year I will be able to graduate from open uni. Is this a sensible option to take ? Technically I will pass the filters but would employers only be interested in my first degree ?

The other option that has been suggested is that instead of a training contract, I aim for a lower position and work my way up such as applying for legal secretary or after completing lpc apply for paralegal.

Reply 1

rclarke939

I'm not sure about high street firms but all the VS/TC applications I did (large regional/ London) had a specific section to fill in saying that you have/will achieve a 2:1. This is even before they will let you continue with the application! There is a section always about mitigating circumstances too.

I don't know anything about open university credits but I'd say go through the paralegal route definitely. It's slow yes and sometimes law firms only allow a certain number of paralegals to apply for TCs each year.

At least this way you really get your foot in the door, working out if they are good for you and also for them to know you are hard working and committed.

Reply 2

ragandbone

1

As I understand it - don't bother with the open university option - you have to think about it from the firm's point of view and figure out how to get over it.

Go for the work your way up route - or possibly think about the CILEX route - go and have a look on trainee solicitor and post a question for the attention of Noel Linge - he will get back to you.

It's a pig. Apparently it IS doable but you really need to think sideways now - I don't think you can take the 'traditional' route in.

Reply 3

Rosewal

OP

2

Thanks for the advice . I see that I need to move on and look for legal experience but say in a years time if I end up with a 2.1 in law from open university isn't that better than my current 2.2 for training contracts ?

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 4

ragandbone

1

Rather than saying anything too discouraging to you at this point, why not trawl around some recruiters and see what they think. It WILL show you have some motivation and ingenuity but you do still need to put your original results down as well.

Email some grad recruitments of the kind of firm you might aim for and see what they say.

If you haven't already done this, have a look at a TC application form to see the general layout. In my experience, firms either run a standardised apply4law kind of app, or they are a cover letter plus CV kind of app system.

You also need to get some knowledgeable opinions about how the open university goes down among recruiters. I really don't know.

Get hold of Rosemary at ILEX and ask her - she will be very knowledgeable - number will be on Trainee Solicitor site somewhere in the forums

Reply 5

C.Almasy

Lol. There are plenty of 2.1 RG Law grads working in bars/unemployed. . . you are most likely going to find it very difficult. Which uni was it?

OP

Manchester ^

OP

Original post by ragandbone

Rather than saying anything too discouraging to you at this point, why not trawl around some recruiters and see what they think. It WILL show you have some motivation and ingenuity but you do still need to put your original results down as well.

Email some grad recruitments of the kind of firm you might aim for and see what they say.

If you haven't already done this, have a look at a TC application form to see the general layout. In my experience, firms either run a standardised apply4law kind of app, or they are a cover letter plus CV kind of app system.

You also need to get some knowledgeable opinions about how the open university goes down among recruiters. I really don't know.

Get hold of Rosemary at ILEX and ask her - she will be very knowledgeable - number will be on Trainee Solicitor site somewhere in the forums

thank you that's good advice :smile:

Reply 8

Bona Cynara

10

Original post by Coopsy2021

NO! this is why… I’m with open university on my LLB and I’ve also been to standard university, open university has a harsher marking system standard uni you need 70/75% for a first and in OU you need 85% so unless your planning on studying much much harder I wouldn’t bother x