Doing the GDL with a low 2.1 in psychology

Just curious, but what have you done since graduating 3 years ago?

Hello I have been thinking about doing a graduate diploma in law to convert my psychology degree (low 2.1 grade) as i have become very interested in law over the last year, reading a lot and looking into how to get into the profession. I have seen how competitive it is and was looking for advice as how having a low 2.1 from a mediocre university will really effect my chances at training contracts etc in the future. I know i need to get a lot of work experience also, but was wondering if i managed a high grade in a GDL course would this (along with work experience) make me a more desirable candidate? Has anyone had experience in trying this with a low 2.1? Also i finished my degree 3 years ago, will this effect anything? Thanks for any advice.

It depends on many factors.

What kind of firm do you think you would want to work for? London-based or regional? Are you interested in commercial law or another area of practice?

A low-2.1 won't kill you in the crib, and neither will your university necessarily. If you could score well on the GDL, this would probably help persuade law firms as to your academic merit in any case. Once you have a 2.1 (and preferably ABB+ at A-level) your extra-curricular achievements at university and the work you have done since graduating become important to consider. Do these demonstrate that you have the types of skills law firms look for?

I wouldn't worry about your age, if that's what you mean by your last sentence. If you have been working since graduation, you may have had a lot of opportunities to demonstrate your skills and mettle in the working environment. These may give you an advantage over other applicants, many of whom will never have spent longer than two weeks in an office.

Thanks i would be able to work either at a london based firm or regional due to my rather handy living situation just outside london, I would be willing to work for either as I think it will be difficult enough getting one offer of work, i find criminal litigation the most interesting i'd say, but imagine its very hard to become a criminal practitioner, I am willing to put in the hours to gain experience but was just wondering whether my lackluster 2.1 would be the nail in the coffin so thanks for the info!

As a general rule, London firms are more competitive (both in terms of applications per place and salary). Regional firms often have a certain preference for grads of nearby universities.

It will be tough to break into law - it is for practically everyone - but based on the info you've given I don't see any reason why you should rule yourself out at this stage.

ok thanks. my understanding is that you apply for training contracts whilst you complete your GDL (or respective law degree), and that some training contracts mean funding for your LPC (or bptc) whereas some don't, but both these scenarios are better than completing your LPC with no contract whatsoever, ie theres high risk of no job plus financial burden with no form of training contract. Is that correct? Also will it be much easier to get a non funding training contract than one that funds?