Can you do anything with a 2:1 in Oxford law?

Hi, so I’m a first year Oxford law student and my current marks are around 64-67. I know it’s very early to be worrying about this and I still have loads of time to improve but I have mods coming up and my tutor has told me that your mods grades will be a big thing for determining whether you get training contracts or not because they’d have to make a decision before you get your finals results back.

So my question is whether or not you can get a good job (preferably in a US based or magic circle law firm) with a 2:1 from Oxford?

I have read somewhere (I know it might not be true) that if you have a 2:1 employers just kind of assume that you bought your way in and didn’t actually deserve to be there. That is completely not the case for me, my family aren’t rich and I didn’t go to private school lol. I’m working really hard I’m just finding it difficult to improve my marks compared to other people who are getting firsts already.

Reply 1

k59533

14

Original post by Username123ab

Hi, so I’m a first year Oxford law student and my current marks are around 64-67. I know it’s very early to be worrying about this and I still have loads of time to improve but I have mods coming up and my tutor has told me that your mods grades will be a big thing for determining whether you get training contracts or not because they’d have to make a decision before you get your finals results back.

So my question is whether or not you can get a good job (preferably in a US based or magic circle law firm) with a 2:1 from Oxford?

I have read somewhere (I know it might not be true) that if you have a 2:1 employers just kind of assume that you bought your way in and didn’t actually deserve to be there. That is completely not the case for me, my family aren’t rich and I didn’t go to private school lol. I’m working really hard I’m just finding it difficult to improve my marks compared to other people who are getting firsts already.

Try putting your grade into perspective. A 2:1 from Oxford is equal or better to a 2:1 at most universities in the UK. For any student it is still a great grade.

It's apparent that you're a high achiever and a hard worker, but still magic circle law firms shouldn't be your only goal. Most magic circle firms practice similar and very specific areas of law, but there are firms in London who are the best in their area nationally even without being in the magic circle. For example, BCLP is the top real estate firm in London but they are not magic circle.

You won't be specialised as a solicitor until you've sat your seats. Even then, you won't get a choice on what seats you sit. Keep your options open rather than chasing the few areas practised by magic law firms.

I'm suspicious that the MC and Oxford have a symbiotic relationship, where the uni is a hunting ground for MC firms which in turn act as the carrot on a stick to make students get better grades and uphold Oxford's reputation. This can be a good thing sometimes, and you are definitely capable of MC if you want it, but also as an intelligent student you are capable of exploring many different options rather than just MC.

Reply 2

mishieru07

12

Original post by Username123ab

Hi, so I’m a first year Oxford law student and my current marks are around 64-67. I know it’s very early to be worrying about this and I still have loads of time to improve but I have mods coming up and my tutor has told me that your mods grades will be a big thing for determining whether you get training contracts or not because they’d have to make a decision before you get your finals results back.

So my question is whether or not you can get a good job (preferably in a US based or magic circle law firm) with a 2:1 from Oxford?

I have read somewhere (I know it might not be true) that if you have a 2:1 employers just kind of assume that you bought your way in and didn’t actually deserve to be there. That is completely not the case for me, my family aren’t rich and I didn’t go to private school lol. I’m working really hard I’m just finding it difficult to improve my marks compared to other people who are getting firsts already.

Of course you can. I'm not sure where you heard this rumour from but as someone who graduated from Oxford Law and worked at an MC firm previously (and also knows a number of City solicitors), I can confirm it is utter nonsense. City law firms are not that picky with grades, a first is a bonus but you really just need a solid 2:1. You can even google LinkedIn profiles of current MC/ US firm trainees and associates if you want proof.

In my opinion, a first is really necessary only if your aspiration is to join the top barrister sets (e.g. Fountain Court, One Essex). Ditto for becoming an academic.

Best of luck with Hilary Term and Law Mods!

Reply 3

mishieru07

12

Original post by k59533

You won't be specialised as a solicitor until you've sat your seats. Even then, you won't get a choice on what seats you sit. Keep your options open rather than chasing the few areas practised by magic law firms.

This really depends on the individual firm. At my previous firm (MC), we did get to indicate seat preferences. Obviously people don't always get what they want, but it's not true that seat allocation happens without any input from the trainees. I believe this is generally the approach taken at most law firms, because it makes sense that people will be happier and more efficient if they are actually interested in an area of work.

Reply 4

k59533

14

Original post by mishieru07

This really depends on the individual firm. At my previous firm (MC), we did get to indicate seat preferences. Obviously people don't always get what they want, but it's not true that seat allocation happens without any input from the trainees. I believe this is generally the approach taken at most law firms, because it makes sense that people will be happier and more efficient if they are actually interested in an area of work.

Yeah that sounds more accurate. I once heard of a trainee sitting in White Collar Crime upon special request.

Reply 5

1414al-atariq

4

Original post by mishieru07

Of course you can. I'm not sure where you heard this rumour from but as someone who graduated from Oxford Law and worked at an MC firm previously (and also knows a number of City solicitors), I can confirm it is utter nonsense. City law firms are not that picky with grades, a first is a bonus but you really just need a solid 2:1. You can even google LinkedIn profiles of current MC/ US firm trainees and associates if you want proof.

In my opinion, a first is really necessary only if your aspiration is to join the top barrister sets (e.g. Fountain Court, One Essex). Ditto for becoming an academic.

Best of luck with Hilary Term and Law Mods!

what if u get a 2:1 or a first from not that good of a uni can you still get into mc or good law firms??