Can someone please tell me where I am going wrong?

You’ve only made 7 applications

Some/all of the 5 had a minimum academic requirement for A-levels

5 PFOs isn't uncommon.

The 1st helps a lot, but you are still going to face an uphill battle with your A-Level grades. I suggest you reach out to the graduate recruitment at law firms first and explain your situation. Otherwise, you are going to be wasting time writing applications.

If you continue to get rejected after that, see if you can get someone to review your application.

Try to sign up to career support services. Check if your university offers it. They offer help, guidance and sometimes training for psychometric tests (including free access to practise tests), mock interview and assessment centres. They should also review your applications. Also, try to get as much feedback as possible.

A paralegal position is so difficult to get, especially if you haven't yet completed the LPC. If you cannot get that at this time, try to get something else that will be transferable. Or apply for admin at a firm and work your way up.

Keep pushing!

Hi M8524,

Thank you for your response! Do you think I will be able to access these services even though I graduated last year, I hadn't considered doing that so thank you. Yes i'm slowly realizing how competitive paralegal jobs are without the LPC and will try and find some other transferable roles in the meantime - doing something is better than doing nothing. Do you think there is room realistically to work your way up from an admin role at a firm?

Appreciate the support!

Yes definitely, they care about their alumni, it makes them look better in the end too. I recently called my university to ask the same thing. They do indeed help recent graduates. Also keep a look out on LinkedIn. I have been seeing a few recently, some have no grade requirements at all. Look up 'Stive Consultants'. They are launching this September. Apply to the programme, the application process is still probably open. I have also heard about one called 'Rare Recruitment' and also, 'Aspiring Solicitors', which most people know of, however, I think they both may have grade requirements but no harm in trying anyway since you have a good degree & experience.

Many people are promoted from legal admin roles to paralegal positions. I often hear that people are progressed pretty quickly if you prove yourself. You can then aim to progress with the firm or take that experience and sell it elsewhere, or in your TC apps. Remember that some firms love 'different' and transferable jobs too, so don't be disheartened about not getting a paralegal position. I didn't get the best A-levels, but I will not let that stop me. You achieved a First, well done, that is amazing. You have also got some experience under your belt, keep going and work on your apps. Make plan for the next round this autumn/winter. Sometimes, it is just minor things on the application that make a big difference, so seek as much feedback and advice as possible and network.