The safest option is to either do a masters or apply strategically. Doing a masters will give you a chance to redeem yourself when it comes to grades and meet the requirements that top law firms set (usually a 2:1). It also will give you more knowledge in an area you're interested in, which may be helpful during the application season - especially to firms who specialise in these areas. You may not necessarily be able to do an LLM, but you could look at related areas such as planning, architecture or geography. If you don't find a course that's for you, the next best thing to do is apply to training contracts strategically. Instead of focusing on big city firms, look at smaller national or regional firms, as they might be more lenient with grades when applying for training contracts. I've met a senior associate at a top city firm who did his training contract at a small regional firm that specialises in real estate, so it might be a case of working your way up through experience. You could also look into paralegal work while figuring out the next steps in your career. Getting a 2:2 in a qualifying law degree is still a massive achievement that you should be proud of, regardless of how long it takes for you to get where you want to be.
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey as an aspiring law student!
Reply 2
Hi there
You have a few options here:
1.
LLM: Studying an LLM and securing a good grade could be a good option that can cover for your 2:2 in undergrad. However, LLMs are obviously academically demanding so I would suggest against doing it if you don't think you can survive an extra year of academia. This is certainly the case with me.
2.
Work experience/volunteering: This could help to show you're committed to a legal career. Try to reach out to firms in your area who may not have an official vacation scheme as they might still take on students depending on availability. I secured two work experiences through speculative applications, so it's definitely worth investing in. You could also volunteer for the Citizens Advice (but they usually require a commitment of more than 6 months) and law clinics. A quick google search will reveal legal clinics in your area. Also consider joining the pro-bono society at your university, if you have one.
3.
Apply to law firms that don't have minimum grade requirements or accept 2:2s: I couldn't find a list on Google but you can find these firms through some research. I know DLA Piper is definitely one of them.
https://congrapps.com/blog/can-i-get-a-law-training-contract-with-2-2-degree/
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/junior-lawyers/a-first-class-career-with-a-2-2-degree
https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/finding-a-training-contract/can-i-get-a-training-contract-with-a-2-2
Good luck
-Himieka
It shouldn't be too difficult to get a job as a paralegal, then you can do conveyancing to your heart's content.
Reply 5
Hi,
There are a few routes you could take to bolster your CV. Either, you could study a Masters degree and aim to obtain a higher mark in that course so that you can show your true academic potential or you can do as much work experience, mooting etc. as possible so that you can show you have the skills required in a different manner. Equally, having a 2:2 is not always a guaranteed "no" from firms. I would recommend having a look at the firms you want to apply to and seeing their policies on the matter. Then, whilst applying I would search options that interest you to boost that CV in case you originally are not successful in your applications.
I hope this helps and good luck 🙂
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