What will you be doing over the Easter break? >>

Am I unemployable? (yes but how can I change this?)

I’m most likely getting a 2.1 if my exams go well or a 2.2 in law from an RG uni (my own fault due to some late submissions, messing around and just generally having bad mental health). On top of that, I’ve got 0 legal work experience. I’ve always applied for vac schemes but I never manage to get past the interview stage.

Anyway, I’m planning to do a LLM in international law at an RG uni and aiming to get a 1st by actually having my head down this time. I’m hoping this will make me more employable academically since my undergrad grades are so weak.

Also, the LLM involves a pro-bono module, which I hope to use as a springboard for other internship/work experience. But are there other avenues I could utilise in terms of practical legal experience?

Basically what this is, is a cry for help as I’ve realised that I’m graduating soon with basically 0 prospects in law.

Ultimately, by the end of my masters I want to be in a position where I have a good CV and can apply for TC’s to actually obtain one. Do that for 2 years and then settle down at a desk job for the Ministry of Defence, or something not too stressful.

I don’t particularly want to be a solicitor but I’ve come this far I might as well, plus I don’t particularly have anything that I’m passionate about so career-wise I’m pretty flexible.

So long as at the end of it all, there’s good work-life balance, good benefits and a reasonable salary (starting 28-30k/year salary with promotion opportunities). So any career advice on specific job roles (both legal and not) where competition isn’t cut throat would also be appreciated.

Reply 1

UniofLaw Student

Official Rep

Original post by Ariag

I’m most likely getting a 2.1 if my exams go well or a 2.2 in law from an RG uni (my own fault due to some late submissions, messing around and just generally having bad mental health). On top of that, I’ve got 0 legal work experience. I’ve always applied for vac schemes but I never manage to get past the interview stage.
Anyway, I’m planning to do a LLM in international law at an RG uni and aiming to get a 1st by actually having my head down this time. I’m hoping this will make me more employable academically since my undergrad grades are so weak.
Also, the LLM involves a pro-bono module, which I hope to use as a springboard for other internship/work experience. But are there other avenues I could utilise in terms of practical legal experience?
Basically what this is, is a cry for help as I’ve realised that I’m graduating soon with basically 0 prospects in law.
Ultimately, by the end of my masters I want to be in a position where I have a good CV and can apply for TC’s to actually obtain one. Do that for 2 years and then settle down at a desk job for the Ministry of Defence, or something not too stressful.
I don’t particularly want to be a solicitor but I’ve come this far I might as well, plus I don’t particularly have anything that I’m passionate about so career-wise I’m pretty flexible.
So long as at the end of it all, there’s good work-life balance, good benefits and a reasonable salary (starting 28-30k/year salary with promotion opportunities). So any career advice on specific job roles (both legal and not) where competition isn’t cut throat would also be appreciated.

Hi @Ariag

Firstly, I wouldn't panic! Lots of people coming out of their undergrad degrees do not have a lot of legal experience (it is hard to commit to such things whilst studying and opportunities are often difficult to obtain). I think your current plan is a good one.

However, if you want more experience then look at various pro-bono opportunities that allow people holding undergrad degrees to get involved with legal work or at least work that has the transferrable skills required for a career in law. Equally, things such as mooting are always a winning situation as they make you more comfortable speaking in public and look very good on the CV.

What I will say, is that if you do not 100% want to be a solicitor then I do not think you should pursue this career. Becoming a solicitor is hard and once you have managed it, the career requires a lot of commitment (if your heart isn't in it then it is likely you will struggle to obtain the qualifications required and, if you do, will not enjoy your career when you have started). I would recommend trying to get some work experience with firms to see if you would enjoy the career or not. However, if you know you won't then I would recommend exploring other avenues, you can always come back and start the LLM at a later date if you decide it is the career for you.

I hope this helps and good luck! 🙂

Reply 2

AMGWL

Original post by Ariag

I’m most likely getting a 2.1 if my exams go well or a 2.2 in law from an RG uni (my own fault due to some late submissions, messing around and just generally having bad mental health). On top of that, I’ve got 0 legal work experience. I’ve always applied for vac schemes but I never manage to get past the interview stage.
Anyway, I’m planning to do a LLM in international law at an RG uni and aiming to get a 1st by actually having my head down this time. I’m hoping this will make me more employable academically since my undergrad grades are so weak.
Also, the LLM involves a pro-bono module, which I hope to use as a springboard for other internship/work experience. But are there other avenues I could utilise in terms of practical legal experience?
Basically what this is, is a cry for help as I’ve realised that I’m graduating soon with basically 0 prospects in law.
Ultimately, by the end of my masters I want to be in a position where I have a good CV and can apply for TC’s to actually obtain one. Do that for 2 years and then settle down at a desk job for the Ministry of Defence, or something not too stressful.
I don’t particularly want to be a solicitor but I’ve come this far I might as well, plus I don’t particularly have anything that I’m passionate about so career-wise I’m pretty flexible.
So long as at the end of it all, there’s good work-life balance, good benefits and a reasonable salary (starting 28-30k/year salary with promotion opportunities). So any career advice on specific job roles (both legal and not) where competition isn’t cut throat would also be appreciated.

If you don't want to be a solicitor then the odds are you're not going to be. Even in the unlikely event that you can muster up the energy to write good applications, you'll probably struggle during the contract itself because you won't have the motivation to do it.

Getting a law degree doesn't mean you have to become a lawyer. I don't know if it is still the case now, but for as long as I can recall the majority of LLB graduates don't become lawyers (out of choice). It tends to be a degree that carries a lot of respect and you could consider accountancy, banking, insurance... hell, you could even buy an ice cream van if you want to!

Why not have a think and spend your Masters budget on something you want to do?