How to score a magic circle training contract (Non RG uni + poor A Levels)...HELP!

I'm a student going into her second year, currently studying a dual degree in LLB Law and International Relations.

For some context, I go to a Non Russel Group university (Royal Holloway) and did decently in my first year exams (got an overall low 2:1). However, I had poor attendance in first year (I commute) and got mediocre A Level grades (ABC). I did decently in my GCSES, obtaining 99997765.

I have been completing some work experience, and will be starting my own society this academic year. Also, I have faith that I can maintain high grades and I attend networking events and utilise LinkedIn. However, my issue lies in the fact that I am afraid that my A Levels, along with how I attend a Non RG uni, will prevent me from obtaining a training contract with a top Magic Circle and American law firm

Does anyone have any advice on how I can stand out in training contract applications and be successful this academic year? On an additional note, I wasn't accepted to any of the First Year schemes I applied to. I will most definitely be starting preparation for vacation schemes next year from this summer.

Reply 1

Nawabzada

Original post by dayaspersonalgf

I'm a student going into her second year, currently studying a dual degree in LLB Law and International Relations.
For some context, I go to a Non Russel Group university (Royal Holloway) and did decently in my first year exams (got an overall low 2:1). However, I had poor attendance in first year (I commute) and got mediocre A Level grades (ABC). I did decently in my GCSES, obtaining 99997765.
I have been completing some work experience, and will be starting my own society this academic year. Also, I have faith that I can maintain high grades and I attend networking events and utilise LinkedIn. However, my issue lies in the fact that I am afraid that my A Levels, along with how I attend a Non RG uni, will prevent me from obtaining a training contract with a top Magic Circle and American law firm
Does anyone have any advice on how I can stand out in training contract applications and be successful this academic year? On an additional note, I wasn't accepted to any of the First Year schemes I applied to. I will most definitely be starting preparation for vacation schemes next year from this summer.

Hi! Hope you're well!

I saw this post and it really reminded me of myself at much the same stage that you are at right now. I managed to secure interviews for Slaughters' Vac Scheme and TC but did terribly in both interviews - my fault entirely - but I hope I can give some advice towards what you could do to land that interview call.

Obvious disclaimer, no clue if what I am going to say had any impact on me getting an interview, definitely a case of coincidence and not causation.

My background is that I did decently in my GCSEs, I got 3A*s, 6As and 2 Bs - and I massively screwed up my A levels, I got 2 As but also a D. Lost out on my university offers at Durham and Nottingham and went to a non-Russell group university. It all ends well, I'm now doing a masters at Oxford, but back then when all of this happened, it was very doom and gloom.

I got a 2:1 in first year, but every year after I got 70+. At the time of my application to Slaughters, my grades were 80%+. Slaughters definitely places a premium on academics. The other thing I did was own my error. I privately sat an A level (in Law, why make life harder than it needs to be), and easily scored an A with limited study, after all, I'd studied those topics at a much higher level.

Besides academics, I focused a lot on extracurriculars. I focused on those activities that were "unique achievements", so I avoided things that most people could easily do, like take part in societies, etc. I did essay competitions, national level, winning one and being a runner up in another, and mooting competitions (although I did not win any there). I also wrote full research papers for publication in peer reviewed law journals. Any one can write, any one can write a blog post/website entry, not everyone has a peer reviewed publication. There are student law journals in excess in the UK, so you can take advantage of that. These extracurriculars really showed that I was living, breathing, drinking, law and gave me things to talk about and tie to the firm in my cover letter, beyond "I got X grade in Y course which ties to B practice area".

Also I did part-time non-law jobs because I was struggling to feed myself but also for "transferable skills" (Please don't ask me about them, I have no idea how stacking shelves and teaching kids maths somehow ties into mergers and acquisitions). Do the online courses they offer, they are truly dreadful but literally everyone has them, and attend any in-person events you are eligible for.

I think putting all of that together, yes - bad A levels, but owning that mistake and trying to rectify it (which not many do), and then a linear growth in grades through university, winning national law competitions (which ipso facto make me unique), and legal publications in recognised peer reviewed journals (I can think, big brain, see) - must have ticked something that recruiters were looking for and offered me interviews.

Interviews which I completely failed at - they were literally my first ever interviews in law - but where one door closes, another opened, now going to Oxford - so yes, it's great to aim high, even if you fail, you'll have gotten somewhere - rather than nowhere.

Hope that helps, happy to chat more if you'd like.

Reply 2

Stiffy Byng

Commuting isn't a good idea while studying. Maybe move to live at or close to RHUL. Then just study, study, study. Talk to the tutors about what you need to do to raise your grades.

Also, why do you wish to work in a Magic Circle law firm? There are many ways to enjoy a legal career without working in an environment which is so demanding on its personnel.

Reply 3

dayaspersonalgf

Original post by Stiffy Byng

Commuting isn't a good idea while studying. Maybe move to live at or close to RHUL. Then just study, study, study. Talk to the tutors about what you need to do to raise your grades.
Also, why do you wish to work in a Magic Circle law firm? There are many ways to enjoy a legal career without working in an environment which is so demanding on its personnel.

Weirdly enough I enjoy the structure offered at top corporate jobs and the adrenaline from working under intense pressure. Sounds miserable, I’m aware. I commute because I live 15-20 mins away from the uni so I don’t see the point in living closer.

Reply 4

dayaspersonalgf

Original post by Nawabzada

Hi! Hope you're well!
I saw this post and it really reminded me of myself at much the same stage that you are at right now. I managed to secure interviews for Slaughters' Vac Scheme and TC but did terribly in both interviews - my fault entirely - but I hope I can give some advice towards what you could do to land that interview call.
Obvious disclaimer, no clue if what I am going to say had any impact on me getting an interview, definitely a case of coincidence and not causation.
My background is that I did decently in my GCSEs, I got 3A*s, 6As and 2 Bs - and I massively screwed up my A levels, I got 2 As but also a D. Lost out on my university offers at Durham and Nottingham and went to a non-Russell group university. It all ends well, I'm now doing a masters at Oxford, but back then when all of this happened, it was very doom and gloom.
I got a 2:1 in first year, but every year after I got 70+. At the time of my application to Slaughters, my grades were 80%+. Slaughters definitely places a premium on academics. The other thing I did was own my error. I privately sat an A level (in Law, why make life harder than it needs to be), and easily scored an A with limited study, after all, I'd studied those topics at a much higher level.
Besides academics, I focused a lot on extracurriculars. I focused on those activities that were "unique achievements", so I avoided things that most people could easily do, like take part in societies, etc. I did essay competitions, national level, winning one and being a runner up in another, and mooting competitions (although I did not win any there). I also wrote full research papers for publication in peer reviewed law journals. Any one can write, any one can write a blog post/website entry, not everyone has a peer reviewed publication. There are student law journals in excess in the UK, so you can take advantage of that. These extracurriculars really showed that I was living, breathing, drinking, law and gave me things to talk about and tie to the firm in my cover letter, beyond "I got X grade in Y course which ties to B practice area".
Also I did part-time non-law jobs because I was struggling to feed myself but also for "transferable skills" (Please don't ask me about them, I have no idea how stacking shelves and teaching kids maths somehow ties into mergers and acquisitions). Do the online courses they offer, they are truly dreadful but literally everyone has them, and attend any in-person events you are eligible for.
I think putting all of that together, yes - bad A levels, but owning that mistake and trying to rectify it (which not many do), and then a linear growth in grades through university, winning national law competitions (which ipso facto make me unique), and legal publications in recognised peer reviewed journals (I can think, big brain, see) - must have ticked something that recruiters were looking for and offered me interviews.
Interviews which I completely failed at - they were literally my first ever interviews in law - but where one door closes, another opened, now going to Oxford - so yes, it's great to aim high, even if you fail, you'll have gotten somewhere - rather than nowhere.
Hope that helps, happy to chat more if you'd like.

Hi, this advice is fantastic as I also wish to pursue a masters at Oxford! My dad suggested giving an A Level in Law too, so what exam board do you recommend and how much did you (roughly) study for it?

If you’re comfortable with it, could you give me your LinkedIn so I can ask you more questions? Either way, here is fine :smile:

Reply 5

Nawabzada

Original post by dayaspersonalgf

Hi, this advice is fantastic as I also wish to pursue a masters at Oxford! My dad suggested giving an A Level in Law too, so what exam board do you recommend and how much did you (roughly) study for it?
If you’re comfortable with it, could you give me your LinkedIn so I can ask you more questions? Either way, here is fine :smile:

I'll PM my LinkedIn, I never get notifications from the Student Room so feel free to message me there and we can continue this conversation there!

In terms of A Level Law, I did AQA, I think because it was the one being accepted at the local college I signed up to sit the exams at. In terms of how much I studied for it, I covered all of the material in depth, then made summarised notes on google docs which I think, covering contracts, criminal law and tort, were at like 400 pages long - but they were bullet pointed and font size 12 so not actually voluminous, just not space efficient. I studied those, and then made A4 single page mind maps that covered the entire course for each of those three papers. Memorised the mind maps which broke down the big topics and had mnemonics for the case law, so that if I thought contract law, I could draw the mind map/remember all its branches, go to frustration (for instance) and have a mnemonic for the big case laws. Did bits of study for two-three months during university, then after university exams in March just focused on it until I finished the material (I had bought the AQA textbooks for law months in advance) and then just did practice papers. When I sat the exam, I turned the paper around, so did the big essay questions first and the MCQs at the front last and all went well. Considering I didn't spend the whole two years studying for it and got an A, it did the job.

Reply 6

katana10000

Original post by dayaspersonalgf

I'm a student going into her second year, currently studying a dual degree in LLB Law and International Relations.
For some context, I go to a Non Russel Group university (Royal Holloway) and did decently in my first year exams (got an overall low 2:1). However, I had poor attendance in first year (I commute) and got mediocre A Level grades (ABC). I did decently in my GCSES, obtaining 99997765.
I have been completing some work experience, and will be starting my own society this academic year. Also, I have faith that I can maintain high grades and I attend networking events and utilise LinkedIn. However, my issue lies in the fact that I am afraid that my A Levels, along with how I attend a Non RG uni, will prevent me from obtaining a training contract with a top Magic Circle and American law firm
Does anyone have any advice on how I can stand out in training contract applications and be successful this academic year? On an additional note, I wasn't accepted to any of the First Year schemes I applied to. I will most definitely be starting preparation for vacation schemes next year from this summer.

Studying at a non-RG university is not as much of a hurdle to getting a TC at a top law firm as people seem to thinks. However, getting a low 2.1 in your first year will make it extremely difficult to obtain an internship for your second year, which is a key path to getting a TC. To stand any chance going forwards you need a high 2.1 or a first.

Reply 7

katana10000

Original post by katana10000

Also, unless you have extenuating circumstances, many top law firms will not consider you because of your A level grades.

Reply 8

AMac86

Nwabzada's post above is great advice and an excellent example of what it takes to make up for academics that aren't as high as you'd like.

I always recommend trying to obtain as much legal work experience outside of the very competitive formal vacation schemes too - are there any local law firms you can work at in the summer? Do your parents, or any family friends work in a company with an internal legal department you could shadow for a week?

Finally... don't get fixated on working for the MC or a US firm. Only a tiny % of lawyers work at these types of firms, even in the world of corporate and finance law. Training at a non-MC/US firm like say Pinsents, or Eversheds still offers great training and experience. I trained at a smaller firm than either of those, in the regions and it hasn't held me back at all from a really rewarding corporate legal career in London.

Don't underestimate just how hard it is working at MC/US firms (and this isn't about intellect, it's simply whether you have the willpower to do nothing in your life except work, and the stamina to survive on very little sleep for weeks at a time).

Enjoying the adrenaline of pressure at work is one thing - it's another entirely to work until/past midnight for weeks on end, often working throughout the weekends, working on holidays etc... I'm not exaggerating for effect above either - a friend who worked at a US firm for a couple of years finished before 8pm *once*.

Reply 9

Stiffy Byng

Original post by dayaspersonalgf

In that case, you didn't have much excuse for non-attendance in your first year, but, obviously, you should attend a lot for the rest of the course. Doing an A Level in law now would be pointless. You're doing a law degree.

Reply 10

dayaspersonalgf

Original post by katana10000

Surely, your first year grades don't matter as much because they don't contribute at all towards your final degree grade? Also, isn't a low 2:1 still a 2:1?

If I have enough experience to make up for it, do I still not stand a chance? I'm a bit confused because some on these forums, as well as The University of Law have emphasised how many MG firms no longer consider A Levels that deeply, or filter it out during applications.

Reply 11

dayaspersonalgf

Original post by AMac86

Nwabzada's post above is great advice and an excellent example of what it takes to make up for academics that aren't as high as you'd like.
I always recommend trying to obtain as much legal work experience outside of the very competitive formal vacation schemes too - are there any local law firms you can work at in the summer? Do your parents, or any family friends work in a company with an internal legal department you could shadow for a week?
Finally... don't get fixated on working for the MC or a US firm. Only a tiny % of lawyers work at these types of firms, even in the world of corporate and finance law. Training at a non-MC/US firm like say Pinsents, or Eversheds still offers great training and experience. I trained at a smaller firm than either of those, in the regions and it hasn't held me back at all from a really rewarding corporate legal career in London.
Don't underestimate just how hard it is working at MC/US firms (and this isn't about intellect, it's simply whether you have the willpower to do nothing in your life except work, and the stamina to survive on very little sleep for weeks at a time).
Enjoying the adrenaline of pressure at work is one thing - it's another entirely to work until/past midnight for weeks on end, often working throughout the weekends, working on holidays etc... I'm not exaggerating for effect above either - a friend who worked at a US firm for a couple of years finished before 8pm *once*.

Thank you for your advice, it is so appreciated! As for the work load and poor sleep, I am aware of how tiresome it can be given that my dad works a similar corporate lifestyle and he's barely home.

Do you have any recommendations for good smaller firms that are still ranking well nationally to train in?

Reply 12

katana10000

First year results are critical when applying for internships in your second year - those
are the only university results firms have. Many will ask for your exam grades for your first year and will be looking. For high 2.1s or firsts.

I disagree with the UoL - law firms will definitely look at A Level results when considering candidates at undergraduate level.

Being frank, it is unlikely that you will get into a “top” law firm with your existing academics. But there are many good law firms who might consider you and you can still have a fulfilling legal career.

Reply 13

Stiffy Byng

The blunt reality is that too many candidates take the professional exams. There is an over supply of aspirant solicitors and barristers. Law firms and barristers' chambers are more likely to choose candidates with higher grades. I would be cautious about relying too much on the encouragements given by the providers of professional courses, because those providers are seeking to attract paying customers.

The happier news is that, as noted above, you have can have a satisfying career in the law without working for one of the larger law firms, and although London remains the legal hub of the UK, it's worth looking at opportunities in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and other cities.

(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 14

AMac86

Original post by dayaspersonalgf

Thank you for your advice, it is so appreciated! As for the work load and poor sleep, I am aware of how tiresome it can be given that my dad works a similar corporate lifestyle and he's barely home.
Do you have any recommendations for good smaller firms that are still ranking well nationally to train in?

There's probably some other very useful resources out there (+ check your uni careers function for what support they can offer), I'd recommend starting with a "UK top 100/200 law firms" list and work through the websites of each firm that catches your eye (or just all of them!), to create a short list of firms to apply to. When it comes to vac schemes, for all but the strongest candidates it really is a numbers game and I'd recommend as many *good quality* applications as you can - if you're successful on vac schemes or getting down towards the final stages it's a good sign as they're almost as competitive as TC applications.

Here's a top 200 (by size) UK law firms list from the lawyer magazine as a starter - it's a few years out of day but these rankings don't change much and more importantly its not behind a paywall and the more recent lists are!

https://www.thelawyer.com/top-200-uk-law-firms/

Explore all the other avenues to gain legal work experience - you mentioned your dad worked in a corporate job - do they have a legal team you could shadow/intern with for a week? Contact local law firms in your area for the same - anything you can get your hand on here all helps build the CV.