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How much will my A-Level grades hold me back in a legal career?

I got slightly lower than expected in my A-levels, and got A,B,B. I thought I would have gotten an A* in psychology, or at least an A, but I ended up getting a B. The A is in business studies. My question is though, are these grades likely to hold me back much in a legal career? I’ve heard a lot of London and bigger law firms apparently have A-level entry requirements of AAB. Is this something that a lot of bigger law firms do have, especially London Law firms (as my dream is to work in a Law firm in London)? Many thanks for any help :smile:
Original post by Carter03052
I got slightly lower than expected in my A-levels, and got A,B,B. I thought I would have gotten an A* in psychology, or at least an A, but I ended up getting a B. The A is in business studies. My question is though, are these grades likely to hold me back much in a legal career? I’ve heard a lot of London and bigger law firms apparently have A-level entry requirements of AAB. Is this something that a lot of bigger law firms do have, especially London Law firms (as my dream is to work in a Law firm in London)? Many thanks for any help :smile:

Hi 👋

Congratulations on your results - what you have achieved is already great! If you are worried about getting into a London law firm then this is still possible. Through university, you will have to work hard to get high grades in as many first and second year modules as possible, as firms look at these much more than they will look at A-Level results.

Also, it would be best if you get some experience to strengthen any applications to law firms in the future. For example, here at NTU, our Law School has the only on-campus teaching law firm in the UK, where students can work on real client cases to support the local community.

Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

Best wishes,
Sam - NTU Rep
The vast majority of Law grads dont end up working in 'big London Law firms' - and actually many don't work in Law at all.
Original post by McGinger
The vast majority of Law grads dont end up working in 'big London Law firms' - and actually many don't work in Law at all.


Yes I know that, but it’s still my goal. What’s your point?
Original post by McGinger
The vast majority of Law grads dont end up working in 'big London Law firms' - and actually many don't work in Law at all.


??
Original post by Carter03052
I got slightly lower than expected in my A-levels, and got A,B,B. I thought I would have gotten an A* in psychology, or at least an A, but I ended up getting a B. The A is in business studies. My question is though, are these grades likely to hold me back much in a legal career? I’ve heard a lot of London and bigger law firms apparently have A-level entry requirements of AAB. Is this something that a lot of bigger law firms do have, especially London Law firms (as my dream is to work in a Law firm in London)? Many thanks for any help :smile:

It is unlikely that your A level grades will have a significant adverse effect on your career. Some law firms may consider A level grades in order to distinguish between candidates who all have strong academic CVs, but other firms don't consider A levels. I have been involved in recruitment for two sets of barristers' chambers and three commercial law firms, and paid no attention to A level grades.

Try to obtain a first or a good 2.1 in any subject, preferably at a university with competitive entrance standards and which requires students to work hard.
Original post by Stiffy Byng
It is unlikely that your A level grades will have a significant adverse effect on your career. Some law firms may consider A level grades in order to distinguish between candidates who all have strong academic CVs, but other firms don't consider A levels. I have been involved in recruitment for two sets of barristers' chambers and three commercial law firms, and paid no attention to A level grades.
Try to obtain a first or a good 2.1 in any subject, preferably at a university with competitive entrance standards and which requires students to work hard.


Thanks for the reply, that’s great to hear thank you

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