Has anyone who failed a law module, still been successful in their career?
I’m first year and I failed a core module. It doesn’t count towards my degree calculation, but it will be on my transcripts which potential employers will see. I can resit it, but I’ll be capped at 40% which is a significant difference between the usual 2:1s that I get. I know that I am at a disadvantage because of this, but is there anyone who has also failed a law module, but is still successful in their law career?
When applying for all the vac schemes and TCs next year, I’ll have to use my first year grades which will inevitably require me inputting the low 40% (if I pass). I’m unsure of how to stand out, as I fear that the low grade will automatically filter me out from the thousands of applicants. I also don’t have any extenuating circumstances, as the fail was due to a preventable technical error.
When applying for all the vac schemes and TCs next year, I’ll have to use my first year grades which will inevitably require me inputting the low 40% (if I pass). I’m unsure of how to stand out, as I fear that the low grade will automatically filter me out from the thousands of applicants. I also don’t have any extenuating circumstances, as the fail was due to a preventable technical error.
Reply 1
I think when you apply to TCs you’ll have to sell yourself well to employers?
Firstly acknowledge the grade but emphasis it has been a great learning opportunity, by explaining what you learned and your improved and other strengths, and new outlook.
Even if thats not all true, employers would want to know whether you learnt from your errors and won’t let it define you.
Admittedly, the grade may not be as competitive as others, but you can still stand a chance if you sell it right. I hope this helps.
Firstly acknowledge the grade but emphasis it has been a great learning opportunity, by explaining what you learned and your improved and other strengths, and new outlook.
Even if thats not all true, employers would want to know whether you learnt from your errors and won’t let it define you.
Admittedly, the grade may not be as competitive as others, but you can still stand a chance if you sell it right. I hope this helps.
Reply 2
10
Original post
by bbbwwwI’m first year and I failed a core module. It doesn’t count towards my degree calculation, but it will be on my transcripts which potential employers will see. I can resit it, but I’ll be capped at 40% which is a significant difference between the usual 2:1s that I get. I know that I am at a disadvantage because of this, but is there anyone who has also failed a law module, but is still successful in their law career?
When applying for all the vac schemes and TCs next year, I’ll have to use my first year grades which will inevitably require me inputting the low 40% (if I pass). I’m unsure of how to stand out, as I fear that the low grade will automatically filter me out from the thousands of applicants. I also don’t have any extenuating circumstances, as the fail was due to a preventable technical error.
When applying for all the vac schemes and TCs next year, I’ll have to use my first year grades which will inevitably require me inputting the low 40% (if I pass). I’m unsure of how to stand out, as I fear that the low grade will automatically filter me out from the thousands of applicants. I also don’t have any extenuating circumstances, as the fail was due to a preventable technical error.
I was in a similar situation with the gdl a couple years ago and had to repeat a module. you’ll be ok IF that’s the only super low mark in an otherwise stellar application. Things happen and if you can own it, spin it, and move forward that’s what matters most. you have 2 more years and this will make you stronger
in my case I did so poorly that getting a third + failing a core module (and the first resit) in a one year course as an international really wrecked my life at the time but! it freed me to focus on my mental health, decide did I want this bad enough or just give up like my original uni was pressuring me to do (and was very adamant that repeating law school was dumb/ I wasn’t good enough for their llb), and allowed me to break up with said school, which wouldn’t have happened had I pass the first or second time
now I’m back in the uk, in a different place in my life, and have new goals for the Bar. I have a ways to go but! It taught me A LOT so I’m grateful. and in terms of success? durham, ucl, and kings didn’t think me starting over was dumb at all let’s put it that way 😏
Reply 3
Original post
by bbbwwwI’m first year and I failed a core module. It doesn’t count towards my degree calculation, but it will be on my transcripts which potential employers will see. I can resit it, but I’ll be capped at 40% which is a significant difference between the usual 2:1s that I get. I know that I am at a disadvantage because of this, but is there anyone who has also failed a law module, but is still successful in their law career?
When applying for all the vac schemes and TCs next year, I’ll have to use my first year grades which will inevitably require me inputting the low 40% (if I pass). I’m unsure of how to stand out, as I fear that the low grade will automatically filter me out from the thousands of applicants. I also don’t have any extenuating circumstances, as the fail was due to a preventable technical error.
When applying for all the vac schemes and TCs next year, I’ll have to use my first year grades which will inevitably require me inputting the low 40% (if I pass). I’m unsure of how to stand out, as I fear that the low grade will automatically filter me out from the thousands of applicants. I also don’t have any extenuating circumstances, as the fail was due to a preventable technical error.
Hey!
First off, I just want to say you’re definitely not alone in this — and it’s completely understandable to feel a bit anxious about how this might impact your future applications.
The truth is, lots of people in the legal field have had setbacks along the way, including failing a module. It doesn’t mean you’re not capable or that your career is over before it’s begun. One low grade — especially in first year, which often doesn’t count towards your final degree classification — isn’t going to erase all your hard work or potential. Law firms are aware that students sometimes have dips, and they’re usually more interested in how you respond to those moments rather than the blip itself.
When you apply for vac schemes or training contracts, yes, you might need to include the capped grade, but that’s only part of your application. You’ll also have the chance to highlight all the other things you bring to the table: consistent 2:1s, strong second-year grades, legal or non-legal work experience, volunteering, involvement in societies, or even just showing genuine passion for the profession. If the grade comes up, you can explain it honestly — you made a mistake, you learned from it, and you moved forward stronger. That level of reflection and resilience actually impresses a lot of recruiters.
Don’t underestimate how much you can still control in the time ahead. Many successful candidates didn’t have perfect transcripts, but they had determination, self-awareness, and a story to tell about how they grew from challenges. And that’s powerful.
So try not to let this one grade define your confidence — you’ve got time to turn it around, and this doesn’t shut any doors. You absolutely can still have a successful legal career. All the best!
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