A-Level Law Student Gap Year Advice + Career
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some honest advice about law pathways and whether I should apply this year or take a gap year.
My GCSEs were:
7766666664
I’m currently in Year 12 doing A-levels. In my November assessments I got A, B, D, and in my February assessments I improved to A, B, C. I’ve got another set of important assessments in April/May, which will likely influence my predicted grades.
As everyone knows, law applications open in September and I’d also need to sit the LNAT for many universities.
I’m considering two options:
Option 1 – Apply this year
- Apply with whatever predicted grades I get from the April/May assessments.
- Sit the LNAT this year.
- Potentially end up at a mid-tier university if my predictions aren’t strong enough.
-Bad predicted grades plus lower LNAT score and obviously GCSE results are average too.
Option 2 – Take a gap year
- Focus entirely on achieving the best possible final A-level grades.
- During Gap year resit multiple GCSE to improve application and do super-curricular activities.
- Spend the gap year preparing a strong LNAT score and personal statement.
- Then apply with achieved grades to stronger universities.
My main goal is to get into a good university for law and eventually have a high-earning legal career.
I’m also unsure about the type of legal career I should aim for. I’m interested in becoming a barrister because I like advocacy and the idea of being more independent/self-employed. However, I know that the path is competitive and I’m not sure how realistic it is. At the same time I can’t handle the long hours of corporate solicitor lawyers in London.
So I’d really appreciate advice on:
1. Is taking a gap year to apply with achieved grades a good strategy for law?
2. Do GCSEs matter much for top law universities if A-levels and LNAT are strong?
3. Is the barrister route realistic compared to becoming a solicitor?
4. Are there other legal careers that still pay well but aren’t as intense as corporate law in London?
Any advice from current law students, graduates, or applicants would be really helpful.
Thanks!
I’m looking for some honest advice about law pathways and whether I should apply this year or take a gap year.
My GCSEs were:
7766666664
I’m currently in Year 12 doing A-levels. In my November assessments I got A, B, D, and in my February assessments I improved to A, B, C. I’ve got another set of important assessments in April/May, which will likely influence my predicted grades.
As everyone knows, law applications open in September and I’d also need to sit the LNAT for many universities.
I’m considering two options:
Option 1 – Apply this year
- Apply with whatever predicted grades I get from the April/May assessments.
- Sit the LNAT this year.
- Potentially end up at a mid-tier university if my predictions aren’t strong enough.
-Bad predicted grades plus lower LNAT score and obviously GCSE results are average too.
Option 2 – Take a gap year
- Focus entirely on achieving the best possible final A-level grades.
- During Gap year resit multiple GCSE to improve application and do super-curricular activities.
- Spend the gap year preparing a strong LNAT score and personal statement.
- Then apply with achieved grades to stronger universities.
My main goal is to get into a good university for law and eventually have a high-earning legal career.
I’m also unsure about the type of legal career I should aim for. I’m interested in becoming a barrister because I like advocacy and the idea of being more independent/self-employed. However, I know that the path is competitive and I’m not sure how realistic it is. At the same time I can’t handle the long hours of corporate solicitor lawyers in London.
So I’d really appreciate advice on:
1. Is taking a gap year to apply with achieved grades a good strategy for law?
2. Do GCSEs matter much for top law universities if A-levels and LNAT are strong?
3. Is the barrister route realistic compared to becoming a solicitor?
4. Are there other legal careers that still pay well but aren’t as intense as corporate law in London?
Any advice from current law students, graduates, or applicants would be really helpful.
Thanks!
Reply 1
Original post
by studentchief21Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some honest advice about law pathways and whether I should apply this year or take a gap year.
My GCSEs were:
7766666664
I’m currently in Year 12 doing A-levels. In my November assessments I got A, B, D, and in my February assessments I improved to A, B, C. I’ve got another set of important assessments in April/May, which will likely influence my predicted grades.
As everyone knows, law applications open in September and I’d also need to sit the LNAT for many universities.
I’m considering two options:
Option 1 – Apply this year
- Apply with whatever predicted grades I get from the April/May assessments.
- Sit the LNAT this year.
- Potentially end up at a mid-tier university if my predictions aren’t strong enough.
-Bad predicted grades plus lower LNAT score and obviously GCSE results are average too.
Option 2 – Take a gap year
- Focus entirely on achieving the best possible final A-level grades.
- During Gap year resit multiple GCSE to improve application and do super-curricular activities.
- Spend the gap year preparing a strong LNAT score and personal statement.
- Then apply with achieved grades to stronger universities.
My main goal is to get into a good university for law and eventually have a high-earning legal career.
I’m also unsure about the type of legal career I should aim for. I’m interested in becoming a barrister because I like advocacy and the idea of being more independent/self-employed. However, I know that the path is competitive and I’m not sure how realistic it is. At the same time I can’t handle the long hours of corporate solicitor lawyers in London.
So I’d really appreciate advice on:
1. Is taking a gap year to apply with achieved grades a good strategy for law?
2. Do GCSEs matter much for top law universities if A-levels and LNAT are strong?
3. Is the barrister route realistic compared to becoming a solicitor?
4. Are there other legal careers that still pay well but aren’t as intense as corporate law in London?
Any advice from current law students, graduates, or applicants would be really helpful.
Thanks!
I’m looking for some honest advice about law pathways and whether I should apply this year or take a gap year.
My GCSEs were:
7766666664
I’m currently in Year 12 doing A-levels. In my November assessments I got A, B, D, and in my February assessments I improved to A, B, C. I’ve got another set of important assessments in April/May, which will likely influence my predicted grades.
As everyone knows, law applications open in September and I’d also need to sit the LNAT for many universities.
I’m considering two options:
Option 1 – Apply this year
- Apply with whatever predicted grades I get from the April/May assessments.
- Sit the LNAT this year.
- Potentially end up at a mid-tier university if my predictions aren’t strong enough.
-Bad predicted grades plus lower LNAT score and obviously GCSE results are average too.
Option 2 – Take a gap year
- Focus entirely on achieving the best possible final A-level grades.
- During Gap year resit multiple GCSE to improve application and do super-curricular activities.
- Spend the gap year preparing a strong LNAT score and personal statement.
- Then apply with achieved grades to stronger universities.
My main goal is to get into a good university for law and eventually have a high-earning legal career.
I’m also unsure about the type of legal career I should aim for. I’m interested in becoming a barrister because I like advocacy and the idea of being more independent/self-employed. However, I know that the path is competitive and I’m not sure how realistic it is. At the same time I can’t handle the long hours of corporate solicitor lawyers in London.
So I’d really appreciate advice on:
1. Is taking a gap year to apply with achieved grades a good strategy for law?
2. Do GCSEs matter much for top law universities if A-levels and LNAT are strong?
3. Is the barrister route realistic compared to becoming a solicitor?
4. Are there other legal careers that still pay well but aren’t as intense as corporate law in London?
Any advice from current law students, graduates, or applicants would be really helpful.
Thanks!
If your main goal is a “top” law uni, Option 2 (gap year + apply with achieved grades) is usually the smarter play if you’ll actually use the year well. Law is one of those courses where strong A-levels + a solid LNAT can change everything, and predicted grades can hold you back.
1) Gap year strategy?
Yes, when it’s purposeful: get the best A-levels you can, prep LNAT properly, do a bit of relevant experience/reading. Don’t do it just to “wait”.
2) Do GCSEs matter?
They matter more for Oxford/Cambridge and some very competitive unis, but they’re not the whole story. Strong A-levels + LNAT can still carry you a long way. Think of GCSEs as a “signal”, not a dealbreaker.
3) Is a barrister realistic?
Realistic, but very competitive, and you need to genuinely enjoy the grind (advocacy, networking, constant applications). If you love speaking/arguing cases, it can fit you better than corporate solicitor life. Just go in with eyes open and build experience early (mooting, debating, mini-pupillages).
4) Well-paid but not London corporate intensity?
Look at: Government Legal Department / CPS, in-house legal, employment law, family, criminal, regulatory, local authority, and smaller firms outside London. Pay can still be good, and the lifestyle is often more manageable than City corporate.
If you’re already worried your predictions won’t reflect your ability, I’d lean gap year + achieved grades + LNAT prep. That gives you control.
Reply 2
Original post
by studentchief21Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some honest advice about law pathways and whether I should apply this year or take a gap year.
My GCSEs were:
7766666664
I’m currently in Year 12 doing A-levels. In my November assessments I got A, B, D, and in my February assessments I improved to A, B, C. I’ve got another set of important assessments in April/May, which will likely influence my predicted grades.
As everyone knows, law applications open in September and I’d also need to sit the LNAT for many universities.
I’m considering two options:
Option 1 – Apply this year
- Apply with whatever predicted grades I get from the April/May assessments.
- Sit the LNAT this year.
- Potentially end up at a mid-tier university if my predictions aren’t strong enough.
-Bad predicted grades plus lower LNAT score and obviously GCSE results are average too.
Option 2 – Take a gap year
- Focus entirely on achieving the best possible final A-level grades.
- During Gap year resit multiple GCSE to improve application and do super-curricular activities.
- Spend the gap year preparing a strong LNAT score and personal statement.
- Then apply with achieved grades to stronger universities.
My main goal is to get into a good university for law and eventually have a high-earning legal career.
I’m also unsure about the type of legal career I should aim for. I’m interested in becoming a barrister because I like advocacy and the idea of being more independent/self-employed. However, I know that the path is competitive and I’m not sure how realistic it is. At the same time I can’t handle the long hours of corporate solicitor lawyers in London.
So I’d really appreciate advice on:
1. Is taking a gap year to apply with achieved grades a good strategy for law?
2. Do GCSEs matter much for top law universities if A-levels and LNAT are strong?
3. Is the barrister route realistic compared to becoming a solicitor?
4. Are there other legal careers that still pay well but aren’t as intense as corporate law in London?
Any advice from current law students, graduates, or applicants would be really helpful.
Thanks!
I’m looking for some honest advice about law pathways and whether I should apply this year or take a gap year.
My GCSEs were:
7766666664
I’m currently in Year 12 doing A-levels. In my November assessments I got A, B, D, and in my February assessments I improved to A, B, C. I’ve got another set of important assessments in April/May, which will likely influence my predicted grades.
As everyone knows, law applications open in September and I’d also need to sit the LNAT for many universities.
I’m considering two options:
Option 1 – Apply this year
- Apply with whatever predicted grades I get from the April/May assessments.
- Sit the LNAT this year.
- Potentially end up at a mid-tier university if my predictions aren’t strong enough.
-Bad predicted grades plus lower LNAT score and obviously GCSE results are average too.
Option 2 – Take a gap year
- Focus entirely on achieving the best possible final A-level grades.
- During Gap year resit multiple GCSE to improve application and do super-curricular activities.
- Spend the gap year preparing a strong LNAT score and personal statement.
- Then apply with achieved grades to stronger universities.
My main goal is to get into a good university for law and eventually have a high-earning legal career.
I’m also unsure about the type of legal career I should aim for. I’m interested in becoming a barrister because I like advocacy and the idea of being more independent/self-employed. However, I know that the path is competitive and I’m not sure how realistic it is. At the same time I can’t handle the long hours of corporate solicitor lawyers in London.
So I’d really appreciate advice on:
1. Is taking a gap year to apply with achieved grades a good strategy for law?
2. Do GCSEs matter much for top law universities if A-levels and LNAT are strong?
3. Is the barrister route realistic compared to becoming a solicitor?
4. Are there other legal careers that still pay well but aren’t as intense as corporate law in London?
Any advice from current law students, graduates, or applicants would be really helpful.
Thanks!
Hi!
Great critical thinking here.
To answer your questions;
1.
If you've ascertained that your top university choices require higher grades than what you're currently predicted/obtained then taking a gap year to pursue those grades would be okay.
2.
On the other hand, if you're not happy with taking a gap year, you could submit an application to your choices with your current grades and see if they'll accept it. In special cases they may.
3.
For instance, looking at your grades, most universities consider English and Maths GCSE, by UEL standards, you have met this requirement. UEL does not require the Law National Aptitude Test to qualify, just your level 3 qualifications at 112 UCAS point which you are predicted to surpass.
4.
With regards to either the barrister or solicitor route, its my believe that is a subjective question. It would depend on your passion, drive and interest. That being said, it’s normal to be unsure of what route to pick. At the University of East London, we not only have lectures who are either working in the field or retired, we also have our Legal Advice Centre, where you get to experience working as a Solicitor and our Mock Court Room, designed after the Magistrate court in Stratford and here you can practice court advocacy and etiquette in form of a moot.
5.
This was a real mind opener for myself. I strongly believed I was going straight for the bar after I graduated but after taking advantage of these facilities, I'm more of the opinion now that I would like to explore other opportunities in law like a duty solicitor for example.
6.
With regards to other legal careers, there are various fields in law, as well as different job roles. Other than a barrister and Solicitor, you could become a Police officer, work as a duty officer or a paralegal in Family law, etc. It might be worth either attending legal networking events or open days to be able to ask these questions. For example:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/legal-connector-londons-premier-legal-networking-event-tickets-1984024747428
- Glory (3rd year LLB Law with Criminology)
(edited 4 weeks ago)
Reply 3
Original post
by studentchief21Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some honest advice about law pathways and whether I should apply this year or take a gap year.
My GCSEs were:
7766666664
I’m currently in Year 12 doing A-levels. In my November assessments I got A, B, D, and in my February assessments I improved to A, B, C. I’ve got another set of important assessments in April/May, which will likely influence my predicted grades.
As everyone knows, law applications open in September and I’d also need to sit the LNAT for many universities.
I’m considering two options:
Option 1 – Apply this year
- Apply with whatever predicted grades I get from the April/May assessments.
- Sit the LNAT this year.
- Potentially end up at a mid-tier university if my predictions aren’t strong enough.
-Bad predicted grades plus lower LNAT score and obviously GCSE results are average too.
Option 2 – Take a gap year
- Focus entirely on achieving the best possible final A-level grades.
- During Gap year resit multiple GCSE to improve application and do super-curricular activities.
- Spend the gap year preparing a strong LNAT score and personal statement.
- Then apply with achieved grades to stronger universities.
My main goal is to get into a good university for law and eventually have a high-earning legal career.
I’m also unsure about the type of legal career I should aim for. I’m interested in becoming a barrister because I like advocacy and the idea of being more independent/self-employed. However, I know that the path is competitive and I’m not sure how realistic it is. At the same time I can’t handle the long hours of corporate solicitor lawyers in London.
So I’d really appreciate advice on:
1. Is taking a gap year to apply with achieved grades a good strategy for law?
2. Do GCSEs matter much for top law universities if A-levels and LNAT are strong?
3. Is the barrister route realistic compared to becoming a solicitor?
4. Are there other legal careers that still pay well but aren’t as intense as corporate law in London?
Any advice from current law students, graduates, or applicants would be really helpful.
Thanks!
I’m looking for some honest advice about law pathways and whether I should apply this year or take a gap year.
My GCSEs were:
7766666664
I’m currently in Year 12 doing A-levels. In my November assessments I got A, B, D, and in my February assessments I improved to A, B, C. I’ve got another set of important assessments in April/May, which will likely influence my predicted grades.
As everyone knows, law applications open in September and I’d also need to sit the LNAT for many universities.
I’m considering two options:
Option 1 – Apply this year
- Apply with whatever predicted grades I get from the April/May assessments.
- Sit the LNAT this year.
- Potentially end up at a mid-tier university if my predictions aren’t strong enough.
-Bad predicted grades plus lower LNAT score and obviously GCSE results are average too.
Option 2 – Take a gap year
- Focus entirely on achieving the best possible final A-level grades.
- During Gap year resit multiple GCSE to improve application and do super-curricular activities.
- Spend the gap year preparing a strong LNAT score and personal statement.
- Then apply with achieved grades to stronger universities.
My main goal is to get into a good university for law and eventually have a high-earning legal career.
I’m also unsure about the type of legal career I should aim for. I’m interested in becoming a barrister because I like advocacy and the idea of being more independent/self-employed. However, I know that the path is competitive and I’m not sure how realistic it is. At the same time I can’t handle the long hours of corporate solicitor lawyers in London.
So I’d really appreciate advice on:
1. Is taking a gap year to apply with achieved grades a good strategy for law?
2. Do GCSEs matter much for top law universities if A-levels and LNAT are strong?
3. Is the barrister route realistic compared to becoming a solicitor?
4. Are there other legal careers that still pay well but aren’t as intense as corporate law in London?
Any advice from current law students, graduates, or applicants would be really helpful.
Thanks!
Hi @studentchief21,
Current law conversion student here - it sounds like you've really thought this through and by doing so certainly placing yourself in the best position for success. Honestly, the routes into law (including becoming a barrister) are so wide and varied, so which one you take depends what your passions and priorities are now.
1 & 2) A-level + GCSE grades - it already sounds like you're on track to get great A-levels which will get you into a number of reputable universities (although perhaps not those with the highest grade boundaries). At the University of Law, for example, the grade requirements for an LLB are BBB - it seems like you're more than capable of achieving this! ULaw also doesn't require you to take the LNAT, so this could be a big weight off your shoulders allowing you to focus on studying and writing your personal statement. While you may not have considered ULaw with it being a private institution (rather than a Russell-Group uni), I can assure you that the standard of teaching, employability services and student support is incredible here - if your long-term goal is to become a barrister, ULaw certainly offers an excellent professional environment which will set you up for success.
While law firms and employers may look at your A-level grades as part of future job applications, the more important thing will be your performance in your degree and the transferable skills you develop through extracurriculars and work experience. While you could take a gap year to get a head-start on this, it's also perfectly doable to balance alongside university - you could do a placement year (I did one in marketing to develop my commercial skills), summer internships or simply a part-time hospitality job, for example (this is just as important in shaping your teamwork, communication skills etc.). It's up to you to decide whether you want to take this extra year out or go straight into your degree - there's certainly no harm in doing a gap year if you feel it will benefit you in the long run (though I really don't think you need to resit any GCSEs).
On the topic of doing an extra year, I'll also note that a route into law which has a similar timeline is a non-law degree (3 years), followed by the postgraduate conversion course (9 months full-time) and Bar Practice Course (you'd need to sit this to become a barrister regardless of whether you have an LLB or not - if you wanted to become a solicitor, the equivalent would be the SQEs). This is the route I'm taking, and I've personally found doing a non-law degree first (Anthropology) has given me unique perspectives and skills which will make me a stronger solicitor. Of course, if you're determined to study law now and are interested in both its theory/application, then an LLB would be the most logical route. However, if you're simply wanting to do law as your future career, the PGDL will provide you with all the fundamental practical knowledge you need - you could therefore choose a non-law degree first like politics, economics, business (or any degree to be honest!) to provide a valuable alternative perspective coming into your career.
3) Honestly, the current legal landscape in London is highly competitive regardless of whether you're seeking to be a commercial solicitor or a barrister. As the other comments have outlined above, what's most important is that you pick the route which aligns best with your skills and interests - provided you study hard in your degree, gain relevant work experience (both legal and non-legal) and use the assistance of your university's employability team, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to stand out among other applicants.
4) I think the above comments have also answered this question quite well, but I'll add that not all commercial solicitors have a poor work/life balance - it depends which department you choose to work in (and which firm!). The firm profiles on Legal Cheek, for example, include the typical start/finish times of trainee solicitors - it may be useful to check this out when you're doing your research.
Hope this helps and let me know if you have any further questions 😊
Holly - PGDL Student
University of Law
Reply 4
11
Apply this year
Original post
by studentchief21Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some honest advice about law pathways and whether I should apply this year or take a gap year.
My GCSEs were:
7766666664
I’m currently in Year 12 doing A-levels. In my November assessments I got A, B, D, and in my February assessments I improved to A, B, C. I’ve got another set of important assessments in April/May, which will likely influence my predicted grades.
As everyone knows, law applications open in September and I’d also need to sit the LNAT for many universities.
I’m considering two options:
Option 1 – Apply this year
- Apply with whatever predicted grades I get from the April/May assessments.
- Sit the LNAT this year.
- Potentially end up at a mid-tier university if my predictions aren’t strong enough.
-Bad predicted grades plus lower LNAT score and obviously GCSE results are average too.
Option 2 – Take a gap year
- Focus entirely on achieving the best possible final A-level grades.
- During Gap year resit multiple GCSE to improve application and do super-curricular activities.
- Spend the gap year preparing a strong LNAT score and personal statement.
- Then apply with achieved grades to stronger universities.
My main goal is to get into a good university for law and eventually have a high-earning legal career.
I’m also unsure about the type of legal career I should aim for. I’m interested in becoming a barrister because I like advocacy and the idea of being more independent/self-employed. However, I know that the path is competitive and I’m not sure how realistic it is. At the same time I can’t handle the long hours of corporate solicitor lawyers in London.
So I’d really appreciate advice on:
1. Is taking a gap year to apply with achieved grades a good strategy for law?
2. Do GCSEs matter much for top law universities if A-levels and LNAT are strong?
3. Is the barrister route realistic compared to becoming a solicitor?
4. Are there other legal careers that still pay well but aren’t as intense as corporate law in London?
Any advice from current law students, graduates, or applicants would be really helpful.
Thanks!
I’m looking for some honest advice about law pathways and whether I should apply this year or take a gap year.
My GCSEs were:
7766666664
I’m currently in Year 12 doing A-levels. In my November assessments I got A, B, D, and in my February assessments I improved to A, B, C. I’ve got another set of important assessments in April/May, which will likely influence my predicted grades.
As everyone knows, law applications open in September and I’d also need to sit the LNAT for many universities.
I’m considering two options:
Option 1 – Apply this year
- Apply with whatever predicted grades I get from the April/May assessments.
- Sit the LNAT this year.
- Potentially end up at a mid-tier university if my predictions aren’t strong enough.
-Bad predicted grades plus lower LNAT score and obviously GCSE results are average too.
Option 2 – Take a gap year
- Focus entirely on achieving the best possible final A-level grades.
- During Gap year resit multiple GCSE to improve application and do super-curricular activities.
- Spend the gap year preparing a strong LNAT score and personal statement.
- Then apply with achieved grades to stronger universities.
My main goal is to get into a good university for law and eventually have a high-earning legal career.
I’m also unsure about the type of legal career I should aim for. I’m interested in becoming a barrister because I like advocacy and the idea of being more independent/self-employed. However, I know that the path is competitive and I’m not sure how realistic it is. At the same time I can’t handle the long hours of corporate solicitor lawyers in London.
So I’d really appreciate advice on:
1. Is taking a gap year to apply with achieved grades a good strategy for law?
2. Do GCSEs matter much for top law universities if A-levels and LNAT are strong?
3. Is the barrister route realistic compared to becoming a solicitor?
4. Are there other legal careers that still pay well but aren’t as intense as corporate law in London?
Any advice from current law students, graduates, or applicants would be really helpful.
Thanks!
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