Bad grade in module

mkap

Star Member
Dec 8, 2022
26
3
I am worried about a module I performed poorly in during my third year of law school. I got a third in IP which really shocked me because I achieved 2.1s and 1sts in all my other modules (with the exception of one 2.2 during first year). Luckily, I still graduated with a 2.1.

I am in process of applying for paralegal roles. I am worried I will be turned down for a paralegal role when they found out that I have achieved a third in a module during my last year in law school.

Last year, I worked as a paralegal in-house. I was lucky that my day to day tasks did not involve any IP work. I am avoiding applying to IP paralegal roles or any in house paralegal roles that require good knowledge of IP law. I know I will be turned down for those roles because of my grade in IP law.

Does anyone have any advice on what I should do?
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,505
20,199
I don’t think you will be turned down because of one module, especially for a paralegal role.

It may be different if you apply for IP paralegal roles (but these are pretty rare anyway) and you are saying you are avoiding them, so I don’t think this is an issue.

Some paralegal roles won’t even require a module breakdown, and so may not even find this out.
 
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mkap

Star Member
Dec 8, 2022
26
3
I was thinking do I need mention this grade at any point of the recruitment process if the firm doesn’t ask a module breakdown and the role doesn’t involve IP work (like private client work)?

Also do you think it will affect my prospects of getting a training contract in the future?
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,505
20,199
I was thinking do I need mention this grade at any point of the recruitment process if the firm doesn’t ask a module breakdown and the role doesn’t involve IP work (like private client work)?

Also do you think it will affect my prospects of getting a training contract in the future?
If you are going to reference all other modules, then I would include it.

Sometimes applications will just for your overall grade though.

You’d have to declare it if asked though.

It’s only one module - I don’t think this will prevent you from becoming a solicitor.
 
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mkap

Star Member
Dec 8, 2022
26
3
I have mentioned the grades of one or two modules on my cv but not all of the them because I was told it’s not necessary.

I will definitely include the grade if I am asked about what marks I achieved in my modules. I have always included all my grades if I have been asked about it in an application ( even if they are not the best).

Thank you so much for your help!!!!
 

hopefulforatc

Distinguished Member
Mar 3, 2024
55
46
I was thinking do I need mention this grade at any point of the recruitment process if the firm doesn’t ask a module breakdown and the role doesn’t involve IP work (like private client work)?

Also do you think it will affect my prospects of getting a training contract in the future?
It will not effect your TC I have six 2.2s through out my degree and I got multiple interviews.
 

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