Low first year and second your grades , applications discussion

[Anonbird]

Hello, I just wanted to ask for some advice on how likely I would be to get a training contract.
My overall first year avatar was 59 with 2 subjects in the low 2:1 category and there rest in the high 2:2 catogory except criminal law which was a low 2:2.

My average for second year was a 61. And I received one 1st, one 2:1 , two upper 2:2s , 1 mid 2:2 and one lower 2:2.

During this time I had been struggling with really declining mental health and as I have a specific learning disability, both conditions made it extremely difficult to study, I would be able to ask my university if proof of extenuating circumstances but I fear wearyher i will be able to get a training contract.
I have previous academic record from oversees with high school grades of BBCCC and a prior university grade average of a 4.0 average overall.
I have also participated in some extracurriculars in leadership, negotiation and meditation.
But I worry if my grades will allow me to qualify for a gc.
Would you be able to recommend any advice?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @Anonbird

I think it’s absolutely possible to secure a training contract, even if your grades aren't exactly as you'd like. Many firms take a holistic approach to applications, considering factors like work experience, extracurriculars, and mitigating circumstances. It's important to discuss these other aspects of your applications with sufficient depth and clarity, allowing grad rec to see the many skills you bring to the table! If you feel comfortable, I’d also encourage you to mention your mitigating circumstances in your applications. You don’t need to go into personal detail, but providing context can help firms see your grades in a broader light.

In the meantime, I always tell applicants to focus on gaining strong work experience. This doesn’t have to be exclusively legal, though working as a paralegal can give you deeper insight into life at a law firm. I genuinely believe that there are many roles that will allow you to develop the transferable skills that are relevant to law, including good written and verbal communication, teamwork, and problem solving. Such experience can also help strengthen your applications. In my own case, working in project management and in teaching allowed me to gain the sort of skills that were useful during vacation schemes. All this to say, there's no one route into the profession!

Lastly, make sure your written applications are well-written and tailored to the firm. It's difficult to overstate this point, but many applicants often underestimate the role that a well-written and well-researched application can make to your overall chance of securing a vacation scheme. I've seen it make a significant difference for candidates concerned about grades. Best of luck, and feel free to reach out if you need more advice!