I know at least one US firm that recruits almost entirely from the universities you mention so I do think going to Oxbridge is a big advantage.
On your other point that it's not fair that law firms diversify the universities they hire from - you could argue university is the first time there is a level playing field. If someone has gone to a sh*t state school/they are the first gen to go to uni they will not get into the universities you refer to. Therefore, firms may have to 'diversify' the unis they recruit from in order to achieve any diversity targets they may have.
Also, once you tick off the academic capability box (which can be done by getting a first from a university like Leeds!) firms look at other factors, such as being well rounded and generally a person that others want to spend all day with 5 days a week.
I completely agree with your point here.
Most firms are now “diversifying” where they hire their future trainees from, as mentioned because of diversity targets 🎯 and also because candidates are equally as good from other universities i.e. from Russell or Non Russell Group universities. Someone from Aspiring Solicitors told me - a application is seen holistically, it doesn’t really matter about grades (well of course you need a high 2:1 or first to put you at a good steed, but it doesn’t matter what uni they are from). Some candidates can showcase their volunteering / extra curricular activities which can help them secure interviews.
Let me give an example, I know someone (a year above) from my university (UCL to be clear) she had terrible grades in the first year, achieved 2:2s and low 2:1s, and even in second and third hit low to mid 2:1s. She received no firsts. She graduated with a low to mid 2:1. But her extra curricular activities were amazing, and she did a lot of volunteering work which counter balanced for her poor performance. Guess what she is now a future trainee at
Linklaters.
Also, I know many people who went to non-Russell group universities who are sitting on their comfy chairs in their shiny offices… as trainees at
Clifford Chance, HSF and
Ashurst. So anyone can do this! I think you just need the RIGHT MENTALITY (unfortunately I don’t have that).
And I would focus on myself, who cares what other people are doing… everyone is on their own journey. If you put the work in, you will get somewhere I’m sure!
Plus, the application process has broadened massively, most firms are not even requiring A-level grades anymore.
But saying all this, law is such a COMPETITIVE FIELD to get into, I applaud 👏 all those who receive TC offers! YOU ARE ALL AMAZING!!! Would love to hear from people who have secured TCs recently …..
I have failed to convert 2 vacation schemes in a row… I have come to the conclusion I lack confidence in myself, so I need to build on that!
But anyways, this is my take!