Which firms are strict on academics?

Changes

Legendary Member
Jan 7, 2020
146
114
TC/VS applications: which firms are especially strict on academics?

Which firms are particularly strict on academics? I have heard Slaughter and May are and a number of US firms (don’t plan to apply to US firms in any case). Are there others?

I graduated with a 2.1 (non-law) from a Russell Group uni averaging 65 but my first year I averaged 59, 2nd year 60 (iirc) and final year 68. No provable mitigating circumstances though there were some in first year but I was mostly just out to have a good time before knuckling down once I’d secured an internship in second year.

I also have a merit for a recent postgraduate certificate in economics, not that it means much (dropped out of the masters at the halfway point after the regulatory econ module as it reignited my interest in a legal career), which I studied part-time alongside work.

A-levels all good (AAA).

I’m a career changer (10+ years experience in central government) and interested in commercial law in London.

Advice on firms to avoid based on that much appreciated.

Thanks.
 

Andrei Radu

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 9, 2024
225
322
TC/VS applications: which firms are especially strict on academics?

Which firms are particularly strict on academics? I have heard Slaughter and May are and a number of US firms (don’t plan to apply to US firms in any case). Are there others?

I graduated with a 2.1 (non-law) from a Russell Group uni averaging 65 but my first year I averaged 59, 2nd year 60 (iirc) and final year 68. No provable mitigating circumstances though there were some in first year but I was mostly just out to have a good time before knuckling down once I’d secured an internship in second year.

I also have a merit for a recent postgraduate certificate in economics, not that it means much (dropped out of the masters at the halfway point after the regulatory econ module as it reignited my interest in a legal career), which I studied part-time alongside work.

A-levels all good (AAA).

I’m a career changer (10+ years experience in central government) and interested in commercial law in London.

Advice on firms to avoid based on that much appreciated.

Thanks.
I cannot think of any firms that are anecdotally grade-focused besides the ones you already mentioned. Other MC firms and generally other UK firms are known to only ask for a 2.1. There are many trainees at such firms that only achieved low or mid 2.1s, so I do not think your grades will be an issue.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Changes

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Newsletter

Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.