Career Clinic: Can I join a first-class firm with a second-class degree?

It will be difficult, but not impossible. I have a 2:1 from a 2nd-tier university, and ended up as an associate in a well-regarded team in a magic circle firm despite having all training applications resoundedly rejected. The key is to demonstrate that you have a skill or some experience which is valuable to the firm and is rare in the "typical" lawyer. For me that was experience and contacts in the financial markets, and it might be worth you taking a non-legal role for a couple of years to build something similar into your CV.

Anon -25 Sep 2008 | 17:09

Unfortunately your experience is typical of a number of people with second-class degrees. With respect to the first 'anon' the reality is that most firms, not just the magic circle ones, require a minimum 2:1, and any less than this is unlikely to get past their HR department. Breaking into a magic circle firm is likely to be more of a case of who you know rather than what you know, I am afraid. I do have to ask, however: is it the profile of the firm that you want? You seem to be dismissing a good number of firms who, whilst not in the magic circle, can offer you a valued and challenging career.

Anon -25 Sep 2008 | 17:37

With regards to the above comment, I certainly agree with your prognosis insofar as recruitment on the basis of 'who you know', as a friend who has not been admitted yet has recently entered the magic circle, after having met/chatted with a partner in a bar! Profile is not as important as the experience I am after. I just feel a little despondent as it appears it is the firms themselves that are too readily dismissive...

Anonymous -25 Sep 2008 | 18:02

Yes - with enough determination and enthusiasm. But not, I would say, through the front door, ie via conventional routes in. That's not to say, as the second poster has stated, that you need to always know someone, but rather that it's likely to be a slow and determined process involving carefully calculated moves. Perhaps first moving into a smaller reputable firm, building up on your knowledge and experience, and then, moving 'up' at the right moment. Admittedly, the process can be helped a great deal if you get to know good agents (and invest some time in building up these relationships) and the job market for your particular specialisation is geared in your favour (eg the demand for corporate and banking lawyers was very strong up until the beginning of the year).If you're focused, bright, diligent, appear to be enthusiastic and have a friendly demeanour then people will pick up on these qualities (including agents) and be willing to give you a go despite how you come across on paper.

Mid-tier City firm -25 Sep 2008 | 18:28

Only if you can confidently articulate why they should.

Anonymous -25 Sep 2008 | 19:19

Poor degree from a poor university? I'd give up on the magic circle if I were you. You can get away with a 2.2 from a top university (either of them) or with going to a polytechnic if you got a first, but not with two black marks against you. This all changes when you are qualified though - the degree is much less significant then than your experience and ability (assuming you have some). Take a training contract where you can get one, even outside London, and move to a City firm when you are a year or two qualified.

Dullard -29 Sep 2008 | 17:17

Hi there,I am currently pursuing my Law degree through University of London external system in Singapore.I am aware that UOL external system does not really hold a good reputation but obtaining the degree and passing it with a minimum 2nd class is the first important step that we have to take before even thinking about practising.Can anyone pls shed some light as to the career prospects??Do A-Levels really count if I can achieve a 2nd class honours??Thank you

Ravi -04 Jan 2009 | 11:28

I concur with the comment advising on getting another professional skillset to add to law. My experience has been similarly disappointing. A 2:2 degree from UOL done externally, the recruiters didn't even bother responding. Colleagues have suffered similar treatment. The gentleman in Singapore would do well to try and get a job in a magic circle firm first in Singapore rather than in London. Then that will count as overseas experience and make his cv a little more attractive. That said, the bias City firms and recruiters practise means they often miss out on many with a wider variety of experience.

M -30 Mar 2009 | 19:25

A philosophical answer fits the bill - "No"!

Anonymous -31 Mar 2009 | 14:27