Career Clinic: Do LPC grades matter?

I doubt your LPC grades will be determinative, although they may be a factor, especially considering it's a competition and other people will have outperformed you. There are a number of things you need to consider. Some firms have been actively culling their trainee offer holders on the grounds of failing a course, where in previous years they did not - this is their way of reducing the number of trainees (due to a reduced amount of work) without looking like they're cutting back - they are within their rights to scratch people on this ground. Another factor to consider is why you don't already have a training contract - did you apply last year? If so, what was the problem - it could be so many different things, you need to identify exactly what. Finally, regarding the relevance of your sports achievement: this will make your CV stand out - there are lots of redbrick 2:1s out there, many more than there are TC's available, so extra-curricular activity is always a must. However, you must frame this as an acheivement and not a mitigation for another failure - if you in any way suggest that you underperformed academically due to this then people will conclude you can't prioritise, can't manage your committments and lack sound judgement.

Anonymous -07 Aug 2008 | 13:36

With a 2:1 from a red-brick uni and plenty of extra-curricular activities on your CV, I don't see a pass in your LPC stopping you from 'getting your foot in the door' to interview. Once in interview, all that matters is how you come across to the interviewers - if you impress them enough they probably will not even think twice about your LPC.

Regional NQ -07 Aug 2008 | 17:14

A firm which turns you down for having failed advanced property on the LPC, when all your other grades are fine AND you have been competing at a sport at such a high level, is not worth working for. You will forget pretty much everything you learn on that course anyway - you can never remember the details so you inevitably have to start from scratch at the beginning of each seat. Good luck in the applications!

Second Year Trainee -07 Aug 2008 | 17:17

Having had experience of recruiting for training contracts, it will definitely make it more difficult for you to obtain one as you are competing against numerous candidates who have passed all their exams at the first attempt. It might be slightly different had you been on course for a distinction and then only achieved a commendation, but a pass on the lpc will not make you stand out from the crowd. Many firms, even 'high street' firms, will withdraw offers already made if a candidate does not pass all their lpc exams at the first attempt. Sorry to bear bad news, but better that you know what it is really like out there! Do you have any lawyer contacts in your chosen sport who could open a few doors for you?

another high street solicitor -08 Aug 2008 | 09:42

In the past, some firms have withdrawn training contracts if someone has failed an LPC option (or at least threatened to, creating for its prospective trainees a climate of fear). However, personally, I think most firms will take a more relaxed approach. You have a 2:1. Ability on the LPC is frankly no indicator whatsoever of ability as a lawyer and any decent law firm HR department should know that. Once you've passed, you won't need to say that you failed an option although you will need to put pass on your CV rather than distinction or commendation but your sporting activities sound like a good reason. OK, your CV has to get you an interview, but once you have your interview you should be in no worse position than you would be with a commendation. I would be honest on your CV, say you have a pass but highlight your 2:1 at uni. A good LLM might also be an option to enhance your CV if it's financially viable for you. Good luck!

Helen -08 Aug 2008 | 16:18

Passing the LPC is is a piece of p*ss if you do it the clone way, and it says absolutely nothing about your ability. On my course someone failed to attend all the lectures, borrowed some diligent person's notes two nights before and got better marks than the notetaker. Some of the best lawyers I know have 2:2s but a varied life. And think Fiona Shackleton. I agree with the poster who said "If they aren't interested they're not worth working for" But I see the "diversity" challenge is prompting some firms to lower their academic requirements anyway. Good luck (what's the sport, will we see you on telly in 2012? Which reminds me, is Matthew Pinsent an example?)

percy -08 Aug 2008 | 18:53

I don't think firms screen applications for interview on the basis of an LPC grade like they do on degree grades (and you've got that sorted). So you just need a good explanation if it comes up at interview. And don't think you must say on your CV/application form that you only got a 'Pass', unless the firm specifically requests your grade. Just be silent on the grade and specify the qualification.

Anonymous -11 Aug 2008 | 17:14

A pass on the LPC won't matter, provided they have no way of knowing you failed a paper. I'm afraid that if they do find out it will reflect pretty badly as the LPC is hardly an academic challenge and, as a previous poster has said, firms will often cull existing offers on that basis (it happened to quite a few people when I did it many moons ago).

Anonymous -11 Aug 2008 | 18:18

As evidenced by the success of that old round good egg and Walter Mitty-like character that won the Apprentice, the obvious solution is simply to lie through your teeth on your CV, thereby also demonstrating a commendable ability for lateral thinking.

Red Robbo -13 Aug 2008 | 17:16

Hey, thanks for the advice! I have resat the module and seemed to go loads better, so fingers crossed it will be a good result and i can big that up later!

Anonymous -19 Aug 2008 | 17:35

I would be much less concerned about failing a module, and much more concerned about why you haven't already got a contract.

Magic circle NQ -20 Aug 2008 | 12:32