What to do with a 2:2
updated on 21 October 2003
Dear Oracle
I had set my heart on becoming a commercial lawyer and was on track for at least a middling 2:1 degree in languages, then I had a few problems in my final year and finished with a 2:2. I still want to be a commercial city lawyer and know that I'm capable of doing well in the GDL course, but how likely is it that I'll get a training contract?The Oracle replies
Gaining a 2:2 doesn't make the legal profession out of reach, nor does it make commercial law unobtainable. It does, however, seriously restrict the number of firms that will consider you. It's unlikely that you'll be considered by City firms such as the magic circle and larger firms. If you feel that the difficulties faced in your final year were of a nature that could be categorized as 'mitigating circumstances' then you might still be able to secure a training contract with them; otherwise, The Oracle wouldn't recommend spending a great deal of time on applications that are unlikely to succeed. Instead, spend your time researching firms in The Training Contract & Pupillage Handbook and identify those which might consider you. Contact them to find out how early you can apply. Finally, it's worth remembering that law firms also recruit direct from the GDL courses and that many students are successful in obtaining a training contract at this stage.