Bad A level grades due to mitigating circumstances, can I still get a TC?

[Thesillypomegranate]

Hi,

I went into care right after my GCSEs and missed a year of education (year 12), which significantly disrupted both my mental health and my A Level studies. In addition, the pandemic meant my A Level exams were cancelled, and unfortunately, I didn’t do well.

I’m now studying Neuroscience at university (second year) and hope to graduate with a 1st. Although I didn’t initially have an interest in Law, I’ve recently developed a strong interest. However, I’m worried that my academic history might hold me back from securing a vacation scheme—let alone a training contract. Any advice?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @Thesillypomegranate

Just wanted to start by saying how impressive it is that, despite such serious challenges, you’ve made it into a competitive degree like Neuroscience and are on track for a first. That is incredible and I hope you appreciate that.

In terms of A-levels, I wanted to emphasise that many firms are now much more conscious of an applicant's background context. As I'm sure you already know, several firms (including many in the City) have contextual recruitment tools in place; these help them flag applicants who have performed strongly despite challenges, and can often trigger a more holistic review of your application rather than a hard cut-off based on A Levels or GCSEs. Moreover, I've had friends at several US and Magic Circle firms who applied without A-levels because they were also in care and had faced significant personal challenges.

As for your non-law background, your background in neuroscience will not be detrimental. I've met trainees at many US and British firms with extraordinary STEM backgrounds. There are also many candidates who only develop an interest in commercial law after university and still go on to secure vac schemes and TCs. I think what firms care about is not when you became interested, but whether you’ve taken steps to explore and understand the profession, and whether you can clearly articulate why you want to become a solicitor now. That said, I still think there are a few things you might want to consider doing to put yourself in a good position when you decide to apply:

• Use your university careers team/attend law fairs. This is a great way to just start seeing how you can frame your motivations as conveyed in your CV and cover letters, and attending open days or fairs will allow you to see which firms best align with your interests and background.
• Be honest and contextual in your applications, especially in mitigating circumstances boxes on application forms. Try to keep any explanations about your A-levels and GCSE's brief and professional.
• Consider joining organisations that assist diverse candidates with understanding the profession and getting to know firms. As someone who was the first in my family to attend university, I really appreciated the work of organisations like Rare, SEO London, and Aspiring Solicitors. Please do give them a look/search whenever you can!

Let me know if you have any other questions; I'd be happy to help!

 

[nimramansoor]

Hi,

I went into care right after my GCSEs and missed a year of education (year 12), which significantly disrupted both my mental health and my A Level studies. In addition, the pandemic meant my A Level exams were cancelled, and unfortunately, I didn’t do well.

I’m now studying Neuroscience at university (second year) and hope to graduate with a 1st. Although I didn’t initially have an interest in Law, I’ve recently developed a strong interest. However, I’m worried that my academic history might hold me back from securing a vacation scheme—let alone a training contract. Any advice?

Hi!

Firstly, I hope you realise how much resilience it takes to miss a year of education, and despite personal obstacles, are now studying Neuroscience on track for a first. That shows you pull yourself up and are adaptable, both keys skills for a future trainee.

Do not let your A'level grades demotivate you, firm's are conscious that contextual knowledge is essential in gauging a candidate's ability and will take that into consideration. Moreover, your high grades at undergraduate level will showcase that you have the ability to do very well academically.

I would focus on looking ahead, and consider next steps. I would recommend:

1) Make a list of firms you have an interest in by researching their practice areas, and the deals they have facilitated. Ask yourself why you are interested in that line of work, and link it with your interests/skills.
2) Look at the training style of the firms while shortlisting. Do they offer a secondment? Are there trainee intakes big or small? Which would you prefer- a leaner team or a bigger one?
3) Tailor your applications for these firms. Make each answer specific to the firm- if you can copy paste one answer to another application, that is not tailored enough.
4) Attend online law fair events and open days. This allows you to get a sense of the firm's work, and speaking to representatives gives you the unique opportunity to include specific details into your applications.
5) Apply to mainly vacation schemes, since firms mainly recruit from those. The direct TC route is more advisable after you have completed at least one vacation scheme.
6) Do not let anything demotivate you. It is a competitive process, but you have the resilience to do well.

Good luck, I wish you the very best.

 

[Anthony F. Vaughn]

Don’t let your past hold you back law firms care more about what you’ve achieved recently and your potential. Focus on highlighting your resilience, your strong university performance, and any transferable skills (research, analysis, problem-solving). Vacation schemes are competitive, but a solid personal statement showing your unique journey can really make you stand out.