Grades and applications

[gsrkhan]

Hello!
I recently received all my second year grades back, and was worried whether any would potentially hinder me from applying to MS/SC etc firm's
I achieved 69s in (eu module and technology in the law module), and 65 (tort, land) I also however achieved a 59 in equity.
In first year I achieved 74 (public and policy), 70 (practical legal skills) 63 (criminal law), and 53 (contract law)
in second year I did not received any VS (applied to 7, mostly silver, 1 ms, regional firms)
I also did a spring scheme at one of the magic circle firms (slaughters) and have visited 3/5 MS firms for open days, and brand ambassadored for one as well,
I was interested particularly in slaughters especially after the spring scheme, but I know they are focused on grades, would one high 2.2 be enough to deter? What about the other ms/sc's?
As for extrcurriculars I have done 4 mini pupillages, advocacy training, sports, own a business, have done one week work experience with a top northern law firm in the property and real estate, and am involved in the law clinic, citizens advice and social mobility organisations as well as an ethnicity based organisation focused on education of children
I am hoping my Extracurriculars will help with applications, but am worried the higher tier law firms might reject my applications once third Yr begins because of the 2.2
Thank you in advance
Gura

 

[Amma Usman]

I do not believe a couple of 2:2’s will be so detrimental to your application, as law firms understand these things happen and there is a mitigating circumstances section in most applications where you can disclose this.

I’m aware that Slaughter and May has certain academic expectations. While a First isn’t required, they generally look for strong results towards the upper end of a 2:1. That said, I’ve seen candidates with more average grades still secure offers, which shows it’s not a strict rule - so, if other aspects of your application stand out, they may prioritise those over pure academics.

 

[Amma Usman]

Just to add, for most law firms, grades are looked at holistically, not individually. So if you have a 2:1 overall for example, but only a couple of 2:2s, then you still meet the overall degree requirement anyway.