How important are grades for law firms?

[aditik]

Hey guys!

So I just completed my second year of a non-law (politics) degree (Russell group uni, if that is relevant) and I am currently planning out my application strategy for the upcoming academic year. I just wanted to know about how much firms care about specific module grades? Or to be more blunt, if somewhat mediocre grades should mean that I should lower my ambitions?

I am on track to achieve a high 2:1 in my degree, but got low 2:1 (62%) grades in 2 modules, and I got a high 2:1 (68%) for first year. My A-level results were good, but not exceptional by any standards, and the same is the case for my GCSE grades. The issue is that one of these grades was in a law outside option (EU law specifically) so I am worried that that might weaken my application.

Some law firms (Slaughter and May, Cleary and Sullivan and Cromwell, from what I have heard) are quite picky about individual grades. I am keen on applying to Skadden, Cleary, Slaughter and May, Freshfields and Hogan Lovells. Do my grades mean that I need to lower my ambitions, and apply to other firms?

In terms of work experience, I have undertaken two work experience/shadowing schemes at law firms in my city, and two internships in an asset management and a PE firm. For extra-curriculars, I've set up a society which I currently lead, and held positions of responsibility in two other societies at university. I've also participated in commercial law competitions.

Any advice would be appreciated,
Thank you

 

[NAremu]

Hey guys!

So I just completed my second year of a non-law (politics) degree (Russell group uni, if that is relevant) and I am currently planning out my application strategy for the upcoming academic year. I just wanted to know about how much firms care about specific module grades? Or to be more blunt, if somewhat mediocre grades should mean that I should lower my ambitions?

I am on track to achieve a high 2:1 in my degree, but got low 2:1 (62%) grades in 2 modules, and I got a high 2:1 (68%) for first year. My A-level results were good, but not exceptional by any standards, and the same is the case for my GCSE grades. The issue is that one of these grades was in a law outside option (EU law specifically) so I am worried that that might weaken my application.

Some law firms (Slaughter and May, Cleary and Sullivan and Cromwell, from what I have heard) are quite picky about individual grades. I am keen on applying to Skadden, Cleary, Slaughter and May, Freshfields and Hogan Lovells. Do my grades mean that I need to lower my ambitions, and apply to other firms?

In terms of work experience, I have undertaken two work experience/shadowing schemes at law firms in my city, and two internships in an asset management and a PE firm. For extra-curriculars, I've set up a society which I currently lead, and held positions of responsibility in two other societies at university. I've also participated in commercial law competitions.

Any advice would be appreciated,
Thank you

If it helps - I have similar grades to you (two high 2:1s and two low 2:1s), although I studied law. And I interviewed at similar UK firms (CC) and US firms (Cleary/Kirkland). I was rejected from Slaughters, it's difficult to say whether that was because of my grades - I'm not sure I did the right cover letter format.

One of those firms did ask about my lower module grades but they didn't seem too hung up on it because it wasn't that relevant. I think the same would apply to you - they will probably ask about it, but because it's in EU law and not say contract/corporate law, I don't think it's a big deal.

 

[Salma]

I echo the above! Your extra curricular and work experiences outweigh your low 2:1 grades in my opinion. To give you some comfort, I got 2:2’s in two modules and still interviewed at MC and US firms, it’s nooo biggie! They may ask you about it so always be prepared

 

[aditik]

If it helps - I have similar grades to you (two high 2:1s and two low 2:1s), although I studied law. And I interviewed at similar UK firms (CC) and US firms (Cleary/Kirkland). I was rejected from Slaughters, it's difficult to say whether that was because of my grades - I'm not sure I did the right cover letter format.

One of those firms did ask about my lower module grades but they didn't seem too hung up on it because it wasn't that relevant. I think the same would apply to you - they will probably ask about it, but because it's in EU law and not say contract/corporate law, I don't think it's a big deal.

Thank you so much! And well done on getting interviews with CC, Kirkland and Cleary. Cleary in particular has an extremely low application to interview conversion rate, so that's amazing.

 

[aditik]

Thank you so much Selma! This makes me feel a lot more confident. I'll make sure to prepare a few answers if they ask about these grades.

Well done to you for your application outcomes, and good luck!

 

[Salma]

Thank you so much Selma! This makes me feel a lot more confident. I'll make sure to prepare a few answers if they ask about these grades.

Well done to you for your application outcomes, and good luck!

Glad I could help! Good luck and be confident