I got a 2.1 🎉 What now?

[elixo]

Hi everyone! I finally got my results on Thursday and I got a 2.1 from University of Bristol. I'm just wondering what now? I know getting a training contract is extremely competitive and honestly, I didn't do much extra curricular wise during my university years because I got pregnant during my first year at 19 and worked full time for 3 years in insurance to support my daughter while studying. It's a shocker I even graduated let alone got a 2.1 with being a single mum at such a young age living away from home and working full time haha. The only legal related thing I've done is an internship at a firm where I worked for 6 weeks in a law firm but it was right after secondary school.

What can I do to enhance my CV now I have graduated, have more free time and can know I've finally done enough academically to at least be considered for a TC? It is my dream to land a TC but know that it is extremely hard and don't know what my chances are but I'd like to give applying a go!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hiya @elixo

First of all, I just want to say that it is SERIOUSLY impressive of you. Balancing your LLB alongside full-time work and raising your daughter as a single mum is no small feat, and the fact that you came out with a 2.1 from Bristol speaks volumes about your resilience, determination, and sheer brilliance. That in itself is something to be proud of, and it’s exactly the kind of story that firms will see as a strength rather than a weakness.

In terms of next steps, I think you’re in a really good position to start applying (both for direct TCs and vac schemes). I'd also just emphasise now that you don’t need to rush into a legal job. I think what matters is showing that you’re continuing to build the skills and interests that make you a strong candidate for commercial law. Give your insurance background, you might even find that the big City firms with strong insurance or re-insurance practices could be a natural fit, since that experience gives you a commercial perspective many other applicants won’t have (i.e. it makes you competitive in a very interesting way). Going forward, I'd suggest:

• Starting to draft applications now and not leaving it too late;
• Have a think about how you can develop/maintain your commercial awareness over the next few months;
• If you have time, apply for opportunities to add small pieces of experience (insight days, open days, etc), but don’t underestimate how much your work history already counts.
• Use resources here on TCLA to get feedback, refine your applications, and keep yourself accountable.

You’re more than capable of this: I believe it, and you should too! Good luck with your applications!