Legal Training Contracts - Getting a Training Contract with a 2.2

You are far less likely to get a training contract with a top law firm, if you have not attained a first class, or 2.1 degree at university. It is much more sensible to apply to mid-size firms who accept applications from candidates with lower degree grades, than to apply to large firms. If you do well at a mid-size firm you will be able to transfer to a large firm later in your career, if this is your goal.

However, if you are only interested in getting a training contract at a top firm, you do still have a chance, although it is only slim. You will need to be persistent, will have to make contacts in organisation's HR departments and be able to demonstrate a range of non-academic skills (such as multiple languages) that your prospective employer would be interested in.

Getting Past Application Systems

Candidates with 2.2's will often be sifted out of firm's recruitment processes at a very early stage, most commonly during the initial online application process. Law firms receive so many applications for training contracts that Human Resources staff usually set-up their systems to automatically filter out candidates with a 2.2 degree grade, or below.

When making applications to firms who state that they require a minimum of a 2.1 degree grade, always make sure you have made personal contact with a member of HR at that firm first. Most firms will be able to accept your application with lower than expected grades, but can only do so if you have made them aware of the situation.

If you have a 2.2, you will need to persuade employers to take a look at your CV and that you do have something to offer them. You will need to prove your motivation and commitment to career, which can sometimes be difficult.

Mitigating Circumstances

If you have a genuine mitigating circumstance for not getting a 2.1 it is certainly worth making this clear to recruiters. HR will be lenient, but only if your circumstances really did make things difficult for you to study at university, and only if you can prove that you did have difficulties (e.g. with a doctor's note, or university letter).

Work Experience

If your degree qualification is not good, make sure you can prove yourself and your commitment to career in other ways. Work experience can really boost your applications and demonstrates real application to your desired career. Employers really like to hire candidates with experience because they need less training than other candidates and have much more commercial awareness.

Careers Fairs and Networking

By attending careers fairs you can meet current graduate trainees and HR employees that may be able to accept your application if they feel you are worth giving a chance to. Try to get as many names as you can at events like this and prove to them your value for their organisation, despite your low grades.