Why is it so hard to find work with a 2:2?

[J-wong]

Dear All,

I have just graduated with a 2:2 Law Degree. I understand that employers prefer 2:1 but is there any firm out there actually consider 2:2???

I have tried sooooo hard to apply for every position I can get within the Law industry, as long as I can put my foot in the door sort of speak. Yet, everywhere requires experience this and that. How can I get experience if they won't let me have a chance to start???

Please some advice!!

Thank you!!

[sunnie]

Unfortunately i'm in the same boat.

I've had three rejections so far - and i'm waiting for the rest to come back in.

I spoke to the head of HR for each company, after i'd submitted my application, and the majority of firms got back to me and stated that you will be considered with a 2:2 - as long as the rest of your application is exceptionally strong - good legal experience and life experience is essential.

I have no idea how you get into legal experience - just apply for any job in a law firm - I started out as a office junior and have stayed with the firm part time through my degree and beyond and have worked as a legal secretary, paralegal (when they need one) and accountant's assistant.

Just unfortunate my firm don't offer training contracts!

Good luck.

[ploder]

It's still extremely difficult with a 2:1 if you have less than a years worth of experience (as I'm finding out) and didn't go to a top 20 uni. I'm one year post LPC and have only worked for a couple of months as paralegal and had two vacation placements.

The only thing I can recommend is to find smaller firms using this:
http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/choosingan ... icitor.law
Put in a location where you live and just phone every single damned firm and ask for a job/TC. I've contacted almost every firm in a 10 mile radius and got some 'maybes' after doing this. The common rejection you will get though will be 'we are too small/don't need anybody.'

[Tatzingo]

Go to LawCareers.net or get the handbook and look at the firms. Most will specify a 2.1 but some don't. There are even one or two of the largest firms that don't! Experience is important regardless of classification, if you struggle to find paid experience, consider unpaid work shadowing with local firms, or a PT office junior post at a firm. You have to get your foot in the door some how and start building up experience. Plan it so that by the time you finish your LPC, you have an absolute minimum 6 months XP in the area of law that you want to work in, preferably as a Paralegal or equivalent but anything else otherwise....

If you can get a distinction/Commendation for LPC, so much the better as it MAY go some way to mitigating your 2.2. - and if you got a 2.2 for any reason other than genuine mitigating circumstances (ie. illness, bereavement - not laziness, or other reason within your control) - then don't make excuses for it at interview/application stage. Happy hunting!

Tatz.

[J-wong]

Thank you for your advice guys and girls...