OPPORTUNITIES WITH A 2:2 LAW DEGREE

What options are available if you obtain a 2:2?

If you’re an aspiring legal professional, obtaining a 2:2 degree qualification can feel like the end of the world; the death of a legal career before it has even started. Such sentiment is understandable. After all, the legal sector is notorious for its extremely competitive nature, with most law firms scouting for candidates with a 2:1 degree or above. When confronted with this harsh reality, it can be very difficult to see a silver lining or believe that still hope exists. Although it may seem as though you’re watching life-long dreams and ambitions slip through your fingers like sand, there are a wide-range of options that are available to you if you find yourself in this position.

Explore Alternative Routes

Many law firms offering training contracts, particularly magic circle law firms, do require that you obtain a 2:1 or above and that you show evidence of a strong academic record. However, receiving a training contract from a top law firm isn’t the only way to qualify as a solicitor. Consider the opportunities offered by high street law firms; these law firms are usually less stringent and more willing to provide training contracts to those who have obtained a 2:2 degree.

Alternatively, becoming a paralegal, whilst not a popular route, is another pathway to qualification. Flex legal is one of many great online resources that you can utilise if you are interested in pursuing a paralegal role: https://flex.legal/

Enhance your CV

Stand out from the crowd by honing in on your unique strengths or investing in opportunities that encourage professional and personal development. You could enroll on a short course for skills in demand in the legal sector or volunteer at a local charity. Why not try investigating organisations such as Citizens Advice? They actively welcome volunteer Trainee Advisors, regardless of qualification or experience.

Network

Perhaps you’ve heard it said, ‘your network is your net worth’. This phrase captures the very heartbeat of the modern working world we live in today. Although an important component, working hard and demonstrating your academic prowess isn’t the only way you can realise your ambitions as a legal professional. Building a strong network of professional relationships can prove to be extremely valuable. You see, it’s entirely possible to obtain a first class and still find it extremely difficult to break into the competitive legal industry. However, with the right network, it’s also possible to obtain a 2:2 degree qualification and find it much easier to establish a career because you leveraged social capital.

So, spend some time mastering the craft of networking in-person and online. Attend networking events hosted by organisations such as The BAME Woman in Law and maximise LinkedIn.

Consider Legal Careers in Non-Legal Industries 

Arguably, there seems to be an unspoken misconception that to establish a legal career, you must work at a law firm. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as many avenues exist in government, academia, non-profit organisations and even in-house. Some of these external legal pathways offer great schemes for law graduates who have obtained a 2:2 degree qualification. For example, in the civil service, where legal professionals are in demand, programmes such as the legal trainee scheme, are open to law graduates holding a 2:2 degree.

You can find more information about the scheme here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-legal-service-gls-legal-trainee-scheme-how-to-apply

Where there is a will, there is a way

Whilst the options listed here are in no way exhaustive, may it serve as a reminder that all hope is not lost.

It’s undeniable that obtaining a 2:2 will come with its fair share of difficulties but as the adage goes, ‘where there is a will, there is a way’. Stay determined. Maintain resilience and you will see, on the other side of those difficulties are possibilities and opportunities that you can uncover; all accessible, the moment you decide that a 2:2 degree qualification is not a permanent stain on your CV.