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‘BCD at A-Level. Is City law out of my reach?’

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By Legal Cheek on

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Aspiring solicitor has concerns

City of London at sunset
In the latest instalment in our Career Conundrums series, an aspiring solicitor is concerned that their A-Level results might hinder their pursuit of a career in City law.

“Hello Legal Cheek. I didn’t do as well as I had hoped in my A-Levels (BCD) and I am worried that law firms in London won’t be interested in me. I am still going to university to study law via clearing but I now have concerns this isn’t the right decision. I know some law firms say they don’t have A-Level requirements to apply but surely they’ll take these into account?”

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57 Comments

Meritocrat

Not to be elitist but BCD is miles away from City/elite law firm requirements or expectations.

“I am not even intelligent enough to waffle through soft A-Level subjects, is a lucrative 6-figure elite career out of my reach?”

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(83)(42)

Trainee

This kind of attitude is what is wrong with the legal profession.

Getting less than all As at A-Level is in no way a reflection of a person’s intelligence – school is not for everyone – University is a drastically different and can absolutely enable a person academically flourish. You also have no idea the personal challenges an individual has had to face all while taking their exams.

As someone who also achieved BCD at A-Level then went on to graduate from Undergrad with a 1st and the LPC with a Distinction (and who is now a Trainee at a large multinational corporation in the City), I can attest that it absolutely IS possible to pursue and succeed at a career in law with less than perfect A-Level results.

Shame on you for being so close minded and disparaging.

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(74)(70)

Shameful elitist

Yeah winning a lottery like Euromillions IS possible.

First of all, City law is NOT intellectually demanding. If you want intellectual stimulation your best bet is a PhD in mathematics or theoretical / astro physics.

Secondly, the façade of prestige in the legal profession is only held up by the calibre of the people within and the salary. There are so many posts about new trainees being underwhelmed by how mundane the work is, reading documents and other admin tasks. Being a solicitor simply does not require intelligence.

The more clients / outsider laypeople know about this situation, the less prestige / fees they are willing to accord.

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(41)(29)

Janice

Not the case for all practice areas.

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(4)(0)

Someone else who got BCD at alevel

I got BCD at a level in 2018. Thought it was the end for me. Got a 2:1 at law, did the lpc straight away, got rejected from i dont know how many firms for a training contract. London firms didnt even look at me. I didnt even make it past application stage. i found strengths in other way and made my niche. Got a TC with a local high street style firm at the age of 22, continued to try and get my name out there and network, continued my development with online courses, did mentoring schemes and got an nq job at 24 at a boutique style london firm, very small (similar to high street in style) but the work is london weighted with london style client expectations with a high street work life balance. It couldn’t have worked out better for me.

So no all is not lost with BCD, but you have to work harder now as your academics dont shine brightly. Make your name known, linkedin is brilliant for that and attend as many events, conferences, networking as you can. Magic circle will be out of reach for sure so be realistic but there are lots of firms out there who do great work and look at the eprson over the grades. You just have to find them.

Hope this helps 🙂

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(61)(5)

Kirkland NQ

When are you picking up your Lambo pal? Let me guess, never?

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(12)(55)

london nq

my trusty ford fiesta will never die

also, not everything needs to be sarky. maybe just support someone who is clearly worried about grades. not everything is about money

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(54)(5)

Fellow Poor A Leveller

Totally agree with this. I got ACD at A Level and the A was in music which didn’t help. I went on to get a first at university (Law) and distinction in the LPC which helped show an upward trajectory, but it was still challenging getting a TC with those A Levels. My advice would be to aim to work as a paralegal in a firm which take internal TC contract applications as you then prove yourself without needing good A Levels. If you’re good as a paralegal your A Levels become insignificant. That’s what I did and eventually qualified at a national firm in Birmingham with a TC and moved to an international firm after a year PQE. Not all is lost!

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(1)(0)

East London Associate

BCD? What’s that? As in grades…

My radical advice would’ve be to reject the clearing place and spend the year resitting those A-Levels, because there’s no way I’m afraid with those A Levels. City firms are rejecting vac scheme candidates with first class Law degrees and 3 A*s at A Level (not to say grades are the only important factor at vac scheme stage, but that’s the quality of the pool).

I’d also interrogate whether City law is really what you want to do tbh, because in a way the elitism is the catch 22 we all sign up to when we willing go down this path…

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(70)(6)

US trainee

As someone who got similar grades to this at A Level due to extenuating circumstances, then achieved all high firsts in my degree at my first choice Russell group uni, then achieved all high distinctions on the GDL, then scored top 1% on the SQE and will be starting my TC at an elite US law firm in September, please stop giving ignorant “radical advice” on subjects you don’t know about.

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(16)(16)

US lawyer

Well said. I got five GSCEs grade E and never went to uni, but I worked my socks off and have just made partner at a US powerhouse aged 23. Never let anyone tell you it’s impossible. This is pretty much standard for the profession. Dare to dream.

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(25)(7)

USTrainee

I’m genuinely curious as to the purpose of your comment… is that supposed to show disbelief of the above comment – that the two are comparably “impossible”?

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(1)(8)

Elite US top dollar 1% first class associate

Your own story (if true) is obviously incredibly rare, and trying to encourage someone with bad grades (and no extenuating circs like yourself) to pursue a career in City law is irresponsible. This is particularly the case now that half of students seem to get A’s at A level. And a first from RG is pretty standard for “elite” (cringe) law firms.

UStrainee

What’s cringe is giving out ignorant advice in response to a genuine question and making sarcy and rude comments about someone’s real grades. I can bet no one making these types of comment would do so in a f2f scenario.

My comment was to highlight that it is possible, even if you have to do really well in future to prove yourself.

Not another LinkedIn "Future Trainee"

“Will be starting [your] TC at an elite US law firm in Septmber…”

If we’re to take your story at face value as the truth, you’re definitely the exception not the rule. Let’s be real, the majority of city lawyers do not have D grades at A-Level. The re-sitting advice made by many here is by far the best advice, measuring the time it’d take relative to the massive impact it could have on a future career for the OP.

Also, respectfully you’re not even a Trainee yet replying to a comment by an Associate, so how have you figured that they “should stop giving ignorant “radical advice” on subjects [they] don’t know about”, yet you are entitled to?

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(6)(0)

Not an elitist

If you want to join an elite profession, you better expect elitist requirements.

It’s an elite profession for a reason. And if BCDs have a realistic chance then City law ceases to be an elite profession.

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(36)(7)

Anon

I appreciate it’s a big decision – I think the most helpful way to frame it is thinking about the candidates who you will be competing against to secure a place at these law firms. If most of these candidates will be coming from top universities, likely with good grades, then objectively it will be very difficult to break into those firms.

There are nuances within the types of firms, but you need to be aware of how competitive the London market is.

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(22)(1)

Aspiring Supreme Court judge (A-Levels: CDE)

I know people who have worse A-Level results and they aspire to be a barrister so you never know hehe

Reply Report comment
(10)(15)

Prioritise your goals

Law firms care more about experience and University grades more than anything else. It will be more difficult with lower A-Level results, but not impossible. Get yourself out there whilst in University and take part in any available schemes and societies.

You may also want to consider whether you definitely want to work at a ‘big’ city firm, as the pay is great, although this comes at the expense of your work-life balance.

I received BBC at A level, and I am about to qualify at a mid-level law firm in Manchester. I refused an NQ offer at a higher paying city law firm in London due to wanting to maintain my work-life balance, whereby I never really finish later than 6pm other than on occasion, and when considering taxes, student loan repayments, the cost of living in London vs Manchester etc, I only am losing on about £500 a month (which when you are already earning £3k+ a month after tax is not a life changing amount). Admittedly you can earn much more than this in the bigger city law firms at the expense of your work-life balance.

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(19)(6)

MC PQE2

Stopped reading at Manchester.

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(18)(14)

Trainee @ AG in Scotland

uh uh MC, b*****it

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(1)(2)

Everyone loves an underdog

You need to think about why you didn’t perform as well as you hoped, I notice you didn’t say ‘expected’.

If it was due to a lack of effort you should consider taking a year out to resit and get better grades.

If you worked hard but things still didn’t work out then think carefully about whether this is a career you truly want to do. Your grades will likely shut you out of the upper echelons of the legal world. However, if you can demonstrate serious improvement by performing incredibly well at university you will be in a better position.

You need to frame the grades within a broader narrative that addresses the reasons for the poor performance and provides examples of your ability. It’ll require a lot of graft and some serious networking but you can still do well.

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(15)(2)

KIRKLAND NQ

5 years ago yes.

Now, it’s possible but you’ll need to do a hell of a lot of compensating.

I got ABD (so admittedly a bracket or two above yours) and back when I was applying for TCs, firms had A-Level requirements which were typically ABB.

Fortunately for you, these days I believe most firms have removed their A-Level requirements. However as you correctly recognise, it will still be taken into account.

Despite my lower A Levels, not having a private education, and going to a non-RG uni (like 60+ in the rankings), I managed to get a city TC in my third year of the LLB. How I did it was an abundance of extra curriculars, doing very well in my exams and rigorously practicing the recruitment process.

I was one of the very few people in my cohort who did attend a Russel group nor was privately educated and im under no illusion thats because I compensated by working very hard at university to stand out. Say yes to every opportunity (law society committee, pro bono, networking events), get good grades and learn how to do the TC recruitment song and dance (application, video interview and assessment centre technique).

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(24)(0)

Pedant

Kirkland’s standards must be dropping if they’re hiring NQs who can’t differentiate between practice and practise.

Reply Report comment
(39)(5)

Russell Howard

Or spell ‘Russell’ correctly, or proof read their work, more generally.

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(15)(4)

Calum

The Russel group is spelt with one L I am afraid. Google it

Reply Report comment
(1)(18)

Al

Depends on the firm. Some, like Slaughters, are very focused on academics. US firms are generally more entrepreneurial and more interested in your attitude and motivation.

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(10)(13)

My 2 pence

I mean unless you have extenuating circumstances those grades are likely hinder you, particularly that D grade. I would advice if possible, whether there is a possibility to resit and if not, ensure you kill it with extra curriculars at uni and getting good consistent grades and aiming for firms where a level grades are not the be all and end all (quick search on google will show such firms).

And yes, I’m not saying it’s impossible but it’s likely you’ll have to aim for those lower ranked firms. Once you get it, it’s just a question of showing yourself and moving up the ranks in most cases.

Good luck!

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(13)(1)

Anon

I agree. You need to figure out WHY it happened and proceed from there. At the end of the day, if you want it bad enough, go for it, you will get there (and if you don’t, at least you can walk away knowing you tried everything).

At the same time, be realistic in terms of how much work you will need to do to get there and then weigh up if you are willing to do that much and if it will be worth it (to you). This is key because if you feel you did not perform well in your A Levels due to health issues or because you are in a toxic environment which is negatively impacting you then ask yourself whether either of these things will change if you continue to pursue law (because then it will impact future qualifications etc too). If you decide it is not worth it, there is so much more you can do with your life. A Level grades are just one part of getting a decent job so start focusing on the other parts and stay optimistic.

Best of luck to you, and most importantly, prioritise your happiness.

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(7)(0)

Just some lawyer

I got CCD at A Levels and now work at one of the highest paying US firms in London. Just get excellent grades at uni, relevant work experience and good extra-curriculars and you’ll be fine.

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(10)(15)

I saw right through you

Is this a troll / meme / funny post? It certainly looks like it

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(5)(4)

Nothing’s Impossible

I had DDD in my A-Levels. I got involved in as much as I could at Uni and left with a 2:1. I then went on to train at a Tier 1 international firm, and about to start at a US firm in the City in the new year. Took a four extra years to get there but who cares.

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(18)(6)

honest

You’re going to have to be a truly outstanding candidate in all other respects for a firm to look past BCD and probably a sub-par uni given you’ll be entering via clearing.

Honestly would strongly urge resitting and eventually you’ll need have to have a decent reason why the grades were low first time round as most firms will ask you to declare if you’ve resat exams.

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(7)(0)

Job marley

A solid DD will get you through the door.

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(12)(3)

Magic Circle Trainee

These posts are absolutely brutal but probably do reflect how people in the City will respond to those grades.

Firms love saying that your A-levels don’t matter, but they do. At the majority of Magic Circle firms you’ll be an underdog if you even get one B at A-level.

Resitting is for sure your best bet. One year is nothing in the grand scheme of things – especially when improving your grades could double your salary prospects.

I resat all of my A-levels and it was the best decision I ever made. I spoke about resitting in my TC interview and how doing so built resilience, taught me how to graft etc etc. They loved it.

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(31)(0)

Expatontheback

A friend of mine currently takes home £8k a month at 2 PQE with no A-Levels and an average 2.1 from a non-RG – anything’s possible.

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(8)(2)

Anon

You can aspire, doesnt mean your aspirations will materialise. Do note that.

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(5)(1)

Chubby associate

Join a boutique firm for TC and then pivot into one of those third rate US firms for the big bucks.

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(2)(0)

Anonymous

Fried Frank and Paul Hastings?

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(4)(0)

Freed Frankfurter

You want onions on that?

Reply Report comment
(3)(0)

Juicey wurst and lager

And a Paulaner?

Reply Report comment
(0)(0)

Someone in MC who also got BCD

Honestly, it depends on the expectations of the Firm you’re applying to as some take academics more seriously than others. It also depends on your extra-curricular activities, what you get on your uni course, and your personality/likeability.

I was in the same boat. I f***ed around and found out during my A-Levels and actually also got BCD (predicted 3 A’s or above…), but still went on to study law (though not at the uni I was meant to).

I’m now a senior manager at a Magic Circle firm (so a business professional not a fee-earner). While I’m not a lawyer, I do have a huge amount of responsibility (including involvement with strategic decisions), manage Partner stakeholders, and earn the same or above mid level lawyers at lower tiered City firms (and certainly more than most high street lawyers).

I appreicate this isn’t the ‘dream’ you’re aiming for but what I’m getting at is all is not lost There are plenty of options within law and frankly I think I’m probably happier than I would have been if I’d actually reached my potential (lol).

Apply for firms though and give it a go – what do you have to lose? I’ve learnt from experience the most academic people who went to Oxbridge don’t necessarily make the best lawyers in practice. Show what you can bring to the table and over the next year or 2 ensure you seek opportunities that make you stand out when applying.

Good luck.

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(11)(10)

Battered Chicken

But your pay will likely be less than NQ at your MC firms (except Slaughtered and Dismayed)

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(10)(8)

Someone in MC who also got BCD

Yes, lower than MC NQ salary, though definitely not a pittance and salary wasn’t the point of my message. It’s important to remember not everyone can work at a MC or US firm where salaries are hugely inflates – there’s capable lawyers with 3 A’s etc. at firms outside of the Legal 200 and regional outfits earning much less than me. There’s even Partners at high street firms earning less but working all hours.

As I said, going into a non fee-earning role isn’t for everyone especially if you’ve always dreamt of being a lawyer. That said, the stress and long hours of BigLaw isn’t for everyone and it comes as a real shock to the system for many, so it’s a route to consider if you didn’t get the grades you wanted or struggle to obtain a TC (you could even work for a top firm while applying for TCs, which will give you an edge given you’ll develop more commercial acumen etc. too).

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(9)(7)

Someone in MC who also got BCD

Lots of typos, apologies. Wrote it out very quickly and didn’t proof.

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(5)(7)

Not the same

A “business professional”, not a lawyer. Simply not comparable. You probably need zero qualifications for your role, and the recruitment process isn’t nearly as competitive as it is for MC trainees (far fewer applicants for HR, BD or other support staff roles, compared with thousands of applicants for TCs each year from the top law graduates in the country).

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(8)(4)

Business Professional

Oustanding level of arrogance here in thinking only lawyers at law firms have qualifications or add value to the business. Most managers upwards at law firms will have a host of different, high level qualifications that keep the firm running efficiently. Without business professionals many Firms would crumble. Idiot.

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(1)(5)

Busnes Brofesionnal

‘BCD at A-Level. Is City law out of my reach?’

“Aspiring solicitor has concerns”

“studying law”

He’s asking for advice on whether becoming a city LAWYER is out of reach with BCD, not whether he can become a “business professional” (whatever that means).

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(6)(1)

Lol

My understanding of these comments were that the poster is alluding to it being very difficult indeed to get into City law with those grades, so they should probably consider other routes i.e. you’re more likely to end up as a high street lawyer with those grades so if you’re not re-sitting (many firms look down on re-sits anyway), another option to get you a six figure salary with a better work/life balance a business professional type role in a big City firm. Many senior management roles look favourably on those with a legal background as they understand the industry. Just my 2 cents.

MC associate

Please read!

I got BCD in my A levels back in 2013 across chemistry, biology and physics. I got offers through clearing but opted to take a gap year and resit 5 exam modules. I ended up in 2014 getting AAB (after the re sits).

I went to a Russell Group university studying a STEM degree. I got a 2.1 in my degree and distinctions on GDL and accelerated LPC. Afterwards I got a training contract at a large international law firm and am now an associate at a Magic Circle law firm.

None of this would have happened if I hadn’t re sat my A Levels because I would not have passed the minimum A level thresholds. My advice: if you’re serious about a career in city law – reject your clearing offer, take a gap year and re sit those exams. Grades matter in law.

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(20)(1)

Anonymous

I got BCC in my A-levels and a D in my AS and I am 1PQE at a US firm in London. I was a paralegal for 2 years before I trained, which helped. Nothing is impossible.

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(4)(4)

Matthew Shardlake

For an employer, employing someone is like purchasing a car. It costs a lot of money and you want the best possible value. Be realistic nobody will buy a Ford Fiesta for the same money as they can get a Ferrari. You will not be the lucky one. Either improve your grades or look for something practical such as plumbing or electrician. Even then you will be with those grades.

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(4)(7)

USTrainee2

A lot of badly worded and downright ignorant comments on here… “low” a level grades definitely make things much more difficult but not impossible.

There are plenty who succeed despite a levels similar to these – including myself. I would say that it’s important to know your competition and ensure you work much harder than everyone else to “make up for” your a level performance and prove that it does not reflect your ability to make an excellent trainee. This includes getting top grades in everything else and ensuring you have impressive extra curricular achievements.

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(7)(2)

Old lawyer

The issue will be that you won’t get into a good uni to do law on those a levels.

Either take a year to redo a level or go to a decent uni to do a different course and do the GDL.

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(0)(0)

MJPR1997

On the flip side, got AAA.

I’ve never converted a Vac Scheme.

I’ve never got a Training Contract.

AAA at A-Level and Oxford degree.

Something for you to think about.

Get a good degree – good luck..

Reply Report comment
(1)(0)

LawIsHard

I agree with most of the comments on here. It will certainly be harder, but it’s really what you do at university which will truly impact your chances.

Whilst I’m here, my younger brother got a BBC and still wants to pursue Law, he is going to the uni of Surrey, I want the opinions of other lawyers on what level of firm I should advise him to focus on.

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(1)(0)

MC assoc

I got BBC at A-level, 2:1 non-law at Russell Group Uni, Merit GDL and Distinction LPC. No mitigating circumstances re the A-levels other than being young and stupid. Took a paralegal job at an MC law firm, impressed them – eventually got a TC there. Completed the TC, got an NQ position there. The decisions you make at 16, 17 and 18 do not define your entire life and this profession cares about more than what you did then.

Do not give up.

Reply Report comment
(0)(0)

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