Training Contract Advice

Mr. JD

Hi there,

Was wondering if anybody would have any insight to this.

I was offered a traineeship in one of the larger firms and my CV said on track to achieve a first class honours degree. In that time before my final exams, I suffered a family bereavement and my grades dropped dramatically in those final exams. I ended up getting a 2.2 degree. Now I know that I didn't expressly say that I had a first, but I know that in the applications for blackhall you must submit your degree and I know the training solicitor needs to sign off on all your documentation... Is this going to be a problem? I'm wondering should I explain what happened? I'm worried that the TC will be retracted now because of this.

Would appreciate any info about this.

Thanks.

randomrb

Mr. JD wrote: »

Hi there,

Was wondering if anybody would have any insight to this.

I was offered a traineeship in one of the larger firms and my CV said on track to achieve a first class honours degree. In that time before my final exams, I suffered a family bereavement and my grades dropped dramatically in those final exams. I ended up getting a 2.2 degree. Now I know that I didn't expressly say that I had a first, but I know that in the applications for blackhall you must submit your degree and I know the training solicitor needs to sign off on all your documentation... Is this going to be a problem? I'm wondering should I explain what happened? I'm worried that the TC will be retracted now because of this.

Would appreciate any info about this.

Thanks.

Have you already done the FE1s?

Mr. JD

Hiya, Yup have just finished the FE1s and have them all done and passed now. Just concerned about this issue re. Degree.

randomrb

Mr. JD wrote: »

Hiya, Yup have just finished the FE1s and have them all done and passed now. Just concerned about this issue re. Degree.

I don't know about the larger firms, but I would have said that once you have passed your FE1's they won't really mind. Its not like you told them you had a first when you didn't.

ArthurDayne

Mr. JD wrote: »

Hi there,

Was wondering if anybody would have any insight to this.

I was offered a traineeship in one of the larger firms and my CV said on track to achieve a first class honours degree. In that time before my final exams, I suffered a family bereavement and my grades dropped dramatically in those final exams. I ended up getting a 2.2 degree. Now I know that I didn't expressly say that I had a first, but I know that in the applications for blackhall you must submit your degree and I know the training solicitor needs to sign off on all your documentation... Is this going to be a problem? I'm wondering should I explain what happened? I'm worried that the TC will be retracted now because of this.

Would appreciate any info about this.

Thanks.

Unless your contract offer specifically states that it is contingent on you going on to achieve a 2.1 or whatever, then I don't believe it's an issue. If it does state it, then just speak to the firm and explain your circumstances. I'm sure it will be fine -- if they liked you when the offer was given I would be utterly shocked if they would retract an offer from someone whose grades suffered from bereavement.

So yes, check the wording of the offer and then speak to the firm if needs be. It will be fine.

Mr. JD

ArthurDayne wrote: »

Unless your contract offer specifically states that it is contingent on you going on to achieve a 2.1 or whatever, then I don't believe it's an issue. If it does state it, then just speak to the firm and explain your circumstances. I'm sure it will be fine -- if they liked you when the offer was given I would be utterly shocked if they would retract an offer from someone whose grades suffered from bereavement.

So yes, check the wording of the offer and then speak to the firm if needs be. It will be fine.

Thanks a lot for the response, doesn't say anything on the condition of a 2.1/1.1. So hoping it'll be fine in that case. Appreciate the response once again.