Law degree snobbery? degree from ucd or tcd easier to secure a solicitor training?

M

MODENA

Guest
Hi all,

Does anybody out there have any experience as to whether a law degree from ucd or tcd makes it easier to secure a solicitor training contract or is this just a myth?

Cheers!
 
Re: Law degree snobbery?

I would say that who you know and where you live matters more.
 
Re: Law degree snobbery?

I would say that who you know and where you live matters more.

I think that this is true to a certain extent but mostly if you are looking at smaller firms where having your uncle/neighbour/whoever involved is going to be a leg up. For the bigger firms it seems to be more of a meritocracy. They are more concerned with your academic performance and how well you'll fit in to the firm than who your dad is. Of course knowing someone may help you get an interview but if you come across as useless in that then it's not going to matter who you know.

As far as having a law degree from TCD or UCD goes I can only speak from personal experience. I have an arts degree from TCD and managed to get a training contract with a big five firm. My grades were good but not outstanding and I think that where your degree is from and what it is in are of limited importance. As long as you can demonstrate on your application that you have consistently done well, and that includes in the leaving cert, then you should be okay.
 
Re: Law degree snobbery? degree from ucd or tcd easier to secure a solicitor training

Thanks for the advice!
 
Re: Law degree snobbery? degree from ucd or tcd easier to secure a solicitor training

There exists some outstanding solicitors who would make big it no matter what their background or network of contacts. Talent will always find a home even if it's hard to find or takes longer to get there.

Similarly, there exists some extraordinary duffers in the business who rely wholly on their background and network of contacts just to remember to breathe in.

Bottom line, if you're good enough you'll get there. If you're not, get connected - big time.