Is the whole ‘russel group’ thing just snobbery?

[MrsPBlotto]

DD is 17 and has applied to university this summer. Granted her course is very vocational so perhaps this bias only applies for academic subjects. All but one of the universities she’s applied to are post 1992 and the one uni she has applied to that’s not one is not an RG. I’m not bothered in the slightest as for the field DD wants to go into a degree is a degree and I’m far more concerned that she’s happy at the university she goes to.

However, I’ve seen a lot of posts here and comments from other parents saying that an RG is the best of the best and almost implying russel groups are the only universities worth going to. I’m not sure this is actually true as I know a lot of people who’ve gone to ex poly unis and been far more successful in life than those who’s gone to RG’s (granted that’s anecdotal). And I really don’t understand where this bias comes from that somehow a self proclaimed group of 20 or so universities are somehow the best of the best and any others (especially if post 1992) are not worth the money. Is this just snobbery and people trying to set themselves apart or is there any truth to the idea russel groups are inherently better universities?

Yes my field is very snobby and I also called myself a snob so I am not pretending otherwise. I also had two tiger parents so this may be where my views came from. Getting an A was considered a failure.

I have a three year old and I really hope she ends up being smart.

So Bristol is very average for law is it @Emotionalstorm?

We have some people from Bristol yes. But to be fair there is a closer correlation between whether you went to private school and being employed by my firm than your uni. There are more Oxbridge people where than from any other uni.

there is a closer correlation between whether you went to private school and being employed by my firm than your uni

That’s depressing. Hoped people were over the private school bias by now.

@Tapenade the lawyers on this thread aren't showing their profession in the best light are they.

We are one of the whiniest group of people you will ever meet.

I’m a lawyer but I re-qualified via an… ex-poly!!!!

Just to really upset the apple cart.

OK, I am eventually going to bite.

It's Russell

Are you in a Magic Circle law firm @Emotionalstorm ?

Law is stuck in the dark ages. I’m lucky that where I am now really doesn’t give a shit. I’ve met some incredibly clever lawyers where I am and the majority of us did not go to Oxbridge!

Silver circle.

Ah that explains your insecurity @Emotionalstorm.

Law is quite complicated. For the top 130 firms (ie a lot of firms which aren't top ten) they recruit about 15% Oxbridge, 15% combined Durham Bristol Exeter, and lots of other places www.chambersstudent.co.uk/where-to-start/newsletter/law-firms-preferred-universities-2019 although that was 2019.
Some will recruit institution blind as long as you have AAB grades and a 2/1 and pass the psych and other tests and go through masses of hoops, So your interviewer may not know the university where you went.

One was taking on only people who were black (if you were white you were not allowed in that scheme) www.legalcheek.com/2019/09/leigh-day-advertises-specifically-for-black-aspiring-lawyers/

50% of people fail the solicitor exams. I think we probably don't people advising clients any more than doctors who kill patients getting things wrong so probably most people can understand that you need people who know the law to advise on the law and need to have passed the law exams. That probably does exclude people with lower exam results/IQ etc and I don't think anyone disputes that there should be discrimination on the grounds of passing a professional exam

Yes can confirm silver circle law firms really do have a huge chip on their shoulders.

I think it's even more complex than that because the advertised requirements aren't always reflected in the conditional offers sent out. For example Cambridge med offer conditional on AAAA rather than advertised AAA. It would be more accurate to look at the actual grades achieved by accepted students.

@Emotionalstorm evidently!

I have many friends who are City lawyers. Good people. But they seem to see a career in the City (via Oxbridge) as the only marker for success. And some are struggling with their kids who are now wanting careers in STEM or creative industries. I think they work very hard and spend so much time in that legal world that their world becomes very narrow indeed. It’s quite claustrophobic to be around.

There are so many other options in life for bright and talented young people!

And if she isn’t, does it really matter so long as she is healthy and happy? Being smart doesn’t guarantee happiness.

Have to admit I do have a LLB from ex poly (was poly when I graduated in 1989) and have worked for a magic circle firm!

My daughter will be used to a high standard of living, one that being a mere accountant or doctor will not be able pay for. The competition for well paid jobs is tough and I just worry about the hardships that she might have to go through if she isn't talented. It's hard to be happy and healthy when you can't afford to raise the family and live comfortably.

I'm happy for her not to go into law. I just want her to be able to afford a family home in a nice area, to not to have to worry about paying her bills and give her children good opportunities. My husband and I have discussed this and we both think that it might be a good idea for us to put aside some money for her if we want don't want her to rent for significant amounts of time.

I think the snobbery on this thread isn't about RG universities.

You can afford to raise a family or considerably less than a 'mere' doctor's salary!

Also : She's 3...

She might not even have children , you know OP.