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Original poster

Help Son has fucked up big time

56 replies

wellthatsitthen · 10/08/2023 17:50

Please do not scream about how bad this is.

My son has just graduated with a BA in Law, from a Russell Group Uni and got a 2:1, just missed out on a first. At the beginning of his second year he foolishly, like a total idiot, went out in his car and got a drink driving conviction.

He was totally ashamed and there have been many tears, and conversations about how stupid and reckless his actions were.

For context it wasn't driving back from the pub or a club, but at after going home and staying there for some time, he made the rash decision to get food at 4am. I have seen the video of him outside a chicken shop waiting for food.

He currently trying to apply for Training Contracts, and he will have to be regulated by the SRA. I doubt he will get a position. If he does then will it all be for nothing.

My question to MN legal, has he totally fucked up his potential career?

Help

OP posts:
Original poster
wellthatsitthen · 10/08/2023 20:20

@mommybear1 he has called the SRA today and they have said he needs to go on their website and disclose (which is what I said to do in 2021 when it happened!) x

OP posts:
Original poster
wellthatsitthen · 10/08/2023 20:25

@Justcallmebebes you are right, and thanks for the good luck vibes

OP posts:
sparklefresh · 10/08/2023 20:26

If it helps I know a Commercial Property partner at a big firm in Bristol who was banned for a year for drunk driving during his training contract. Not ideal but it hasn't stopped him being successful.

EldenRing3 · 10/08/2023 20:27

Training contracts are very hard to get and they don't do all the background checks until you get an offer... once you even get to that stage unlikely to be dismissed for this especially if declared.

Eloratheexplorer · 10/08/2023 20:28

I too know plenty of lawyers with drunk driving convictions and other types of things. What the SRA really hates is crimes of dishonesty e.g theft, fraud. So hopefully if he declares it now, shows remorse, it will be ok. If for whatever reason it wasn’t, there are plenty of other opportunities for your son outside of the solicitor route with a law degree e.g think about Big4 accountancy firms that have a lot of graduate routes where a law degree would be very beneficial.

IhaveanewTVnow · 10/08/2023 20:36

He is so young. It was stupid but not the end of the world.

Original poster
wellthatsitthen · 10/08/2023 20:46

@CoachBeardsJane good to know, that’s what I’m hoping for that they will see him as a good candidate - any chance your DH is recruiting!! 🤣

OP posts:
Original poster
wellthatsitthen · 10/08/2023 20:50

@IhaveanewTVnow thanks Ihave, you are so right it’s not the end of the world and I’m concerned about his mental space - if he can’t get into the legal world there are so many other avenues

OP posts:
Original poster
wellthatsitthen · 10/08/2023 20:53

@Eloratheexplorer thanks, yes it’s the dishonestly that they need to know - dd is really bad but it’s not dishonest - just bloody stupid

OP posts:
Banned4life · 10/08/2023 20:54

I’m a partner at an international firm and I have some involvement in graduate recruitment. I’m sorry if this sounds needlessly harsh but here it is. The real question is, what does he have to offer a firm? We don’t even consider applications unless candidates have a high 2.1 from a Russell group / oxbridge. We have hundreds of applicants without a drink driving ban so we wouldn’t consider a candidate with one.

If your son works hard, does lots of extra curricular, work experience and commercial awareness, once he has graduated then this teenage lapse of judgement will be less of an issue. Get him to contact the SRA (just to be upfront) and aim to get a commercial (or related to whatever area he’s interested in) job after uni. If law is his calling, he’ll find his way back. (Although there are far easier ways to make more money!)

Most people change their mind about what they want to do after 3 years of LLB!

Original poster
wellthatsitthen · 10/08/2023 20:55

@EldenRing3 oh to get a training contract but if he did he would be declaring 👍🤞

OP posts:
eurochick · 10/08/2023 21:00

As others have said, dishonesty offences are the biggest issue as solicitors handle client money. The suggestion to speak to the SRA is a good one. Louise Woodward went on to become a solicitor and there are plenty of others with non-dishonesty convictions around.

Original poster
wellthatsitthen · 10/08/2023 21:27

@EldenRing3 thank you x

OP posts:
Original poster
wellthatsitthen · 10/08/2023 21:33

@eurochickdishonesty is the big thing - dd is totally wrong and shit but not actually dishonest, but it’s illegal with the potential for a whole lot worse - can I say to everyone who has replied and given their advice and opinions, I am so thankful for you all being supportive and I appreciate your kind words and help x

OP posts:
Original poster
wellthatsitthen · 10/08/2023 21:43

@Banned4life yes it’s a high 2:1 from a Russel group Uni and I understand how competitive it is to get into firms - hopefully he will get an opportunity to shine, he is very personable, bright and has a great attitude. But if it doesn’t work out in law I’m sure he will be successful on a different path. He’s just so pissed off that after 3 years of LLB he may not be able to pursue his dream due to very, very stupid decision making aged 19 🥲

OP posts:
Eggsley · 10/08/2023 21:51

As others have said, he needs to be completely honest about what happened and that he has learned from it. The SRA is concerned with honesty and integrity, so any offences involving dishonesty are an absolute no.

He may well find it closes doors at large or prestigious firms - the training contract world is very competitive so they have their pick of the top candidates. But if he's got a good degree, he's articulate, and works hard, and is confident without being arrogant, then it's a good start. If he's desperate to be at a larger firm, many trainees work as paralegals for a good few years before being offered training contracts anyway, so getting legal experience even if not as a trainee, will help.

There are lots of options - in-house, local authority or other government departments, armed forces, regional or local firms and as others have said, other careers where a law degree will be helpful.

Good luck to him.

Janieforever · 10/08/2023 21:52

Sadly it’s a very competitive field, I’m Afraid he’s likely out of anything but high street, where he may stand a chance as the criteria is much lower, but of course so is the salary base. The likely hood of him getting a training contract with anyone other than high street is very low, very low indeed.I’m sorry. A small error with a major career limiting constraint.

SphincterSaysWhat · 10/08/2023 21:53

I'm a senior lawyer in a hiring role (my own firm) and this wouldn't put me off.

He needs to disclose to the SRA (if he's intent on solicitor route - some of us are cross qualified) but they (and we) are more concerned with dishonesty.

I thought drink driving was a thing of the past...hopefully no harm done, he should be ok.

Is there any chance he has a problem with alcohol? I know he's told you what happened, but all the people I know with DD convictions (too many even in my own, admittedly massive, family!) all have alcohol problems. Don't want to worry you, OP, but something to keep half an eye on, maybe.

Good luck to you all.

Janieforever · 10/08/2023 21:56

SphincterSaysWhat · 10/08/2023 21:53

I'm a senior lawyer in a hiring role (my own firm) and this wouldn't put me off.

He needs to disclose to the SRA (if he's intent on solicitor route - some of us are cross qualified) but they (and we) are more concerned with dishonesty.

I thought drink driving was a thing of the past...hopefully no harm done, he should be ok.

Is there any chance he has a problem with alcohol? I know he's told you what happened, but all the people I know with DD convictions (too many even in my own, admittedly massive, family!) all have alcohol problems. Don't want to worry you, OP, but something to keep half an eye on, maybe.

Good luck to you all.

Very contradictory post, I assume you are high street. You say on one hand hey no issue, and then follow it up with a judgey does he have a booze problem, you clearly do have an issue, you’re the only person to even think that of someone so young.

unclench, it’s ok, kids do silly things. It doesn’t make them alcoholics.

Anonymouslyposting · 10/08/2023 22:04

My husband is a solicitor at a city firm. He has a caution for an offence committed (unintentionally but he did do it) while at university. He had to declare it when applying to the SRA for student status. This was ten years ago so the process may be different, however, they asked for lots of information about the offence and some character witnesses. In the end the SRA were fine with it - there was no dishonesty involved and they didn’t think it reflected on his suitability to be a solicitor.

He has subsequently declared it to potential employers when applying for jobs. He lost one job offer over it. However, he’s still been able to build a successful career.

CoachBeardsJane · 10/08/2023 22:17

wellthatsitthen · 10/08/2023 20:46

@CoachBeardsJane good to know, that’s what I’m hoping for that they will see him as a good candidate - any chance your DH is recruiting!! 🤣

He is actually if he's wanting a job in Manchester 😂

Hawkins009 · 10/08/2023 22:21

wellthatsitthen · 10/08/2023 17:50

Please do not scream about how bad this is.

My son has just graduated with a BA in Law, from a Russell Group Uni and got a 2:1, just missed out on a first. At the beginning of his second year he foolishly, like a total idiot, went out in his car and got a drink driving conviction.

He was totally ashamed and there have been many tears, and conversations about how stupid and reckless his actions were.

For context it wasn't driving back from the pub or a club, but at after going home and staying there for some time, he made the rash decision to get food at 4am. I have seen the video of him outside a chicken shop waiting for food.

He currently trying to apply for Training Contracts, and he will have to be regulated by the SRA. I doubt he will get a position. If he does then will it all be for nothing.

My question to MN legal, has he totally fucked up his potential career?

Help

Based on this

https://www.lawcareers.net/Explore/Oracle/15122020-I-have-a-drink-driving-conviction-can-I-still-become-a-solicitor

It's 50/50

Basically presume he may be pickles and then hope for the best.

I have a drink driving conviction – can I still become a solicitor?

I am a second-year law student currently serving a two-year driving disqualification for drink-driving. Could this conviction prevent me from becoming a corporate lawyer?

https://www.lawcareers.net/Explore/Oracle/15122020-I-have-a-drink-driving-conviction-can-I-still-become-a-solicitor

Hawkins009 · 10/08/2023 22:24

SphincterSaysWhat · 10/08/2023 21:53

I'm a senior lawyer in a hiring role (my own firm) and this wouldn't put me off.

He needs to disclose to the SRA (if he's intent on solicitor route - some of us are cross qualified) but they (and we) are more concerned with dishonesty.

I thought drink driving was a thing of the past...hopefully no harm done, he should be ok.

Is there any chance he has a problem with alcohol? I know he's told you what happened, but all the people I know with DD convictions (too many even in my own, admittedly massive, family!) all have alcohol problems. Don't want to worry you, OP, but something to keep half an eye on, maybe.

Good luck to you all.

Slightly off topic, but in the show the good wife, the political side of the law can be shall we said, dirty at times, how would you characterise some of the office politics of law in eg different groups, organisations etc, does it have to be dirty to achieve results or can it be a mix of flavours ?

Iizzyb · 11/08/2023 18:54

I don't think it's necessarily the problem you think it is. I'd go right through the applications process & let them offer a TC. Our trainees were DBS checked before they qualified but not sure if they had to do DBS check before starting TC.

Firstly the big thing is getting qualified. Secondly there are lots of partners in law firms with drink drive convictions. Third by the time of the DBS check on qualification won't it be spent? Not honestly sure if an enhanced check or standard but would guess not enhanced.

If you disclose at the start before they like you/get to know you you've no chance in my view.

Also read up/find out but I wouldn't tell the SRA unless you have to - they are not nice people to deal with.

Spirallingdownwards · 11/08/2023 19:06

Hawkins009 · 10/08/2023 22:24

Slightly off topic, but in the show the good wife, the political side of the law can be shall we said, dirty at times, how would you characterise some of the office politics of law in eg different groups, organisations etc, does it have to be dirty to achieve results or can it be a mix of flavours ?

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That was a work of fiction .....