Realistic Chances of Training Contract?

Hi, I am in my second year of a law degree at a top RG university.

My first year grades were pretty poor; one first 1-2 2:1s and the rest 2:2s and this ended up with an average of 59.5% for my first year (2:2).

I am now going to be applying for TCs in the summer and I think I will get a 2:1 this semester. If I can somehow secure a 2:1 this year and get a first overall in my entire degree how good of a chance do I have at securing a good TC? My year 2 is 25% and year 3 is 75%.

What firms can I realistically apply to this summer? How much do first year grades matter if I can show that I have gotten the higher grades when it matters?

The firms I aspire to work for are Baker and Mckenzie, Skadden, White & Case, Clifford Chance etc but tbh I do not think these are realistic anymore due to my first year grades?

What firms are more realistic?

I think you'll be ok. It's a hurdle - for some firms more than others, but I wouldn’t discount yourself yet. Just be prepared to explain at interview.

It really depends on your strength in other areas. If you have a standout application elsewhere this all becomes less of an issue. If the rest of your form is fairly standard, then this is more of an issue.

I don’t think there is any harm in applying to most of not all of these firms in the summer if you get a strong and consistent 2.1 in your second year modules. Don’t be too disheartened if it isn’t a successful season, you can always apply in your final year or after graduating.

Yeah, unfortunately I got sucked into the "first year does not count" and relaxed and eased up far too much! Im hoping I can get mostly 2:1s and firsts this year. Will it help if I get a 1st overall in my degree? Shows improvement etc?

If you get a first you'll be among the top line of candidates grades-wise. Most students have a 2:1. Grades are just one part of the picture though, so as long as they're not a bottleneck it doesn't matter too much.

Do you have any advice on how to make my application stand out?

A good applicant typically has the vast majority of the following:

Some work experience - if it isn’t an office environment job, then part-time work or volunteering will help. Basically you need to show you have worked outside of academia in some capacity and that you haven’t just sat back and only done the things you like doing.

Extra curriculars - what this really means is showing evidence of committing to something, potentially working in team or with others, being determined to have some form of success/achievement from them, and that you keep yourself busy.

Signs of doing well academically - dodgy grades can be looked past if you have subsequently gone on to do well, and especially if there is other evidence of strong academics (A-levels etc).

Evidence of pursuing the career - whether it’s attending events, work experience, open days - basically any activity that shows you have decided to pursue the career or at least find out more about it.

The non negotiables are though:

A well written application
Clear motivation for the firm and the career
Some level of genuine interest in the matters that the firm works on