A levels grades need for law

As SB's mentioned, some firms do, some firms don't - a useful table of publicly available firm application criteria is here:

https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/law-firms/getting-a-training-contract/application-and-selection-criteria

Quick side point - the terms "MC/SC" are pretty much meaningless - they're marketing terms invented by the Lawyer magazine and for the most part only used now by legal recruiters. A trainee's life at any large-ish London corporate/commercial law firm is going to be far more affected by the individual associates you're supporting and whilst the highest paying firms tend to demand the longest hours, the work itself will be broadly similar at the end of the day.

Back to the list. As you'll see, it's a fairly even mix although none of the 3 MC firms listed specify any strict a-level grades, so strictly speaking, No, ABC A level grades are not a hard block on obtaining a TC at a large London law firm.

That said... look at the applicants to TC place ratios. These roles are competitive, very competitive. Only the very strongest candidates can be choosy about where they obtain a TC and your A-level grades will place you towards the lower end of applicants in terms of academics. This means you need to ensure the rest of your application is as strong as possible and you cannot be picky about the firms that you apply too. Get the best degree grade you can, a 1st or a very strong 2.1. Gain as much work experience as possible whether through formal vac schemes or anything else with a legal slant and when it comes to TC applications apply, apply apply, no pickiness about limiting yourself to a marketing list of 10 law firms created by a magazine 20 years ago.

There are a few commercial solicitors here who can advise you. Some of the big law firms look at A levels and some don't. There are many firms to apply to, in London and elsewhere in the UK, and you need not focus only on four or five big names.

A First from an RG university along with work experience etc should assist you. Some firms assess applications without disclosure of the university attended, to avoid bias, but those who have done well at universities with high entrance standards are often competitive candidates whether or not the university is disclosed before the recruitment decision is made.

Thank you so much for the advice. I do have extenuating circumstances for why I achieved the a level grades that I did (not sure if that would be of any benefit). I am planning to take the TFI exam (french proficiency exam) within the next two years in hopes that it’ll overshadow my C in a level French. Do you think this could possibly improve my chances of securing a training contract - of course along with several work experiences, ideally a 1st in my degree… I guess my fear is possibly not securing a training contract or securing one at a law firm which will only pay me the bare minimum.

Thank you so much for the advice.