2:2 in Contract module

A First is 70% or higher, so you're sitting on a high 2:1. That's perfectly fine. You would need someone who is more familiar with the inner workings of vacation schemes to confirm (I'm a barrister so have very limited practical knowledge of them), but I can't imagine that a low mark in Contract Law in your first year would scupper your chances of obtaining relevant experience. It's also worth noting that life as a solicitor does not begin or end with Magic Circle firms, and in fact for many they are a positively bad choice given the working environment and expectations. Even if you're fully informed and believe that the Magic Circle is right for you and cannot obtain the precise experience that you want, you still have plenty of time to get some experience now, bring your mark up to over 70%, and gain better experience in future.
Law degrees are difficult, and the transition between A-Levels and degree level study is one that takes time, even for the most able students. It's a transition that took me a good couple of years in practice. Your first year marks so far are very good. Whilst there is room for improvement, you should absolutely be proud of those and not feel that you've failed or in some way not met expectations. You've made an excellent start. Keep it going.

Thank you this really helpful, I realise that theres more to life than ending up in a magic circle firm I’m just really set (like most law students) to end up with the best. I’m just really paranoid that firms will look at my 2:2 in contract and reject me regardless of the other modules simply because corporate law = contracts. I still have to take my second semester exams so im determined to get at least a 2:1 in all of them and even maybe get those 2 extra percent to get an average of 70%. thanks again for ur reply

I completely agree with everything you said and I do realise that Magic circle firms may not be the best for me, but I know that I wanna give it my best shot regardless. Becoming the best to me means achieving and realising my full potential. While I may be completely delusional into thinking I have a chance of even being considered for a MC training contract, considering my 2:2 in contract. I like to tell myself that if I work hard I can have a solid shot at applying.I’m very open minded and will most definitely not miss opportunities to explore my options in other sectors of law and beyond. Surely the only way to find out that it’s not for me is to experience it to begin with no? thanks again for your reply

I don't think it's the only way, but then again that's a perfectly valid position to adopt. A large part of the university process, and then your professional career, is informing yourself through the experiences that you gain. And I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't aim for training contract at a top tier firm. That's a perfectly good ambition. I'm just suggesting that you keep an open mind regarding your career path. Even if you do secure a training contract at a Magic Circle firm, the environment may not suit you. And that's fine. It won't because you're not cut out for it, and you shouldn't feel like you've failed in some way if that happens. It's just the nature of working life. Hence my pushback on it being the 'best'. But there's nothing wrong with you aiming for that and just taking it one step at a time, and if you do I wish you all the best with that.

Hey guys i just got my results for my first semester and idk how to feel. I passed everything thankfully and got the following:
Criminal - 86% - 1st (i think)
Common law- 68% - 2:1 ( i think)
Contract - 50% - 2:2 ( i think)
I have an average of about 68% (2:1) ish which is pretty decent but still.
I'm really worried that the C+ in contract will hold me back when applying for vacation scheme and training contract. Im on a 4 year course meaning that first/second year aren't going toward honours qualification but I'm just really worried considering Magic circle firms are so competitive. I have time to catch up I still have to take semester 2 exams, I was just wondering if that C+ ruined my chances... Also can someone explain what percentage is 2:1 or 1st? Would I have the equivalent of a 2:1?

I had similar marks in my first year and had a 2.2 in contract. I still managed to get assessment centres with Freshfields, Hogan Lovells and Norton Rose Fullbright although I failed to secure a vac scheme so I was 0-3. The 2.2 shouldn't hold you back as long as your average is 65% or higher.