I’m not sure whether this will be applicable to VS or DTC applications necessarily, simply because of how competitive they are, but there are a few firms which seem more willing to consider applicants who marginally miss their A-level criteria. I also achieved ABB in my A-levels and graduated with a very high 2:1 in law from a RG uni. This cycle, I secured competitive open days with Weil, Hogan Lovells and Goodwin (all ask for AAB). I secured selective open days with Skadden, Willkie, Reed Smith and Cooley with these grades too. Whilst not selective open days, I went to Akin, Dechert, Mayer Brown, Jones Day and Travers Smith, who seemed flexible with their approach to A-levels.
I believe Akin Gump, Skadden, Willkie, Milbank, Davis Polk and Ropes & Gray have removed their A-level requirements entirely. Outside of US law firms, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, HSF Kramer, Macfarlanes and BCLP do not have minimum A-levels requirements either. I think in any case, A- level requirements are more of a guide for firms, as opposed to being a strict cut off. For example some firms use rare recruitment so consider the contextual information behind grades. So even if you don’t meet the requirements, you can still be considered for VS and/or DTC. I know people who got TCs with White & Case with ABB-BBB. I think firms look at everything holistically.
I believe Akin Gump, Skadden, Willkie, Milbank, Davis Polk and Ropes & Gray have removed their A-level requirements entirely. Outside of US law firms, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, HSF Kramer, Macfarlanes and BCLP do not have minimum A-levels requirements either. I think in any case, A- level requirements are more of a guide for firms, as opposed to being a strict cut off. For example some firms use rare recruitment so consider the contextual information behind grades. So even if you don’t meet the requirements, you can still be considered for VS and/or DTC. I know people who got TCs with White & Case with ABB-BBB. I think firms look at everything holistically.
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