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Firms that are harsher with grade requirements - list

student110

Standard Member
Jul 11, 2024
8
13
I think it would be helpful if we compile a list of firms that are more stringent with grade requirements. In my case, I have quite an inconsistent grade profile, so am uncertain as to which firms I should realistically apply to! I'll start the list, and would really appreciate if anyone can assist :)

HSF Kramer - 2:1 in every module (generally).
Slaughters - high 2:1 average; unsure what they think about blips, but unlikely sympathetic!
Davis Polk - high 2:1, but strong pref for 1st
 

mg42guy32

Star Member
Aug 24, 2024
25
25
I think it would be helpful if we compile a list of firms that are more stringent with grade requirements. In my case, I have quite an inconsistent grade profile, so am uncertain as to which firms I should realistically apply to! I'll start the list, and would really appreciate if anyone can assist :)

HSF Kramer - 2:1 in every module (generally).
Slaughters - high 2:1 average; unsure what they think about blips, but unlikely sympathetic!
Davis Polk - high 2:1, but strong pref for 1st
Cleary Gottlieb requires a 68%+ and a minimum of 65% in each module according to their early recruitment team.
Ashurst require a strong 2:1
NRF 67% minimum
LInklaters generally require 60% minimum in all modules
 
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vacschemes

New Member
Oct 4, 2025
3
0
I think it would be helpful if we compile a list of firms that are more stringent with grade requirements. In my case, I have quite an inconsistent grade profile, so am uncertain as to which firms I should realistically apply to! I'll start the list, and would really appreciate if anyone can assist :)

HSF Kramer - 2:1 in every module (generally).
Slaughters - high 2:1 average; unsure what they think about blips, but unlikely sympathetic!
Davis Polk - high 2:1, but strong pref for 1st

White & Case (look for a 2:1 on average across university modules)
A&O Shearman (went to their open day grad rec said they look for a 2:1 in every module)
Hogan Lovells (look for a 2:1 across all modules)

Slightly different from the above but still quite strict:
Macfarlanes (grad rec said they look for an overall degree classification of 2:1. you do not have to have achieved this in every module, but the majority must be 2:1)
Clifford Chance (require a 2:1 minimum at university, a strong academic background and would be looking at consistent results across all modules)
 

Tyler2203

Standard Member
Aug 13, 2025
5
1
White & Case (look for a 2:1 on average across university modules)
A&O Shearman (went to their open day grad rec said they look for a 2:1 in every module)
Hogan Lovells (look for a 2:1 across all modules)

Slightly different from the above but still quite strict:
Macfarlanes (grad rec said they look for an overall degree classification of 2:1. you do not have to have achieved this in every module, but the majority must be 2:1)
Clifford Chance (require a 2:1 minimum at university, a strong academic background and would be looking at consistent results across all modules)
Good afternoon,

Where did you receive the information about HL from? I made it through the initial assessment and am about to do the virtual interview, but I had a pretty disastrous first year, with a first overall (non-law). Just wondering if I still have a chance of getting to AC now.

Thanks
 

Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
186
151
Good afternoon,

Where did you receive the information about HL from? I made it through the initial assessment and am about to do the virtual interview, but I had a pretty disastrous first year, with a first overall (non-law). Just wondering if I still have a chance of getting to AC now.

Thanks
Hello!

Just to add my thoughts, if you’ve made it through to the next stages after the initial application, it’s unlikely that your grades will now stop you from progressing.

Whilst this differs from firm to firm, most firms will base progression on the current stage of the process. Therefore, your chance of getting to AC is likely to be based on your assessment and virtual interview :)
 

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