Hi – that's a really good question. My overall answer is that it depends entirely on the firm, but it sounds like you have strong academics and are likely to do well!
Some firms are more interested in your composite score across your degree and are willing to grant you a little more leeway if you attended a top university, provided that you did not fail any modules. However, some firms assess candidates purely on grades (like Linklaters) and might automatically screen you out at the application stage. If you have made it to the VI stage/non-automated assessment stage with a firm that seems to have high grade requirements, I wouldn't worry – they've likely seen your grades and are happy with them!
I would emphasise that it is always important to alert firms to mitigating circumstances, as they are often willing to review applications on a case-by-case basis. I know of a trainee who failed one of his final-year exams while completing his vacation scheme but was still ultimately offered a training contract by a firm that has a strict 2:1 policy! Good grades matter, but a single 2:2 doesn't automatically remove you from the candidate pool at firms with a 2:1 minimum. I highly recommend attending networking events and speaking to graduate recruitment face-to-face to better understand their requirements, as firm websites sometimes list outdated grade requirements or don't explain how they evaluate mitigating circumstances.
Best of luck, and congratulations on the Ropes & Gray AC!
