‘Can I secure a training contract with a 2:2 from Cambridge and mitigating circumstances?’

be realistic.

Back in the day when you didn’t have HR lefties running grad rec and the partners knew that a 2:2 was worth more than a First from a non-Russell group you would have had a chance. If you have any DEI characteristics definitely play them up and concoct the biggest sob story you can. Even say you’re bisexual if you’re straight – no-one can say you’re not.

This depends on the law firm specifically. For example, Slaughters are unlikely to take anyone with a 2:2, but other firms might take a different approach. I would say that your other grades might make a difference (pre-degree) and the specifics of the mitigating circumstances. It’s definitely not the end of the road, but be intentional with where you apply so you are not wasting time and energy into firms who won’t look at your application. I would contact graduate recruitment before applying with your specific circumstances so that you can gauge the likelihood of them taking your application seriously.

You’re not screwed.

Some firms will be better than others. I would expect – but don’t actually know – that magic circle firms will generally mind a bit more as they place more emphasis on academics full stop.

However, many silver circle firms will be much less fussed and will progress your application, at which point grades don’t really matter anyway.

A few things I would say:

1) The rest of your CV will need to be decent. This sort of goes without saying, but will be especially important here.

2) It’s helpful if you can point to contrast between your normal performance and health-impacted performance. Draw attention to a good before-during-after type narrative if you have one (which I assume you must).

3) Bill having pushed through and still achieved what you have as a serious challenge that you’re proud to have been able to overcome.

4) Hammer home in the application that the health issue chapter is closed (this is fact specific and may or may not be self-evident). You shouldn’t need to do this really, but what firms actually care about is that you will be able to perform.

5) If you’re worried or if you’re laser focused on going to a top top firm, consider a masters (if circumstances allow) and devote yourself to absolutely smashing it. That would then leave you in a position where you don’t need to convince people (no matter how subtlety the question is posed) that you’re a good egg who fell on hard times through no fault of your own. Having got into Cambridge doesn’t hurt there either, tbh.

Good luck. Speaking with experience, you’ll be fine.