It is hard to make up for a 2.2 - but by realising early on that this isn’t good enough, at least you have the time to understand where your weaknesses lie and improve on them. You don’t say why you got these grades - obviously you have an issue with contract law as that is the lowest grade. Why is that? Maybe you need a new method of revision, or to start revising earlier, or maybe exams are easier for you than coursework - recognise your weaknesses and work on them. Perhaps speak to the module leader or one of your tutors about it, with the exam paper / coursework there if possible.
In terms of has it affected your chances of getting a TC or vac scheme… well it’s only your first year so you won’t be applying for TCs yet - you need to aim for at least 2.1 marks in everything before the application stage. An overall 2.2 won’t make getting a TC impossible but it will certainly make it a lot harder and put your CV in the bin (or shredder) immediately at many firms.
It doesn’t look great for a vac scheme, especially due to your lack of work experience so far. As I said above, in your application for a vac scheme:
‘However, if your second year results are of a better standard, this will obviously help your application - firstly because of the results themselves and secondly because you can explain that you have learnt from your mistakes in first year, done some reflection and managed to improve your grades. This kind of information could go in a box called Additional information or something similar.’
Vac schemes aren’t the only form of work exp - try usinng any contacts you have for some informal experience, usually at smaller firms. You may be able to get a role at a local CAB, which looks great on a CV. It’s important to look outside the formal vac schemes.
Don’t give up just yet - but try to use this summer break to get some kind of relevant legal experience (I know this is easier said than done!),and to reflect on your first year and what you could have done better, without forgetting what you have done well. Good luck!
