Graduated with 1 PQE presently. Not in top 20% of the batch. Probably in top 30% or so. In disputes, and have an inclination so would like to emphasize on that in case there's no specific programme on arbitration or something that is being offered. I have 1 publication with a reputed journal, 1 so-so and 2 with think tanks who do socio-economic work. Also have won one national moot. Can get one reco from a top law officer definitely, can try for an MP if not a cabinet min. But the second reco from any of these is touch and go, you know how these guys are.
That's the summary.
Thanks a lot :)

oxbridge maily look for academic merit, ideally they are looking for someone who is in the top 5% of their batch (this is usually shown by academic transcripts and in the reco letters, which should be strong), some co-extra curricular activities to complement (not supplement) (this can be articles, moots, sports, other special achievements etc.), and a decent sop (tell clearly why you want to do LLM and how this is going to help you in your future career progression and how you can contribute to the institution).

The way admission tutors work is that they would first sort the applications in three piles one with top 5%, one with above 60% marks and the other with top reco (by powerful people). So, they will reject the applications which are below 60% and does not have proper reco (from powerful people), then they will look at applications outside top 5% but above 60% marks but not great reco, this is where co-extra activities come into play. Finally they will look at top 5% and read the sop.

So, if you are in the top 5% then try to weave in a good sop, try to have at least some blog or something, there are lots of avenues (say that you worked on reaching masses and educating them about law etc. partner with a NGO or at least something similar on paper). If you are not in the top 5% but your marks is more than 60% then you would need a good co-extra. If you have nothing then get reco from someone who the admission people would recognise [cabinet, SC, Int org directors, someone who has donated 1mil, nobel winner etc.]

tell me something more about you and I can give more useful tips