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Is Law School Hard In The UK?

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Published by:

David Johnson

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Reviewed by:

Alistair Vigier

Last Modified: 2023-09-07

Are you worrying that it’s hard to get into Law school in the UK? London and Birmingham is not the only international financial hub; it’s also great place to study law.

London has some of the finest law schools in the country, and they’re all within easy reach of central London.

But what if you already live in London? Is it possible to get a degree without travelling far from home? The answer is yes! All you need is your bicycle or at least one friend, and you can have first-rate legal education on your doorstep. Here’s how to do it.

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Understanding the Rigours of UK Law Schools

Get used to writing a good lawyer resume. You’ll find information about fees, entry requirements, facilities, and scholarships on most university websites. Don’t hesitate to call them if you need more information and don’t be afraid to ask when you visit their open days.

Whichever school you choose, it’s essential that you spend time researching its rankings in reputable legal publications like The Times Good University Guide. This will help you assess whether your school of choice is world-class or not so good. Bear in mind that you will hardly find a university with strong law courses if it doesn’t appear regularly at the top of such guides.

Key considerations when choosing a law school

Is the course accredited by the Law Society? If not, then you might as well not bother enrolling for anything other than an exciting subject to broaden your education!

Of course, this does depend upon where your ultimate career goal lies; commercial law firms might place more store in post-graduate qualifications, for example.

Does the University teach in a traditional or a modern way? Which style do you prefer? Some law schools are steeped in tradition and insist on a formal approach to learning that’s heavily structured.

Others allow students more freedom to develop research skills by publishing articles and preparing presentations. Both approaches have their merits, so don’t just stick with one institution!

Comparing UK Law Curriculum to Other Regions

What links does the school have with local firms? This is important if you want an early taste of legal practice, which means shadowing barristers’ clerks (lawyers who run London’s big chambers), reading case files, searching databases, and practicing forensic questioning – all invaluable before stepping into work life.

Does the university offer opportunities for self-development? You might want to become a qualified paralegal or build up an extensive network of contacts by serving as a student representative on various committees.

You might find that studying alone suits your independent personality, and free time is best spent playing rugby, enjoying live music at The 100 Club, or catching up with friends at one of London’s many gastro pubs.

Is it hard to get into Law school in the UK?

Getting into law school is competitive, but good grades are only part of the story.

You’ll need to demonstrate that you’re capable of defusing a difficult situation with humour, negotiating complex problems, and adapting quickly to changing circumstances. If you can do all this, then your life as a lawyer will be extremely fulfilling!

It’s important not to get too hung up on rankings – there are lots of excellent law schools in London, and they’re all very different. Do take note, though, that more people tend to apply than can be accepted, so it pays to have alternative strategies in place.

For instance, some employers operate their own training schemes, so this might give you an edge over graduates who don’t already know their firm well enough to show them why they should offer them a place for next year.

What is the Typical Law Student like in London?

Law students are well-rounded and ambitious people who wish to use their education to help shape communities they see as having a moral purpose.

They have a wide range of interests, from high-brow pursuits such as opera and art galleries to more ‘down-to-earth activities such as playing cricket or going hill walking on Hampstead Heath with Durham University alumni.

They tend to be fiercely competitive but fair-minded, hard-working, and driven by strong motivations that stretch beyond material success.

Most importantly, law graduates love what they do – not many other professions offer so much variety on a day-to-day basis. You’ll find yourself travelling to court hearings in Wales, attending lectures at the London School of Economics, and working late into the night drafting contracts for new clients!

How Good are Law Graduates when they Leave University?

Law graduates are among the best trained in any field of work as their degree equips them with valuable transferable skills that can be taken into practically any employment sector.

Unlike other types of workers who specialize from a young age, a lawyer must be well informed about all aspects of commercial life – whether it’s mergers and acquisitions or intellectual property rights; writing about environmental degradation or how to start up your own business.

As such, they have an unbeatable grounding in core management principles which means that top companies aren’t just interested in hiring them for their legal expertise. You’ll find law graduates working in almost every sector: from international aid organizations to international banks, in the charity sector, and with leading accountancy firms – even in the armed forces!

Time Commitment: Balancing Studies and Personal Life

In fact, many lawyers see great value in their profession’s cerebral nature because it heightens their appreciation of cultural activities the next time they’re sipping cocktails at Piano Works or buying tickets for a West End show.

Law school in the UK doesn’t require the LSAT, but that doesn’t mean that the students aren’t as good as those from the United States.

What Else should I know Before Studying Law?

Remember that legal education is a shared experience – you’re in good company! Although there are indeed thousands of students studying law right now, each of them has something unique to offer. There are all kinds of fantastic opportunities to get involved, and this blog lists just five of them:

  • Volunteering for your local community
  • Working on the student newspaper The Courier
  • Playing sports for the University’s teams
  • Socializing at live music venues
  • Joining one of the many societies or partaking in some free learning such as English language classes.

If you want to learn more about Law school in the UK, see our school series.

Author: Emily Harrinson is one of the most influential editors at a big publishing company known for producing UK Best Essays.

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