What About Law? Studying Law At University

A career in law has always been an alluring prospect for many ambitious individuals. The legal field offers an array of opportunities, from working in prestigious law firms to serving as a vital player in the justice system. If you have ever been captivated by courtroom dramas or have a strong desire to make a positive impact on society, studying law at university could be your path to a rewarding and fulfilling future.

Why Choose Law?

Law is a diverse discipline that touches upon various aspects of society - politics, economics, ethics, and more. By studying law, you gain a comprehensive understanding of how laws are made, implemented, and influence everyday life. This knowledge not only equips you to navigate the complex legal landscape but also develops your critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

What About Law?: Studying Law at University

by Graham Virgo (2nd Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3193 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	312 pages

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Moreover, a law degree offers versatility in terms of career choices. You can specialize in various areas like criminal law, corporate law, environmental law, or intellectual property law. Whether you aspire to become a solicitor, barrister, judge, legal consultant, or even pursue a non-legal career using your transferable skills, a law degree can open doors to a wide range of opportunities.

The Journey of Studying Law at University

Obtaining a law degree is not an easy feat; it requires dedication, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. Studying law at university demands commitment to keeping up with coursework, engaging in critical analysis, and developing legal research skills. Here's a breakdown of what to expect during your law school journey:

1. The Basics

In the initial years of your law degree, you will be introduced to the foundational principles of law. Courses such as Legal Systems, Constitutional Law, and Criminal Law serve as the building blocks for your legal education. The emphasis is on understanding the legal framework, precedents, and court processes.

2. Developing Legal Skills

As you progress in your studies, you will engage in mooting exercises, mock trials, and legal clinics. These practical experiences offer a glimpse into the real-world application of legal theories. You will learn how to construct persuasive arguments, develop strong research skills, and enhance your presentation skills.

3. Specialization and Electives

In the later years of your law degree, you will have the opportunity to choose elective courses and specialize in specific areas of law. This allows you to tailor your studies to align with your interests and career goals. Whether you are intrigued by international law, human rights, or intellectual property, you can delve deeper into your preferred field.

4. Work Experience

Gaining practical work experience is crucial in the legal field. Many universities have partnerships with law firms, courts, and other legal institutions to provide internships or clerkships for their law students. Work experience enables you to apply your theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, build professional networks, and gain valuable insights into the legal profession.

Tackling the Challenges

Studying law at university can be demanding and challenging. The workload is often heavy and requires rigorous study habits. However, with proper time management and a proactive approach, you can overcome these challenges. Here are some tips to excel in your law studies:

1. Organize Your Schedule

Law school can be overwhelming with multiple assignments, readings, and exams. Creating a study schedule helps you allocate time efficiently for each task, ensuring you cover all necessary materials while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

2. Develop Strong Research Skills

Research is a fundamental aspect of legal studies. Familiarize yourself with legal databases, journals, and online resources to enhance your research abilities. Being able to find relevant legal precedents and cases is crucial for constructing persuasive arguments.

3. Engage in Discussions

Law school often promotes a participatory learning environment. Active engagement in class discussions, debates, and group projects not only helps you deepen your understanding of legal concepts but also enhances your communication and teamwork skills.

4. Seek Guidance

If you encounter difficulties or have questions, don't hesitate to seek guidance from your professors, classmates, or university support services. Law school can be challenging, and having a supportive network can make a significant difference in your academic journey.

The Future Awaits

Completing a law degree opens up a world of opportunities. As a law graduate, you can enter the legal profession, secure a position in a law firm, work in a government agency, become an advocate for social justice, or even pursue a career in academia.

The legal field offers a chance to make a positive impact on society by working towards justice, fairness, and equality. Whether it's fighting for the rights of the marginalized or shaping policies that promote societal well-being, the study of law equips you with the tools necessary to effect change.

So, if you're passionate about law and have the drive to succeed, studying law at university may be the right path for you. Embark on this challenging, yet immensely rewarding journey, and pave the way for a fulfilling career in the legal field.

What About Law?: Studying Law at University

by Graham Virgo (2nd Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3193 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	312 pages

FREE

Most young people considering studying law, or pursuing a legal career, have very little idea of what learning law involves and how universities teach law to their students. The new edition of this book, which proved very popular when first published in 2007, provides a 'taster' for the study of law; a short, accessible presentation of law as an academic subject, designed to help 17- and 18-year old students and others decide whether law is the right choice for them as a university subject, or, if they have already made the choice, what to expect when they start their law degree. It helps answer the question 'what should I study at university?' and counters the perception that law is a dry, dull subject.
What About Law? shows how the study of law can be fun, intellectually stimulating, challenging and of direct relevance to students. Using a case study approach, the book introduces prospective law students to the legal system, as well as to legal reasoning, critical thinking and argument.
This is a book that should be in the library of every school with a sixth form, every college and every university, and it is one that any student about to embark on the study of law should read before they commence their legal studies.
All of the authors have long experience in teaching law at Cambridge and elsewhere and all have also been involved, at various times, in advising prospective law students at open days and admissions conferences.

Listed as one of the 'Six of the best law books' that a future law student should read by the Guardian Law Online, 8th August 2012.