What is the relevance of a law degree and what characteristics should a law student possess? Samantha Yong speaks to Ann Ridley, Dean of the Business School at the University of Portsmouth, to find out.

 

The study of law trains students to think in a particular way and also gives a very broad view of the social issues in the world we live in today. Law is therefore a very valuable subject to study as it enables graduates to work in ‘a variety of vocations and not just as lawyers’, says Ann. 

 

‘If students choose to become lawyers, it can be a really rewarding career with good pay and the assurance that you have contributed in a positive way to justice.’ Alternatively, because of the relevance of law in a plethora of fields, students studying law ‘can choose a career in business, academia or other related area.’.

 

The study of law is both academic and practical. This combination helps students develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication skills and the ability to construct arguments on top of theoretical knowledge. 

 

The approach adopted in a law programme varies from one law school to another. Generally, law students in the UK have to study 6 core subjects to graduate. These are:

On top of these subjects, students also have the opportunity to study other specialisations, such as family law, company law, media law, employment law and intellectual property law.

 

Theoretical studies aside, the programme also involves the development of research and negotiation skills as well as advocacy skills through moots and mock trials. ‘Research is very important, not only for students but also for practising lawyers as the law is changing all the time and one must be up to date,’ Ann says.

 

According to Ann, the image of a law student hunched behind huge stacks of dusty old volumes is a misguided one. However, she stresses the importance of reading. Reading materials should not only include textbooks and lecture notes but also journals, decided cases and statutes.

 

Students should also be prepared to be involved in activities requiring them to work in a group. Working in groups helps develop interpersonal skills as it is important that a lawyer is able to communicate effectively to people. ‘There is a misconception that lawyers often work alone. This may be true in some cases, but much of the time, lawyers such as corporate lawyers, advocates and solicitors work with other people,’ Ann elaborates.

 

In the UK, some law programmes also enable  students to gain practical experience through clinical legal education. This is where students work on real cases under the supervision of staff who are usually practising lawyers. Another example of experiential learning is a street law programme which requires students to give presentations on particular aspects of law, to schools or community groups.. ‘When considering a law school, this is an important aspect to look for as any kind of experience would look good on a CV when looking for employment after graduation,’ Ann advises.

 

The characteristics of a good law student should include the following:

‘Examinations are important as students have to know the law in order to apply it,’ Ann stresses. ‘Students need a certain amount of retention to be able to identify the important facts and relevant law, weigh it, apply it and make a judgement. This is important as there often isn’t a right or wrong answer.’ 

Other than exams, students are also assessed through coursework, presentations, moots as well as experiential learning such as the street law programme.

 

Students wishing to read law should choose their institution wisely, taking everything into consideration. While studying, they should get as much work experience (egs an internship, the street law programme) as they can get. 

 

Law isn’t just about learning. It is also about meeting new people and helping to maintain justice. Studying law leads to a great and rewarding career.