Law school : UK or US?

Actually, I, like Dreama have a real passion for the law. I realise that I am an exception insofar as becoming an academic is rather appealing, but youir point is moot. You cannot choose to undertake one of the most rigourous and challenging undergraduate degrees unless you are motivated by somethingelse other than money.

Actually, I, like Dreama

Totally agreed, Paul. People simply won't go into a three year full time degree course without careful consideration of what law entails - I am fully aware of the course structure and academic commitment required in order to succeed. I have an interest in how society functions, and the basis behind it - and I personally have a real interest in how it affects individual cases and impacts on society as a whole. Just look at the trade situation with regards to the WTO and World Bank - and several of their rulings (e.g. Chiquita). There is a fascinating impact as the consequences spread out throughout the world.

I personally believe law is one of the most fulfilling and interesting degrees available.

It seems, and please, do correct me if I am wrong on this, that all the members who, like you, appear to be infatuated with the law to such an extent as to consider my point "moot" have yet to commence a law degree and have yet to be surrounded by people who are not that keen on the finer points of the law and whose interest concentrates, for the most part, in which law firm is holding drinks reception where and when. Although, I sincerely hope that your fervent interest in the subject will ripen with time, it is possible that your position may change after a year or two.

I like Dreama, like Dreama likes dreams.

Still, the fact that remains that those who have no motivation for law as a academic disclipine are unlikely to achieve highly on their degree ... perhaps denying them access to the best jobs, which pay the most ...

Still, the fact that remains that those who have no motivation for law as a academic disclipine are unlikely to achieve highly on their degree ... perhaps denying them access to the best jobs, which pay the most ...

1. The notion that working in the US AUTOMATICALLY leads to a higher salary is mistaken:

a) Its not that east to get into BIGLAW from a 2nd or 3rd tier US law school. In fact its VERY hard - so the 125k + bonus isnt exactly guaranteed

b) THere are US firms in the UK who pay the same level of salary

c) In the US You come out of university with far more debt, the payments on which will eat into that big salary...

Bang on, especially the last point. I got into Harvard and Columbia when I applied a couple of years ago. I didn't get any financial aid so turned them down and went to law school in the UK following graduation. I would be ~$120k out of pocket after 3 years at those schools instead of CPE + LPC fees paid + £5k maintenance p/a for 2 years at my US firm which pays a monster salary anyway. Yes, I know $100k in NY is like £100k in London but the idea of having debt the size of a mortgage was scary.

I don't regret my decision and I don't know many people who would sneer at MC rates anyway (although I agree they're a tad on the low side compared to US firms but we all know that's because MC partners are w*****s and US firms have higher profits).

It seems, and please, do correct me if I am wrong on this, that all the members who, like you, appear to be infatuated with the law to such an extent as to consider my point "moot" have yet to commence a law degree and have yet to be surrounded by people who are not that keen on the finer points of the law and whose interest concentrates, for the most part, in which law firm is holding drinks reception where and when. Although, I sincerely hope that your fervent interest in the subject will ripen with time, it is possible that your position may change after a year or two.

In any case, a law degree is, like any other, as challenging as you want it to be. Some people study for modest amounts of time and yet manage to get good (in some cases, brilliant) grades, whilst others find it necessary, in order to feed their spirit, to study 5 times harder, sometimes to better results, sometimes not.