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Recommended Law books for university

I'm currently in year 12 and hope to study law at university at any russel group uni. Can anyone suggest any 'starter' law books I can read that would give me a headstart and look impressive on a personal statement?
Thank you in advance


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Reply 1
Hey allstar.

I graduated a little while ago from Cambridge and here are a couple of books that were on the introductory reading list back in the day!

Understanding Criminal Law by Clarkson
-a little out of date but is a decent and brief introduction to the theory of criminal law (e.g. what is the purpose of criminal law)

An Introduction to Constitutional Law by Barendt
-a good introduction to the framework in which laws are made. The book goes through what a constitution is and why it matters, before considering the approaches that different countries take.

The Concept of Law by Hart
-pretty heavy stuff. This book is an introduction to jurisprudence or the philosophy of law

Any of the above books is a good start, the third book by Hart is more impressive if mentioned on a personal statement. More importantly, you will need to be prepared to discuss any book mentioned in your personal statement in an interview (if relevant).

Hope that helps!
Reply 2
Original post by jeremyg~
Hey allstar.

I graduated a little while ago from Cambridge and here are a couple of books that were on the introductory reading list back in the day!


may i ask? which law firm are you now working for or what are you doing now after graduation ?
Wow seriously! I just came to this subforum to ask exactly the same thing!

What kind of books are the above referring to? I'd prefer a single read book about Law, interesting but not tedious (like textbooks etc)
Reply 5
Original post by jeremyg~
Hey allstar.

I graduated a little while ago from Cambridge and here are a couple of books that were on the introductory reading list back in the day!

Understanding Criminal Law by Clarkson
-a little out of date but is a decent and brief introduction to the theory of criminal law (e.g. what is the purpose of criminal law)

An Introduction to Constitutional Law by Barendt
-a good introduction to the framework in which laws are made. The book goes through what a constitution is and why it matters, before considering the approaches that different countries take.

The Concept of Law by Hart
-pretty heavy stuff. This book is an introduction to jurisprudence or the philosophy of law

Any of the above books is a good start, the third book by Hart is more impressive if mentioned on a personal statement. More importantly, you will need to be prepared to discuss any book mentioned in your personal statement in an interview (if relevant).

Hope that helps!


Thank you! :smile:


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Reply 6


Thank you , this looks great


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Reply 7
Original post by tdkr
may i ask? which law firm are you now working for or what are you doing now after graduation ?


I'm working in the city for one of the big 4 professional services firms in advisory/assurance. I wanted to move into something a bit more entrepreneurial.

And yeah, Letters to a Law Student is good. McBride is seriously smart and his book is an original take on how to approach Law at university.
Reply 8
Original post by jeremyg~
I'm working in the city for one of the big 4 professional services firms in advisory/assurance. I wanted to move into something a bit more entrepreneurial.

And yeah, Letters to a Law Student is good. McBride is seriously smart and his book is an original take on how to approach Law at university.


not Magic Circle/Silver Circle ?
Reply 9
Not a law firm at all!

I liked studying law but didn't particularly want to practice it if you can believe that.
Reply 10
Original post by jeremyg~
Not a law firm at all!

I liked studying law but didn't particularly want to practice it if you can believe that.


yes i understand.
Reply 11
Original post by allstar
I'm currently in year 12 and hope to study law at university at any russel group uni. Can anyone suggest any 'starter' law books I can read that would give me a headstart and look impressive on a personal statement?
Thank you in advance


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There's quite a good selection at the bottom of this page.

Also, apparently 'The Rule of Law' by Lord Bingham (might be credited a just Tom Bingham) is brilliant and reasonably accessible.
Reply 12
Original post by roh
There's quite a good selection at the bottom of this page.

Also, apparently 'The Rule of Law' by Lord Bingham (might be credited a just Tom Bingham) is brilliant and reasonably accessible.


This is incredibly helpful, especially the link you posted thank you very much


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Reply 13
@graduate_seeds

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