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Confused about which field of law to go into

I’m currently in my first year of an LLB but I’m thinking ahead as I choose my modules for year 2, I chose family law and evidence law which I will study in addition to the compulsory contract and public law but I’m slightly overthinking things as I feel studying family law will put me at a disadvantage to let’s say, someone who studies business law. I picture family lawyers sitting in high st firms with only four desks and a reception desk waiting for a client to come in so they have some work to do as I don’t see many city firms specialising in family law, immigration law etc.. all I see and hear about are top city firms who specialise in business and commercial law and those tend to be the most successful. Family, criminal, immigration and the likes appeal to me more than business and contracts, I would be kidding myself if I did those and it would probably be for the pay check rather than an actual interest in the business aspect of it.

I’m so confused about what to do and which route to take, perhaps this is normal as I’m only in my first year. I want to be able to advocate in lower courts ( as a solicitor does) for my clients and be in court etc instead of sitting in an office crunching numbers and creating a thousand page contract etc. any advise?
(edited 1 year ago)
Yes you are overthinking it. Your LLB modules will have no effect on your future career.

Family law is contentious and interesting and I personally think one of the best LLB electives along with Employment / Labour Law.

The major factors in whether you work like a dog at a big boy firm or barely minimum wage at a crummy high street firm are - your degree class, your university, which vacation schemes you manage to get on and whether or not you can present yourself well.
Reply 2
Those commercial modules can be somewhat helpful in prepping one for an AC at commercial firms or substantiating the ‘why commercial law’ answers. However, this doesn’t seem like something you are interested in so it doesn’t really matter. They are also not a requirement by any means so it’s fine even if you later change your mind.

You chose what you are interested in (and is therefore more likely to do well in). I see no problem with that.
Original post by Zingzangzod
I’m currently in my first year of an LLB but I’m thinking ahead as I choose my modules for year 2, I chose family law and evidence law which I will study in addition to the compulsory contract and public law but I’m slightly overthinking things as I feel studying family law will put me at a disadvantage to let’s say, someone who studies business law. I picture family lawyers sitting in high st firms with only four desks and a reception desk waiting for a client to come in so they have some work to do as I don’t see many city firms specialising in family law, immigration law etc.. all I see and hear about are top city firms who specialise in business and commercial law and those tend to be the most successful. Family, criminal, immigration and the likes appeal to me more than business and contracts, I would be kidding myself if I did those and it would probably be for the pay check rather than an actual interest in the business aspect of it.

I’m so confused about what to do and which route to take, perhaps this is normal as I’m only in my first year. I want to be able to advocate in lower courts ( as a solicitor does) for my clients and be in court etc instead of sitting in an office crunching numbers and creating a thousand page contract etc. any advise?

Hi there

It's totally okay to feel like that- I've just finished my first year too and know many people who are still exploring their field of interest. I've also found an overwhelming number of people at uni wanting to go to big commercial law firms and very less of those who do not want to pursue commercial law. This made me feel as if I 'should' be pursuing this field as well but I'm still unsure and it's best not to let the ambitions of others affect your career choices.

The modules you take in law school will barely affect your ability to actually get a training contract after graduation. It really just helps you decide whether it's an area you'd like to practice in later. The big London firms mostly tend to focus on the commercial side of things so I would suggest looking at boutique firms that cater to your areas of interest like family law. A few I know are Kingsley Napley, Burges Salmon, BP Collins. The pay might not be that high in the beginning but at least you won't have to work 60-70 hours every week and maintain a more balanced life than big law firm solicitors on top of loving the work you do!

I love this website since you can look for firms based on location and practice area and find out the employee experience at specific firms as well: https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/

-Himieka (Official DU Rep)
As others have said, your overall grades are important so I should think it would be wise to chose modules that genuinely interest you, as you will invariably do better in those than ones you just ‘think’ you should take. Especially as it won’t really affect your possible future law sector at this point in time.

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