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Law or non-law degree?
I want to practice law but I’m unsure if pursuing a law degree will be the best option, as generally people tend to say that it’s really hard to do well in a law degree.
I feel like it’s better to do a non law degree (and then the conversion course) because a first would be more achievable, than a law degree and not doing super well in it. Plus, if I end up getting into a top uni, it’s going to be even harder.
I’m not sure if I’m overestimating how difficult it is, and also I think studying law might be fun.
I recently started to consider doing a sociology degree instead, as I do the subject at A level and find it really easy and interesting (but obviously it’ll be different at degree level). I haven’t done a lot of research into sociology degrees so I don’t know if it would be a good idea
Does anyone have any advice?
I feel like it’s better to do a non law degree (and then the conversion course) because a first would be more achievable, than a law degree and not doing super well in it. Plus, if I end up getting into a top uni, it’s going to be even harder.
I’m not sure if I’m overestimating how difficult it is, and also I think studying law might be fun.
I recently started to consider doing a sociology degree instead, as I do the subject at A level and find it really easy and interesting (but obviously it’ll be different at degree level). I haven’t done a lot of research into sociology degrees so I don’t know if it would be a good idea
Does anyone have any advice?
My first piece of advice is that I would not recommend doing any degree because you think it will be 'easy', nor do I think you should specifically avoid a law degree because you think it will be 'hard'. In terms of recruitment and prospects of obtaining a training contract or pupillage, whether you do a law degree or non law degree and convert does not matter at all. For quite a long time now the number of new trainees and pupils with law and non law degrees has been about even.
That means that you need to make the right decision for you. A law degree being 'hard' is not a good reason, not least because you can't actually avoid studying law. The GDL is a much more intense year of study than any individual year on a law degree, and whilst you may be better equipped to deal with that after three or four years at university, the fact remains that you have to study law at some point. I actually didn't enjoy studying law at all, and studying for a law degree is very, very different to practising as a lawyer. So not doing a law degree because you might not be suited to it is fine. I do think that most of those who have realistic ambitions of becoming lawyers should be able to apply themselves and do well in a law degree irrespective, but it's not for everyone. However, if you are going down the non law degree route I would certainly recommend something that you are actively interested in, and something which you think will actually benefit you. Sociology may be something you're interested in, but will it benefit you? I see a lot of non law degrees on pupillage applications, but they tend to be the likes of History, English, languages etc. I don't see a lot of so called 'softer subjects'. I think the reason for that is simply that not many candidates who are serious about being lawyers (or barristers, at least) realistically see studying those subjects as being a part of their development.
But again, that may be different for you, and if you genuinely do see a Sociology degree as being part of that for you, then fine. But what you really need to avoid is trying to somehow find a shortcut through this process. That's how your post comes across, and I'm afraid that simply isn't possible. Law is a competitive career path which requires you to apply yourself well and continuously develop relevant skills over a period of years. It doesn't require you to study a law degree, but it does require you to have the drive and ambition to deal with that competition, and to continually better yourself. Trying to find an easy route in simply isn't compatible with that. So as I say, this isn't me telling you not to do a Sociology degree, or to do a law degree. What to study is your own choice, but make it for the right reasons and with a realistic view as to the demands of the career path that you're starting down.
That means that you need to make the right decision for you. A law degree being 'hard' is not a good reason, not least because you can't actually avoid studying law. The GDL is a much more intense year of study than any individual year on a law degree, and whilst you may be better equipped to deal with that after three or four years at university, the fact remains that you have to study law at some point. I actually didn't enjoy studying law at all, and studying for a law degree is very, very different to practising as a lawyer. So not doing a law degree because you might not be suited to it is fine. I do think that most of those who have realistic ambitions of becoming lawyers should be able to apply themselves and do well in a law degree irrespective, but it's not for everyone. However, if you are going down the non law degree route I would certainly recommend something that you are actively interested in, and something which you think will actually benefit you. Sociology may be something you're interested in, but will it benefit you? I see a lot of non law degrees on pupillage applications, but they tend to be the likes of History, English, languages etc. I don't see a lot of so called 'softer subjects'. I think the reason for that is simply that not many candidates who are serious about being lawyers (or barristers, at least) realistically see studying those subjects as being a part of their development.
But again, that may be different for you, and if you genuinely do see a Sociology degree as being part of that for you, then fine. But what you really need to avoid is trying to somehow find a shortcut through this process. That's how your post comes across, and I'm afraid that simply isn't possible. Law is a competitive career path which requires you to apply yourself well and continuously develop relevant skills over a period of years. It doesn't require you to study a law degree, but it does require you to have the drive and ambition to deal with that competition, and to continually better yourself. Trying to find an easy route in simply isn't compatible with that. So as I say, this isn't me telling you not to do a Sociology degree, or to do a law degree. What to study is your own choice, but make it for the right reasons and with a realistic view as to the demands of the career path that you're starting down.
Reply 2
Original post by srb_16
I want to practice law but I’m unsure if pursuing a law degree will be the best option, as generally people tend to say that it’s really hard to do well in a law degree.
I feel like it’s better to do a non law degree (and then the conversion course) because a first would be more achievable, than a law degree and not doing super well in it. Plus, if I end up getting into a top uni, it’s going to be even harder.
I’m not sure if I’m overestimating how difficult it is, and also I think studying law might be fun.
I recently started to consider doing a sociology degree instead, as I do the subject at A level and find it really easy and interesting (but obviously it’ll be different at degree level). I haven’t done a lot of research into sociology degrees so I don’t know if it would be a good idea
Does anyone have any advice?
I feel like it’s better to do a non law degree (and then the conversion course) because a first would be more achievable, than a law degree and not doing super well in it. Plus, if I end up getting into a top uni, it’s going to be even harder.
I’m not sure if I’m overestimating how difficult it is, and also I think studying law might be fun.
I recently started to consider doing a sociology degree instead, as I do the subject at A level and find it really easy and interesting (but obviously it’ll be different at degree level). I haven’t done a lot of research into sociology degrees so I don’t know if it would be a good idea
Does anyone have any advice?
Hi,
My best advice to you is that do a degree in something which you are passionate about because getting a degree in any subject is challenging but not impossible it is all about having that drive, determination and having a passion for the subject. If you fell passionate about law then do a law degree- no matter how difficult it is if you are truly passionate about it you will love studying it and you'll love your job as a solicitor or a barrister or a police officer, etc afterwards. Law is an interesting, intellectually stimulating and brilliant subject to have a degree in, in my opinion. Doing a conversion course after doing a non-law degree is equally as difficult as doing a law degree and then moving onto postgrad in my opinion. I hope this helps
.Reply 3
6
Original post by srb_16
I want to practice law but I’m unsure if pursuing a law degree will be the best option, as generally people tend to say that it’s really hard to do well in a law degree.
I feel like it’s better to do a non law degree (and then the conversion course) because a first would be more achievable, than a law degree and not doing super well in it. Plus, if I end up getting into a top uni, it’s going to be even harder.
I’m not sure if I’m overestimating how difficult it is, and also I think studying law might be fun.
I recently started to consider doing a sociology degree instead, as I do the subject at A level and find it really easy and interesting (but obviously it’ll be different at degree level). I haven’t done a lot of research into sociology degrees so I don’t know if it would be a good idea
Does anyone have any advice?
I feel like it’s better to do a non law degree (and then the conversion course) because a first would be more achievable, than a law degree and not doing super well in it. Plus, if I end up getting into a top uni, it’s going to be even harder.
I’m not sure if I’m overestimating how difficult it is, and also I think studying law might be fun.
I recently started to consider doing a sociology degree instead, as I do the subject at A level and find it really easy and interesting (but obviously it’ll be different at degree level). I haven’t done a lot of research into sociology degrees so I don’t know if it would be a good idea
Does anyone have any advice?
Hey!
I think that if you want to pursue a career in law, then doing a law degree would be the way to go. Law is a challenging field and your degree will push you a lot. However, remember that law firms are looking for a 2:1 minimum, which is achievable if you put in the work and effort. Before committing to law, I would do some research on what trainees do so that you have an idea of what your career after law would require you to do. I would recommend Commercial Law Academy's course on "Introduction to commercial law" offers great introduction into the tasks that trainees do such as due diligence, doc review, etc.
Reply 4
Honestly, I'd suggest you do a non-law degree. It's such a dull myth that all lawyers must study law - only 50% of them do in all Magic Circle firms. If studying law doesn't excite you or make you interested, do something else. If there is even an inkling of 'maybe I should study something else', then study something else! Don't study law just to become a lawyer, it's unnecessary and it would be so much better just doing what you love.
Original post by Kb00
Hey!
I think that if you want to pursue a career in law, then doing a law degree would be the way to go. Law is a challenging field and your degree will push you a lot. However, remember that law firms are looking for a 2:1 minimum, which is achievable if you put in the work and effort. Before committing to law, I would do some research on what trainees do so that you have an idea of what your career after law would require you to do. I would recommend Commercial Law Academy's course on "Introduction to commercial law" offers great introduction into the tasks that trainees do such as due diligence, doc review, etc.
I think that if you want to pursue a career in law, then doing a law degree would be the way to go. Law is a challenging field and your degree will push you a lot. However, remember that law firms are looking for a 2:1 minimum, which is achievable if you put in the work and effort. Before committing to law, I would do some research on what trainees do so that you have an idea of what your career after law would require you to do. I would recommend Commercial Law Academy's course on "Introduction to commercial law" offers great introduction into the tasks that trainees do such as due diligence, doc review, etc.
There are so many inaccuracies in this post that I can't help but feel that it was only written to advertise Commercial Law Academy. The advice about researching the career you want to go into is sound, but those choosing between a law and non law degree can confidently ignore the rest of this.
Reply 6
Original post by srb_16
I want to practice law but I’m unsure if pursuing a law degree will be the best option, as generally people tend to say that it’s really hard to do well in a law degree.
I feel like it’s better to do a non law degree (and then the conversion course) because a first would be more achievable, than a law degree and not doing super well in it. Plus, if I end up getting into a top uni, it’s going to be even harder.
I’m not sure if I’m overestimating how difficult it is, and also I think studying law might be fun.
I recently started to consider doing a sociology degree instead, as I do the subject at A level and find it really easy and interesting (but obviously it’ll be different at degree level). I haven’t done a lot of research into sociology degrees so I don’t know if it would be a good idea
Does anyone have any advice?
I feel like it’s better to do a non law degree (and then the conversion course) because a first would be more achievable, than a law degree and not doing super well in it. Plus, if I end up getting into a top uni, it’s going to be even harder.
I’m not sure if I’m overestimating how difficult it is, and also I think studying law might be fun.
I recently started to consider doing a sociology degree instead, as I do the subject at A level and find it really easy and interesting (but obviously it’ll be different at degree level). I haven’t done a lot of research into sociology degrees so I don’t know if it would be a good idea
Does anyone have any advice?
I think you should go for whatever you feel most passionate about. A degree should be something you enjoy, instead of judging if a degree is 'easy' or 'hard' choose the degree you'll have the most fun with. That being said a law degree is a lot of work but if you feel strongly about it then go for it!
Reply 7
There's a lot of considerations and there is no right answer. I for one am currently on a non-law degree, and kind of wishing I had done law, but I also have friends on law degrees wishing they'd done non-law. Other comments have covered the pros for non-law, and I agree with all of them, but I'll cover some of the cons.
1) Time and money. This in my opinion should not be your biggest concern at all, but still worth factoring in. As a non-law student, you will inevitably have to do a law conversion course, in addition to the SQE. While this isn't a requirement by the SRA, almost every major firm still requires it. This means after your 3 year degree, you usually have to undertake a year long GDL (law conversion course) and then a year long SQE prep course and sitting exams (like all law students do). So that's an extra years study and funding. If you can secure a TC beforehand, they'll often fund it for you though.
2) Timelines. The timeline for a non-law student is a little different, and more difficult if you ask me. A law student (in the best case scenario) applies for vac schemes at the start of second year, does vac schemes in summer after second year, and secures a training contract at the end of the scheme, before starting their third year. A non-law student, generally needs to wait until third year to apply for vac schemes (though quite a few are now offering to penultimate years too), meaning a more stressful final year, uncertain future, uncertain funding etc.
3) Resources/Opportunities/Networking. This is one of the bigger challenges as a non-law student I think, and that's simply not knowing what you're doing. I remember being extremely shy to join the law society or get involved in mooting or anything like that because I wasn't a law student, and didn't know anyone. Tbh I'm still not really that involved. It's one thing to say "oh yeah I'll join the law soc and get invovled" and another to turn up to a social full of people who are all on the same course, and are in their friend groups. Even beyond the law soc, you're just so removed from the legal world as a non-law student, you have to make a really conscious effort to research these things and seek out events, and keep on top of everything. It can also be a little isolating, if none of your friends or course mates are interested in pursuing the same path.
Don't let this put you off. I think the number one thing is studying something you'll enjoy the most. Uni can be hard, and even harder if you're bored. Probably the single most important thing for you is getting a 2:1, which you're much more likely to do if you're enjoying yourself.
1) Time and money. This in my opinion should not be your biggest concern at all, but still worth factoring in. As a non-law student, you will inevitably have to do a law conversion course, in addition to the SQE. While this isn't a requirement by the SRA, almost every major firm still requires it. This means after your 3 year degree, you usually have to undertake a year long GDL (law conversion course) and then a year long SQE prep course and sitting exams (like all law students do). So that's an extra years study and funding. If you can secure a TC beforehand, they'll often fund it for you though.
2) Timelines. The timeline for a non-law student is a little different, and more difficult if you ask me. A law student (in the best case scenario) applies for vac schemes at the start of second year, does vac schemes in summer after second year, and secures a training contract at the end of the scheme, before starting their third year. A non-law student, generally needs to wait until third year to apply for vac schemes (though quite a few are now offering to penultimate years too), meaning a more stressful final year, uncertain future, uncertain funding etc.
3) Resources/Opportunities/Networking. This is one of the bigger challenges as a non-law student I think, and that's simply not knowing what you're doing. I remember being extremely shy to join the law society or get involved in mooting or anything like that because I wasn't a law student, and didn't know anyone. Tbh I'm still not really that involved. It's one thing to say "oh yeah I'll join the law soc and get invovled" and another to turn up to a social full of people who are all on the same course, and are in their friend groups. Even beyond the law soc, you're just so removed from the legal world as a non-law student, you have to make a really conscious effort to research these things and seek out events, and keep on top of everything. It can also be a little isolating, if none of your friends or course mates are interested in pursuing the same path.
Don't let this put you off. I think the number one thing is studying something you'll enjoy the most. Uni can be hard, and even harder if you're bored. Probably the single most important thing for you is getting a 2:1, which you're much more likely to do if you're enjoying yourself.
Reply 8
It boggles my mind that this kind of conversation is so common. Law degrees are seen as being too difficult to do well in to such an extent that people wanting a career in law literally avoid studying law in order to more easily get a highly competitive traineeship that law students struggle to obtain on account of their relatively poorer grades in their actual subject of expertise. Something is very wrong with this profession, and I say that as a solicitor.
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