Law degree or gdl?

Hi,
I'm an A level student studying maths, CS and chemistry. I enjoy debate, open style conversations and problem solving in general, and I think I'm quite good at writing even though I don't currently take essay subjects. I was considering a law degree earlier on but have since found that the GDL could also be a good route into law. I'm not concerned with time or money (as the GDL I've heard can take as little as 9 months) but I am aware a science degree could also be great for getting into patent law specifically. What would a law degree give me that the GDL won't? What experiences have you had?

Reply 1

Stiffy Byng

The PGDL takes one academic year, so, yes, about nine or ten months.

A science degree plus a PGDL would be a good basis for practising patent law. Mr Justice Mellor, the Patents Judge, has a degree in Engineering from Cambridge. Patent Attorneys (a sub set of IP lawyers) have to have science degrees. My friend who is a Patent Attorney read Physics.

A law degree can give the young lawyer some initial advantages because he or she may have a more thorough grounding in the law than a non-law graduate. After a few years in practice, however, a non-law graduate should know as much as a law graduate. I read History, and then did a GDL. I've been a barrister for a zillion years, and have even taught law at universities. About half of the lawyers in the UK have a non-law degree.

Do a degree in your favourite subject. Have fun!

(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 2

mitostudent

Original post by Stiffy Byng

The PGDL takes one academic year, so, yes, about nine or ten months.
A science degree plus a PGDL would be a good basis for practising patent law. Mr Justice Mellor, the Patents Judge, has a degree in Engineering from Cambridge. Patent Attorneys (a sub set of IP lawyers) have to have science degrees. My friend who is a Patent Attorney read Physics.
A law degree can give the young lawyer some initial advantages because he or she may have a more thorough grounding in the law than a non-law graduate. After a few years in practice, however, a non-law graduate should know as much as a law graduate. I read History, and then did a GDL. I've been a barrister for a zillion years, and have even taught law at universities. About half of the lawyers in the UK have a non-law degree.
Do a degree in your favourite subject. Have fun!

Wow thanks! I'm wondering for patent law.. is chemistry preferred over pharmaceuticals? the majority of training schemes I've seen are computer science/ physics and engineering related, which worries me a little 😅

Reply 3

Stiffy Byng

Original post by mitostudent

Every industry generates patents, so many types of STEM degree are relevant to patent law. Pharma is a big sector, but engineering companies, and tech companies of all kinds also need patents advice.