Legal Research Opportunities

(Reposting because I posted this in the wrong forum initially)

I'm an incoming Year 13 studying politics, philosophy and psychology and will be applying to study law this year for 2025 entry. I've had an interest in socio-legal research for a while now (I just didn't know what my interest would be classed as) and I would like to know what career and research opportunities are available for someone with an interest in this area. I was pretty set on becoming a commercial solicitor, but I'm also considering a career in research and/or academia. How would I go about this? My EPQ is based in comparative law and socio-legal issues and I'm targeting RG universities partially because of the research opportunities that may be available there. Are there any research opportunities available for undergraduate students to partake in? I was planning on doing an LLM combined with SQE preparation courses anyway, but I am open to the idea of completing further study, such as another masters degree, PhD or even postdoctoral studies. I'll be applying to Cambridge, Bristol, Leeds, Nottingham and Manchester for my undergraduate degree and I'm expecting to get into at least Nottingham, Manchester and Leeds. Considering these are the universities I'm most likely to receive an offer from, which universities would be best to target for postgraduate study? Are there any specialised socio-legal courses that I could apply for and would this be a wise career move? Like I said, I'm still pretty set on becoming a commercial solicitor, but I'd also like to explore my options, as research is something I'm generally very passionate about.

Reply 1

Stiffy Byng

There are few opportunities (and little time) for undergraduates to take part in research, unless perhaps a tutor asks an undergraduate to be a research assistant. The usual route would be to finish an undergraduate degree, do a one year Master's course, and then begin a doctorate. Shop around for Master's courses. The LSE would be an obvious place to combine social and legal issues, but this could be done at most research-led universities. Oxford, Cambridge, and Warwick would be good choices as well as the LSE.

It is possible to pursue an academic path and switch to the practice of law later on. I know many people who have done this. If you are of an academic bent, you might find the Bar more satisfying than being a solicitor. Practice at the Commercial Bar is quite scholarly. Barristers sit in Donnish rooms full of books. The Inns of Court are in effect colleges, and chambers are usually collegiate. It is possible to be a part-time academic and part-time practitioner, and this is the norm for those who practise in Public International law. I have combined practice at the Commercial and Public Law Bar with some part-time teaching at universities, and I have contributed chapters to two legal textbooks, although I am mainly a practitioner and am not teaching or writing at present.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

bibachu

Original post by Stiffy Byng

There are few opportunities (and little time) for undergraduates to take part in research, unless perhaps a tutor asks an undergraduate to be a research assistant. The usual route would be to finish an undergraduate degree, do a one year Master's course, and then begin a doctorate. Shop around for Master's courses. The LSE would be an obvious place to combine social and legal issues, but this could be done at most research-led universities. Oxford, Cambridge, and Warwick would be good choices as well as the LSE.
It is possible to pursue an academic path and switch to the practice of law later on. I know many people who have done this. If you are of an academic bent, you might find the Bar more satisfying than being a solicitor. Practice at the Commercial Bar is quite scholarly. Barristers sit in Donnish rooms full of books. The Inns of Court are in effect colleges, and chambers are usually collegiate. It is possible to be a part-time academic and part-time practitioner, and this is the norm for those who practise in Public International law. I have combined practice at the Commercial and Public Law Bar with some part-time teaching at universities, and I have contributed chapters to two legal textbooks, although I am mainly a practitioner and am not teaching or writing at present.

Thanks so much for the response! I had a look at some masters courses and if I were to gown down the research path, the MPhil in Socio-Legal Research at Oxford is definitely something I would consider. LSE would also be a good option, as I’d prefer to be in London after my undergraduate degree. I initially wanted to become a solicitor due to the income stability, nature of work and general work environment, but I will also consider the barrister pathway. I think I would enjoy how flexible the job is and the idea of being able to both practice law and pursue a career in research appeals to me. I will also consider starting off in research and practicing law later down the line. In terms of increasing my exposure to different legal professions, how could I explore my options during my undergraduate degree? I’m planning on getting involved in pro-bono work (mainly for the experience, but also to give back to the community) and I’m also considering getting involved with mooting.

Reply 3

Stiffy Byng

Original post by bibachu

You can try for internships at law firms but also for mini pupillages at barristers' chambers. I regard mooting as far inferior to pro bono work. Check out the Free Representation Unit.

As for the work environment, I would much rather work in a non-hierarchical organisation in a place that looks and feels like an Oxford or Cambridge College than in a large office with lots of cubicles, filling in time sheets.

Barrister workplaces