Law Advice

Hello,

I am starting my A Levels in September, studying English Literature, Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, and History.

However, I already know that I would like to study Law at university.

Does anyone know anything I could do over the next 2 years to take advantage of knowing what I'd like to study now?

How should I prepare for the LNAT? Are there any habits such as reading the news that I should do? Any extra-curricular activities/work experience I could do? Any other advice or tips?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Reply 1

Stiffy Byng

Read books about the law and the Constitution (discursive books, not technical textbooks). Check out media such as Law In Action, and assorted blogs and podcasts produced by lawyers and legal journalists. Read The Economist and the Weekend FT, and maybe also The London Review of Books, Prospect, The Atlantic etc.

Consider essay competitions and mooting events. Work experience is not essential and is hard to come by, but if you can persuade a law firm or barristers' chambers to let you spend a few days with them, do so. Go to watch cases at civil and criminal courts.

Work hard, have fun, don't burn out. Good luck!

Reply 2

Rincewind_Bored

Original post by lawlucas

Hello,
I am starting my A Levels in September, studying English Literature, Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, and History.
However, I already know that I would like to study Law at university.
Does anyone know anything I could do over the next 2 years to take advantage of knowing what I'd like to study now?
How should I prepare for the LNAT? Are there any habits such as reading the news that I should do? Any extra-curricular activities/work experience I could do? Any other advice or tips?
Thanks for your help in advance.

Hi there,
It's great that you already have a clear idea of wanting to study Law at university—knowing your goal early on gives you a real advantage. Here are some suggestions to help you prepare over the next couple of years:

Follow the Law Society and Legal News: Start by following the Law Society and other reputable legal organisations online. They often publish news, updates, and articles about current legal issues, which can help you stay informed about the legal landscape. This will not only deepen your understanding of law but also keep you up-to-date with the types of cases and legal challenges that are shaping the world today.

Track Legal Cases in the News: Make it a habit to follow legal cases in the news, especially those that interest you. Whether it's criminal law, human rights, or corporate law, focusing on these stories will help you develop a more nuanced understanding of the legal system. This could also give you valuable insights and examples to draw upon when you start studying law in greater depth.

Prepare for the LNAT: The LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test) is an important part of your application to many law schools. Start familiarising yourself with the types of questions asked in the LNAT, particularly those that assess your reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and essay-writing skills. Practising past papers and honing your ability to construct clear, concise arguments will be crucial.

Develop a Habit of Reading the News: Reading reputable news sources regularly is a great habit to cultivate. It will not only improve your general knowledge but also help you stay informed about current events and legal developments. This awareness is particularly useful for both the LNAT and your future law studies.

Consider Work Experience and Extra-Curricular Activities: Gaining work experience in a legal environment, such as shadowing a solicitor or doing an internship at a law firm, can be incredibly valuable. If this isn’t possible, consider getting involved in extra-curricular activities like debating clubs, Model United Nations, or any other activity that develops your analytical and public speaking skills.

Attend Legal Lectures and Events: If you’re looking to dive deeper, consider attending public lectures on legal topics. For instance, Bradford University has been offering a summer series of lectures open to the public for the past five years, which cover emerging issues in law. These lectures can give you a taste of the kind of discussions and topics you’ll encounter in university-level law courses, and they’re a great way to engage with the academic side of the subject. (https://www.bradford.ac.uk/mlss/law-summer-school/)

Focus on Specific Areas of Interest: If you have a particular interest in a certain type of law—like criminal law, environmental law, or human rights—start focusing on news stories and legal cases related to that area. This can help you build a strong foundation in the field you’re most passionate about and may also guide your university studies and future career choices.

Good luck with your A Levels and your journey towards studying law. With the right preparation and commitment, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals!