Law Course Help
Im currently in Uni studying a completely unrelated course but would like to apply for law at a different uni. Wondering what I should put on my personal statement and if I would be better doing work experience or applying to college for a year, or if there's anything else I could do that would look good on my application.
Reply 1
why do you wish to change to law? you do not need it anymore to qualify as a solicitor - I wish I never did law at university now. You spend so much without anything guaranteed at the end of it. I’m looking to change careers now.
Reply 2
Hey!
It’s great that you’re thinking about switching to law. Your personal statement should focus on why you’re making this change, what specifically interests you about law, and how your current studies have given you transferable skills like research, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Universities want to see a clear motivation for studying law, so highlighting moments that sparked your interest will help make your application stand out.
To strengthen your application, legal experience is valuable, but it doesn’t have to be a formal internship. Volunteering with Citizens Advice is a great way to develop relevant skills like client communication, problem-solving, and applying legal knowledge in real-world situations. You could also attend public court hearings to observe legal proceedings firsthand, get involved with a debating society to improve your argumentation skills, or listen to legal podcasts such as "Law in Action" (BBC Radio 4) to stay informed about current issues. Additionally, completing online law-related courses on platforms like FutureLearn or Coursera can demonstrate your initiative and interest in legal studies.
If you already meet the entry requirements for your chosen universities, a college course may not be necessary. Instead, focus on gaining experience and broadening your understanding of legal topics. Also, keep in mind that you don’t need a law degree to qualify as a solicitor anymore—the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) allows graduates from any subject to qualify. However, a law degree can still provide a strong foundation and make the process smoother.
Hope that helps!
It’s great that you’re thinking about switching to law. Your personal statement should focus on why you’re making this change, what specifically interests you about law, and how your current studies have given you transferable skills like research, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Universities want to see a clear motivation for studying law, so highlighting moments that sparked your interest will help make your application stand out.
To strengthen your application, legal experience is valuable, but it doesn’t have to be a formal internship. Volunteering with Citizens Advice is a great way to develop relevant skills like client communication, problem-solving, and applying legal knowledge in real-world situations. You could also attend public court hearings to observe legal proceedings firsthand, get involved with a debating society to improve your argumentation skills, or listen to legal podcasts such as "Law in Action" (BBC Radio 4) to stay informed about current issues. Additionally, completing online law-related courses on platforms like FutureLearn or Coursera can demonstrate your initiative and interest in legal studies.
If you already meet the entry requirements for your chosen universities, a college course may not be necessary. Instead, focus on gaining experience and broadening your understanding of legal topics. Also, keep in mind that you don’t need a law degree to qualify as a solicitor anymore—the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) allows graduates from any subject to qualify. However, a law degree can still provide a strong foundation and make the process smoother.
Hope that helps!
Reply 3
jssbmnre
OP
5
Original post
by sophhh14why do you wish to change to law? you do not need it anymore to qualify as a solicitor - I wish I never did law at university now. You spend so much without anything guaranteed at the end of it. I’m looking to change careers now.
What other pathway can i take? Was there nothing you liked about the course? Where did you study and what are you changing to?
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 4
Original post
by sophhh14why do you wish to change to law? you do not need it anymore to qualify as a solicitor - I wish I never did law at university now. You spend so much without anything guaranteed at the end of it. I’m looking to change careers now.
It has never been necessary to obtain a law degree in order to qualify as a solicitor or a barrister.
OP, you could complete your current degree and study for a PGDL (one year), or a Senior Status law degree (two years).
Reply 5
Original post
by Stiffy ByngIt has never been necessary to obtain a law degree in order to qualify as a solicitor or a barrister.
OP, you could complete your current degree and study for a PGDL (one year), or a Senior Status law degree (two years).
OP, you could complete your current degree and study for a PGDL (one year), or a Senior Status law degree (two years).
Never said it was and you do not even need a conversion course anymore either
Reply 6
Original post
by jssbmnreWhat other pathway can i take? Was there nothing you liked about the course? Where did you study and what are you changing to?
the following:
SQE once you completed your degree. you can complete this regardless of your undergraduate subject!
Solicitors Apprenticeship
Competition for Training Contracts is veeeeery tough! SQE you don’t need Training Contracts just 2 years experience. But some firms still treat SQE the same way as Training Contracts with applying etc.
I’ve been in law since I was 19 i am 30 now - so I want a new change that challenges me! I’m not stimulated by law anymore
Reply 7
Original post
by sophhh14Never said it was and you do not even need a conversion course anymore either
You said "you do not need it [law] anymore..."
A new entrant does not need "just" two years experience. The experience has to be of a kind recognised by the SRA. In most cases, this is obtained through a training contract. It is not necessary to obtain a PGDL before taking the SQE but it appears that most law firms require non-law graduate applicants to have a PGDL.
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