Why study Law?

This is a question you’re going to be asked over and over again if you’re starting to think a career in law might be the one for you. You will be answering it on work placement application forms, during mock interviews, applying for courses, at scholarship interviews - the list goes on! It has some variations – “Why do you want to become a lawyer’’? or “Why do you think you’re suited to a career in Law?” – but it’s basically the same question.

What skills do you need to be a good Law student?

• Intellectual ability
• Motivation
• Resilience
• Attention/ Accuracy to details
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Communication skills
• Commercial awareness
• Brief of history
• Social awareness

If you have the majority of these, Law could be a good option for you! Not all Law graduates go on to become solicitors or barristers; it is a surprisingly general degree which can lead to a range of career options. Students learn the art of analysis, research and taking a logical stance. They find creative and imaginative ways around problems. They also become excellent oral and written communicators. They are trained in the case method, and for a lawyer everything looks like a case!

Studying Law can be highly theoretical, and it requires you to recall large volumes of information. Many students may find this difficult. However, there are a number of things you can do to help your brain store information easily and effectively.

Make plans

The first habit of successful students is to make a study schedule for the term – set reminders to meet deadlines. By planning your time in advance, you will have enough time to meet all of the demands of Law school.

Do the reading

Do all the reading assigned for your courses. Do not fall behind; you may never catch up. And part of your job as a Law student is to attempt to teach yourself what the Law is before you go to class.

Brief the cases

Take notes while reading. For each assigned case, write down the legally significant facts, the holding of the case and the rationale for the Court’s decision. Case briefs are tools for you to use to prepare for the class. They will refresh your mind about what you've just read and you will also be able to quickly reference the main points of the case.

Take advantage of free resources

Take advantage of free resources provided on your student VLE. Read lectures by Professors, attempt self – assessed quizzes, downloads past papers & examiner's reports, etc. Read journals and articles regarding your subject area. Also, you make it a habit to regularly visit your Student Portal for updates.

Study collaboratively

You should always devote time to study this subject individually, but interacting with peers & sharing questions can help you understand theory problems & other points of view. I recommend that you create a study group to help you in your studies.

Practice exam tests

By making sure you practice in advance, you will be able to cope with stress & anxiety during exams.

Make the most of it

Studying law can be absolutely fascinating, even when you least expect it. Find the interesting element of something which doesn’t initially appeal to you – there will always be a human interest or political angle. Like any other subject at the University, studying Law has its ups & downs. However, if you have the interest and the motivation, it could be a fantastic choice.

Haala is studying the LLB via distance learning in Pakistan.