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Study Law: Think Outside The Box
Studying law has an obvious appeal to anyone considering
a career in the legal profession. A Bachelor of Laws
(LLB) degree provides a form foundation for students
wishing to train as Solicitors or Barristers. However,
it is important for prospective students to realise
that there are a whole range of careers outside private
legal practice as a Solicitor or Barrister.
Such careers include acting as Crown or State Prosecutor,
working in the courts service, national and local government
law departments and specialist niche areas of law (land
registry, competition law or taxation).
More importantly, a law degree is one of the most well-respected
undergraduate qualifications. It opens up a vista of
career opportunities quite apart from the practice of
law. This is because the study of law improves powers
of reasoning, clarity of thought and the ability to
analyse and express complicated ideas. Such skills are
in demand in a wide variety of areas including commerce
and industry, social services, politics, the media and
the upper echelons of the public services.
The wide career opportunities open to law graduates
is evidenced by the act that only about half the students
who study law at British universities choose careers
as practising lawyers. A legal education opens more
doors than just the practice of law.
Many students from common law countries go to England
and Wales to study law. Most of these students then
go back to their country of origin to continue their
professional training in chambers or by setting up their
own practices. Their time spent in Britain often gives
the students an advantage over fellow professionals
at home because of the exposure to the English judiciary
system. This helps to give students a greater appreciation
of the workings of the system and the parts that ensure
it’s functioning.
Whichever institution a student decides to study with,
they must see what it has to offer them and how the
chosen course fits in with their academic and career
aspirations. Above all else, that time spent in Britain
will hopefully be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Author: Gurjit Bains, University of
Holborn
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