Subject Spotlight: Law
What Exactly is Law?
Law is an intriguing field that shapes societies and influences every aspect of our lives. It encompasses the system of rules established by a society to regulate behaviour and includes various branches such as criminal law, civil law, corporate law and international law, among others. Studying law can open doors to a wide range of professional opportunities and provide a strong foundation for numerous career paths.
Why Study Law?
Here are some of the most common reasons people study law:
- Career opportunities: A law degree can lead to a variety of careers, not just within the legal profession but also in areas such as politics, business and social justice.
- Making a difference to society: Law plays a crucial role in maintaining social order and justice. As a law professional, you can contribute significantly to society.
- Intellectual challenge: Law offers a mentally stimulating study experience, demanding logical reasoning and critical thinking.
What’s it Like to Study Law?
Studying law involves understanding complex legal theories, principles and statutes. It typically requires extensive reading, research, argumentation and writing. Many law programs also include moot court sessions, internships and other practical activities to provide hands-on experience.
What Can You Do With a Law Degree?
A degree in law can open up a great many interesting and rewarding career paths. Here are a few potential roles:
Solicitor
Solicitors provide legal advice to clients, prepare legal documents and represent clients in lower courts and, occasionally, in higher courts.
Barrister
Barristers represent individuals or organisations in court, present arguments, cross-examine witnesses and negotiate settlements.
Legal Advisor
They provide legal guidance to an organisation and ensure it operates within the law. You can work as a Legal Adviser in various sectors like government, corporates, non-profits, etc.
Judge
Judges preside over court proceedings, ensuring trials are conducted fairly and that the law is correctly applied.
Legal Secretary
They perform administrative duties in a law firm or legal department, such as drafting correspondence, organising files, scheduling appointments, and so on.
Paralegal
Paralegals assist lawyers in their work, which might involve conducting legal research, drafting documents, organising files and other administrative tasks.
Compliance Officer
A Compliance Officer ensures an organisation complies with laws, regulations and internal policies.
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts research, analyse and propose policies in various domains like public health, education or environmental policy.
Each of these roles requires a strong understanding of legal principles, excellent communication skills and a detail-oriented mindset. As you progress in your career, you may have the opportunity to specialise in a particular area of law, such as intellectual property, environmental law or human rights.
Professional bodies for law
Key professional bodies in this field include the American Bar Association (ABA), The Law Society (UK), and the International Bar Association (IBA). These organisations offer resources, networking opportunities and continuous development for law professionals.
Typical law-focused degree titles
Degree titles in this field may include Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM) or Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD or JSD). Some programs may offer specialisation in areas like Corporate Law, International Law or Criminal Law.
Skills any law student should have:
If you decide a law degree is the best university course for you, there are certain skills you’ll need to display or develop to be successful.
- Strong analytical skills
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving abilities
- Excellent oral and written communication
- Good attention to detail
- An ability to work under pressure.
- A high level of integrity
Which Universities Offer Law Degrees and What Are the Entry Requirements?
Studying law could lead to a rewarding career – and NCUK is an ideal pathway to get onto a top-tier law course overseas.
Our dedicated law webpage has more information and guidance on the options available. By completing an NCUK qualification, you have access to a wide range of Law courses at NCUK University Partners. Find more information about the wide range of courses, the universities offering them and the entry requirements using our course finder.