Choosing the right law school

Choosing a law school is a really important decision, you need to balance academic demands, course variety, teaching style and social activities on offer. It can be difficult to know where to start, so this helpful guide breaks down your decision into a number of factors. You can then decide on what is important to you and, hopefully, you will find your perfect law school match!

Teaching Style

There are lots of different ways of learning the law that you need to know to complete a legal degree. Some of the common methods include

Tutorials

• These are typically one to one or one to two lessons, you will be face to face with your tutor and given an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the topic of the week, as well as being pushed to reflect and think beyond the week’s reading.

• This is a challenging teaching style, but if you are independent and confident in your thinking then it is a very effective and personalized way to learn.

• This is a particularly prominent teaching style at Oxford University and Cambridge University.

Classes or Seminars

• Classes are smaller group learning settings, perhaps 7-12 people. This is probably the most similar learning setting to what you might be used to at A-Level. It provides some opportunity for discussion and group learning but is slightly less pressured than a tutorial.

Lectures 

• These are presentations delivered by a lecturer to a very large group of people. This allows in depth specialist knowledge on a particular topic. Whilst there might be a small opportunity for questions, a lecture does not usually involve discussion and is instead supplemented by independent work outside of the lecture. This is a good option for people who like to be told the information of the topic and given time to do independent research and reflection.

Different law schools will use a different combination of the teaching methods listed above. You should have a think about which teaching methods best suit your learning style and then prioritize universities that prefer this teaching method.

Grades and application

When choosing a law school, you need to be aware of the application process. For example, some universities require an interview, some the LNAT and some require quite high A-Level grades. Think about your strengths: are you predicted to do well in your exams? Do you have the skills for a good LNAT paper? Are you personable and able to think on your feet in an interview? Once you have identified your strengths you can match up to a law school that is looking for what you have to offer.

For an idea of A-Level requirements, take a look at the handy table below:

Course

All LLB law courses (and BA’s that are a ‘qualifying law degree’) get you to the same end result: a law degree that allows you to begin the path of becoming a practicing lawyer. But not every law school offers and requires the same modules – alongside the compulsory modules, there are a whole host of different modules that you can take as part of your law degree. Whilst you might not know exactly what modules you will enjoy best quite yet, if there is something you particularly want to study it is a good idea to have a look at the modules each law school has to offer. You can find these on the law school’s prospectus or website. Note also that different law schools offer different levels of choice and flexibility, so if you are really keen to take lots of obscure optional modules you need to pick a law school that gives plenty of choice.

Do

> Have a look at the universities list of options for non-compulsory models particularly if there is a module you are especially wanting to study.

Don’t

> be too critical or decided on what modules you think you will like/dislike. Remember you have not yet started studying law and you might surprise yourself!

Other

Choosing a law school is not all about academics. This is the place you are going to study and live for three years – so it is really important to get it right. Here are some things you might want to consider …

Buildings

• At law school you are likely to spend a fair amount of time in libraries, study spaces and lecture halls. So, take a look at what these buildings are like when choosing a law school, some law schools boast historical buildings, others big modern study spaces. It might not be a deciding factor, but it is worth having a think about before applying.

Living

• You are most likely going to live at university for three years. So, you need to consider living arrangements. Have a think about whether you would prefer a campus university, a college system, or student housing in a big city. The more comfortable you are in your surroundings, the easier it will be to focus on your law degree, so don’t neglect this factor and try to tour round the area the law school is in before applying.

Other opportunities 

• Attending law school is not just about gaining a law degree, there are many different opportunities on offer and you should check them out before making your decision. Perhaps you want to enter into legal mooting competitions, and a law school that boasts a great mooting and debating option would be a great fit for you. Or, it might be that outside of studying you would like to play a certain sport and want to pick a law school that has these facilities.

The decision that is right for you …

This handy guide aims to break down different points of consideration for you to have a think about when applying to law school: teaching style, grades, course and other. It is important to reflect on your personal preferences, skills and abilities and try your best to match these up to a law school. With all this in mind, remember that you will never know everything about what law school is going to be like until you get there, and whatever decision you make you will be on the way to becoming a practicing lawyer and enjoying a new experience. So choose a law school carefully, but once you have made your choice, focus on getting excited and prepared for the beginning of your law school journey!