Thinking of studying law at university? In his latest blog, Gareth Smith from Northumbria University’s Grey Society takes us through the basics of studying the LLB.

What is Law like at university?

The first thing you will notice at university is that everyone will have had a slightly different journey in getting to day one, term one. Whilst many students come direct from College or Sixth Form, others will be coming home from gap years or returning to education as mature students.

No matter you journey, university will be a big change. You are expected to read (lots!) before each lecture and do all your preparation for seminars (this can be up to 6 hours per session). Contact time is typically around 8 hours a week, but of course once you add in reading, assignments, and exam prep – this soon adds up to be the equivalent of a full time job!

Your week is split between lectures, seminars and free time – but use this wisely. Lecturers expect law students to learn independently; in the library, at home or at the law school. If you don’t do the work or seminar prep don’t be surprised if the lecturer asks you to leave or asks you more questions. Other tutors may not appear to care if you don’t come prepared, but they will focus their attention on students who are prepared, and this will mean that you spend extra time by yourself working everything out rather than having the change to ask all your questions. This may seem unfair, but if you love law then this will push you to do well. And ultimately, if you come prepared, you will get far more out of the sessions and really enjoy them!

Essentially it is your choice as to how much time you want to spend on your work at university, some days you won’t want to work and instead spend time with friends, others you will have no choice but to work if you want to keep up. Its complete OK to rest and enjoy your time at university, but you need hold yourself responsible for keeping up to date with your work and finding that balance between work and life.

As Benjamin Franklin famously said, ‘Those who fail to prepare, prepare to fail’ and nothing could be truer in your legal studies.

Do you need to have previously studied law?

Some students feel that having studied law at A Level or BTEC previously it will give them an advantage, but this is simply untrue. The only real advantage is you may have a good awareness of key concepts. This is a relatively small thing in the grand scheme of your degree and is usually covered in the introductions to new modules. By the second lecture – everyone is back on the same page!

Every topic from Criminal Law to Tort is completely different at university and I found that my previous knowledge from sixth form made things more confusing. My best advice is to treat being a law student at university as a new start and fresh chapter: forget what you think you know and drop any assumptions you have – it’s a whole new world in that lecture theatre!

How to pick a law course?

As with any big decision, remember that every person is different and that there are several routes to choose between so you really need to do your research into each university and understand how they deliver the course. What works for someone else might not be the best fit for you.

If you are aiming to become a solicitor you will most likely chose to study the LLB (undergraduate law degree) at university followed by the LPC or SQE (the new exams coming into effect this year – find out more about the SQE on our recent blog).

You will then try to secure a training contract at a firm of your choice – if you manage to get one of these during your undergraduate years then your LPC is often sponsored by your future law firm. Barristers will need to do an LLB followed by the BPTC after graduation and then secure a pupillage with a barrister’s chambers. If you already have a degree in another subject, you will need to do the GDL or PDGL conversion course before studying the LPC or BPTC.

I appreciate this can be confusing when you are starting our, but remember that you have time to choose which path to go down so really do your homework and don’t be afraid to ask lecturers or your law society for advice. Some universities like mine offer both the LLB and a master’s programme, which incorporates the LLB, a law masters and the LPC (SQE) or BPTC. I chose to do this option as it’s a different but longer course and you save money as student finance covers the full course cost.

Law firms are always looking for diverse employees, so a non-traditional route will not hurt your chances of getting a training contract. Putting it simply – you should choose what is best for you, and listen to the advice of the careers team at university!

How do you get that elusive work-life balance?

I can answer this almost immediately and say… you won’t ever feel like you have work-life balance completely nailed! If you are anything like me, you will always feel a week behind on work and the moment that you feel completely on top of things, a tutor will dump more some more work on you!

This seems to be the life of a lawyer. Learning to cope and find balance under pressure is not easy but you have to learn to just adapt. Having said this, you want to learn early on to prioritise making time to see your friends and family. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we need to socialise and stay healthy, so I highly recommend reserving an evening or two each week outside of exam season to call a friend, go to the pub and every once in a while visit home. Having a break from university work definitely refreshes the mind!

The most important thing is to take advantage of every opportunity and enjoy your time at university - it really does pass you by in a flash!

Gareth Smith is a third year Mlaw student at Northumbria University, Chair of Northumbria Students' Union Student Council and Fundraising & Volunteering Officer for The Grey Society (Northumbria’s Law Society). He is hoping to enter the sports and media law sector and is also passionate about gender equality and mental health work. 

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