Understand Your Rights. Solve Your Legal Problems
Not only do they have their similarities, but they also attract individuals who want to make a decent living in a dynamic field. If you’re having a hard time picking one or the other, read on. This guide will help you choose by the end of it.
Although lawyers are sometimes called accountants in the United States, their professions couldn’t be more different. The law deals with people, whereas accountants deal with numbers.
Lawyers are professionally licensed after passing the bar in their state of choice. With this qualification, they can advise clients on the impacts of the law and represent them in court.
Here are some things lawyers do in law work:
Lawyers can choose to go into many specialties, including family, personal injury, tax, corporate, labor, environmental, criminal, immigration, bankruptcy, property, and real estate law.
Accountants spend most of their day analyzing data, numbers, and financial situations. An accountant is legally allowed to file taxes and perform routine bookkeeping and payroll tasks.
Here are some things accountants do in finance work:
Accountants can also choose to go into many specialties, including auditing, forensics, government, investment, project, and management accounting. They can also be CPAs.
Accounting and law can suit all types of people, but you need to know what you’re in for. If you’re interested in either profession, use this guide to understand their pros and cons.
Even if an accountant goes to one of the finest American accounting schools, their education still won’t compare to the lawyer. Lawyers must get a bachelor's degree, just like an accountant, but they need to go to law school for an additional three years, which can become expensive.
Accountants have the option to get a further certification, the hardest of which is the CPA. To get a CPA, accountants need a bachelor's degree, 150 credit hours, get 30 months of accounting experience, and complete an exam. It can take 3 extra years for an accountant to get their CPA.
With that said, accountants don’t have to get a CPA, whereas lawyers have to pass the bar to practice. This makes becoming a lawyer more expensive and harder than an accountant.
Lawyers typically make more than accountants on average, but both professions generally pay well. On average, lawyers make $120,000 per year, whereas accountants make $71,500 per year. Lawyers also have the opportunity to make millions, whereas accountants don’t.
But with all that money, there’s a downside. Lawyers often face an aggressive job market that gets even worse when they open their law firm. Accountants have an easier time finding jobs because everyone makes money. You can go your whole life without needing a lawyer.
It’s important to note that accountants can make six figures if they get a CPA or other certification. Lawyers will make more in top law firms or if they open their law firm.
To be successful in either profession, you need to accept the fact that your job will be boring sometimes. Accounting is often seen as one of the most boring professions, whereas law is more dynamic and exciting. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t happy accountants.
A more laid-back career may be more your speed. Lawyers often have to run around, put out fires, and work long hours. This can contribute to a lot of stress, which can get so chronic that people will leave the profession. Around 50% of lawyers want to leave their current role or quit the profession entirely. You have to be okay with the negatives associated with the law.
While accounting can be boring, the profession has higher satisfaction scores. And even with AI and automation, accountants are still needed. Accountants are also more mobile than lawyers.
While accounting work is more boring, it’s much easier and cheaper to get into than law. Not only that, but accountants have a more accessible job market. On the other hand, lawyers get to experience a dynamic career that allows them to meet exciting new people every single day.
Choosing the right profession depends on your personality, needs, and budget. We hope that our article gave you some insight into how to choose between both career options.
A spokesperson for the school added that applicants will be required to clarify that they used an AI as part of the application process and certify that the information submitted is truthful. The spokesperson also noted that the school has previously asked prospective students to confirm whether they have used a professional consultant as part of their applications, and that AI tools are widely available regardless of applicants’ economic situations.
Arizona Law School dean Stacy Leeds said that the school wanted students to know that the use of AI is acceptable ahead of the admissions cycle beginning. 10 August. "This is just one more of the tools that is in their toolbox when they think about how to present their admissions package,” Leeds said.
Leeds pointed out that lawyers and law students are already making use of AI, but noted that the new policy is limited to prospective students. The law school is still in the process of drafting rules concerning the use of AI in the classroom and for coursework.
The move follows a decision from the University of Michigan Law School banning the use of widely used AI tools such as ChatGPT on student applications and requiring applicants to certify that they have adhered to the restriction.
If so, you’re probably wondering what to expect! Indeed, studying law can be a challenge. However, if you commit yourself to it, the benefits will be worth it! You will come away with a versatile, highly-regarded tertiary qualification that will give you access to multiple career opportunities. So, read on to learn what you can expect from studying law, as well as the job prospects that will be available to you once you graduate, and also, the many benefits of becoming qualified as a lawyer.
If you’re an aspiring law student, you will no doubt already be aware that there are many different types of legal qualifications you can choose to complete. One of these is a Master of Laws online. Importantly, by choosing to complete a Master of Laws or LLM via online study methods, you will enjoy a greater sense of freedom and flexibility when completing your degree.
As part of your online Master of Laws (LLM) degree, you will (quite obviously!) be asked to complete course units that will focus predominantly on legal studies. Some of these study units will involve electing from specific areas of legal specialisation - such as Property Law, Contract Law, Global Business Law, Litigation, Corporate Governance Law, and Tax Law - just to name a few! Further, as a law student, your course learning outcomes will include uncovering the core components and theories of law, as well as mastering the techniques of legal research, and also, learning how to strengthen your legal practice in the real world.
Of course, as an online law student, you will need to be able to access the course material remotely. However, once you’ve gained access to the virtual student portal, you’ll be well on your way to completing your online legal degree! Often referred to as the university intranet, the student portal is an essential resource when studying law online. It is usually the central place in which all course information, assessment guidelines, and other important study details are virtually uploaded. The student portal will also often be the site where links to upcoming virtual classes will be posted. Virtual classrooms are a central component of being an online student, and you will also need to also have access to virtual conferencing programs such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams to be able to attend them. Of course, this will save you the hassle of commuting to attend classes on campus! Indeed, when studying online, you will rarely be required to physically set foot within the walls of your higher education facility - saving you both travel time and money.
As a law graduate, the successful completion of your course will open doors to many exciting careers in the legal arena. You could choose, for example, to become:
Admittedly, becoming a private legal practitioner is often the most popular and common career pathway chosen by law graduates. This is because it is both a highly respected and lucrative profession. Indeed, a registered legal professional working in a private law practice in Australia, for example, can expect to earn up to AUD 100,000 annually.
If your preference is to represent clients in court, you may instead aspire to become a courtroom barrister. Importantly, the role of a barrister differs from that of a private lawyer in that they will often specialise in a certain area of the law, and represent their clients in court on that matter. As such, a barrister needs to have strong communication skills, must be confident speaking in public, and should have no reservations about appearing in court on their client’s behalf.
Public servants are often motivated by their values and their passion for social justice, as well as wanting to pioneer ethical issues. As such, they can often be paid a lower salary than their lawyer and barrister counterparts. Irrespective, this is a highly valuable and rewarding career and still requires the individual to have a strong understanding and knowledge of the law.
Undoubtedly, pursuing an illustrious, highly-regarded, and rewarding career in law has many benefits. Some of the benefits of being a lawyer can include
One of the predominant reasons many ambitious individuals pursue a career in the legal field is due to the generous salary they can expect to earn. While, of course, this is not the only reason to follow a legal career path, it is still a very valid motivating factor!
If you’re qualified as a lawyer, your career opportunities will be abundant. This is because a law degree is extremely versatile, and can be applied in many different professional situations. As such, you will never regret being qualified in law. Your career trajectory will thank you for it!
As a lawyer, you will benefit greatly from the Intellectual stimulation your role will provide you. Indeed, for many legal professionals, every day is a challenge and an opportunity to develop new skills and capabilities.
Lastly, you can’t go past the fact that being a lawyer is one of the most highly-regarded professions there is! By choosing to become qualified as a legal professional, you will earn the respect, admiration, and recognition of your peers, family and friends, and others in the community.
As an aspiring law student, it can be difficult to know what to expect. From the study commitment to the career prospects available to you once you graduate, we trust that this article has helped to shed some light on what is involved in becoming qualified in law - as well as the many benefits of becoming a lawyer!
Are you eager to help develop policies that will shape the future of our nation for decades to come? If so, then we believe it is time – now more than ever – for young people like yourself to join the ranks of next-generation leaders in law and policy.
Through developing technical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and creative problem-solving abilities, no doubt pursuing an education in this sector can provide a bright outlook and rewarding career path. Here are just some of the reasons why joining the movement toward progressive policymaking education can be beneficial:
Investing in yourself is one of the most valuable things you can do for your future. By gaining knowledge and skills in areas such as policy making, you open yourself up to new opportunities and potential for creating real change. Understanding the policy-making process and how it affects the world around us is essential to making informed decisions and driving effective change. By investing in your education and empowerment, you pave the way for a brighter future not only for yourself but for those around you as well.
In today’s world, countless social, economic, and environmental issues need to be addressed. To tackle these problems, it is important to connect with like-minded individuals who understand the gravity of the situation and are passionate about finding innovative solutions. We can learn from each other’s unique perspectives and experiences to come up with strategies that are effective and impactful. Whether it’s through networking events, online communities, upskilling ourselves by taking courses from institutions like NUS Lifelong Learning or volunteering with local organizations, there are many ways to connect with others who share our vision for a better world. With the power of collaboration, there is no limit to what we can achieve when it comes to creating positive change.
It's easy to feel like one person can't make a difference in the grand scheme of things. But what if you could develop strategies that could positively impact not only your current generation but those that follow as well? That's a powerful idea, and it's possible. It requires creative thinking, empathy, and a willingness to step outside of your own immediate needs and wants. Creating a roadmap for positive change is no small feat, but the rewards are immeasurable. Imagine a world where every small action contributed to a larger vision of a brighter future for all. It all starts with one person, and it could be you.
The world is full of opportunities and you never know where they might take you. One way to unlock these opportunities is to open yourself up to new career paths. In the public sector, there are a variety of roles that can lead to fulfilling careers. From local government to national organizations, there are endless opportunities to make a difference, tackle important issues and gain invaluable experience. Similarly, the private sector presents a plethora of career paths and specializations. Whether you’re interested in finance or marketing, there is sure to be a job that perfectly aligns with your passions and skills. By opening yourself up to new possibilities, you may find yourself on a fulfilling and rewarding career path that you never knew existed.
Policymaking education is vital for the upcoming generation of young people. Investing in your future and connecting with like-minded individuals to learn from others will provide the tools necessary to create meaningful strategies that contribute to positive outcomes both now and in the future. This investment in your future has the potential to unlock tremendous opportunities by opening yourself up to new career paths within either public or private organizations on both a local and national level. As we continue to work together towards progress, it’s important to recognize that effective policymaking is essential for encouraging innovation, fostering economic growth, protecting public health and environmental resources, and promoting social equity.
The teaching law firm model has parallels to the teaching hospital model traditionally seen in the medicine discipline context, providing the opportunity for our students to obtain valuable work experience and develop their practical skills alongside their studies.
NLS Legal was the first of its kind when it became regulated in 2015 and it remains a model that is rare in the UK and international higher education sectors.
As a teaching law firm, alongside the typical law school academic and extra-curricular opportunities (student societies; mooting; competitions, etc.) offered at Nottingham Law School, we give our students the opportunity to work under supervision in a regulated law firm. Data shows that this work experience complements and enhances our students’ academic and employability outcomes, with our students consistently more likely to achieve a higher degree classification when compared with their peers who do not undertake work experience with us alongside their studies. There are also opportunities for students to undertake paid placements with us and gain Qualifying Work Experience.
The second, and equally as important, aspect to our work is to help bridge the gap in access to legal services across Nottinghamshire. Through the very generous support of Nottingham Trent University, we can offer pro bono legal services to those who would otherwise not be able to access legal advice – be that because of their financial circumstances or due to other barriers, such as lack of availability of a local legal aid provider.
NLS Legal provides legal services to individuals and organisations, predominantly from the Nottinghamshire area, who are unable to afford or otherwise access legal representation.
Our ABS status, combined with the incredible resourcing Nottingham Trent University provides us, means that our team of practitioners can offer advice and representation across a large range of service areas – namely business, civil litigation, employment, family, housing, intellectual property, special educational needs and disability, victims’ rights and welfare benefits. Our service includes representing clients in the relevant Tribunal and Courts, and this includes opportunities for our students to undertake the advocacy in many of these cases, something which our Bar students find particularly beneficial.
The teaching law firm model has parallels to the teaching hospital model traditionally seen in the medicine discipline context.
Across our services there is also a significant focus on providing public legal education – through seminars, webinars and information sheets. Such activity helps to expand our reach; educates attendees of their rights and responsibilities and provides our student volunteers with opportunities to develop their presentation and communication skills.
Across the last academic year (2021-22), NLS Legal created 735 opportunities for 619 students, both undergraduate and postgraduate. In addition to extra-curricular volunteering, many students get involved as part of their course, with a number of modules incorporating an element of NLS Legal activity.
Students who work with NLS Legal support the experienced and qualified lawyers in their delivery of advice to clients. The opportunities afforded to students are not confined to case work, however, as students also support our practice management functions through administrative placements, and through the NLS Legal Student Committee with the committee acting as an important bridge between the firm’s full-time staff and the student body. The committee provides feedback from NLS Legal students on their experiences with the firm, promotes opportunities to other students within the law school, and undertakes fundraising activities for other pro-bono organisations like the LawWorks Law School Challenge.
I first joined NLS Legal – then known as Nottingham Law School Legal Advice Centre - in 2015 as a student volunteer, whilst undertaking my Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) at Nottingham Law School. Following completion of the GDL, I was then fortunate enough to secure employment as a Legal Assistant in 2016, working full time alongside the part-time Legal Practice Course programme from which I graduated from with a distinction in 2019. I was the first person to undertake their solicitor training and achieve qualification with NLS Legal, since it gained law firm status in 2015.
In 2020 I had the honour of winning the Modern Law Awards’ Paralegal of the Year, which was followed by success in Nottinghamshire Law Society’s Junior Lawyer of the Year in 2021.
My professional journey to date has given me the opportunity to practice across a number of different service areas and for a diverse range of clients. I suspect I am one of very few NQ solicitors who juggle Education & Special Educational Needs cases with Intellectual Property work!
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As set out above, I qualified with NLS Legal through the SRA’s Equivalent Means scheme. As with the training contract process, an applicant for Equivalent Means must demonstrate experience of practice in a variety of areas (including contentious work) with a set of assessment criteria which aligns with the SRA’s competency framework.
That being said, the Equivalent Means route can be much more flexible than a more-traditional four- (or six-) seat training contract, allowing an applicant to aggregate experience gained over a number of years – and potentially with different employers – as is the case with QWE.
Having attained qualification in October 2022, I am looking forward to growing our much-needed Special Educational Needs & Disability service and expanding the service into other education-related matters, such as school exclusions and admissions appeals. Furthermore, like many of my NLS Legal colleagues, I would like to be able to contribute to policy and law reform using the University’s pedigree in research to complement the work of our practice.
Additionally, in line with NLS Legal’s mission as a teaching law firm, I am looking forward to further my mentoring, training and supervision of those who are at an earlier stage in their legal careers – be they full-time members of staff with our firm or be they Nottingham Law School student volunteers who work alongside their studies.
Callum Scott, Solicitor
NLS Legal
Nottingham Trent University – Nottingham Law School
Tel: +44 01158 482648
Callum Scott is a newly qualified solicitor at NLS Legal, Nottingham Law School’s ‘teaching law firm’. Callum’s undergraduate degree is in Chemistry and, having completed the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course, he completed his training via the SRA’s Equivalent Means route. Equivalent Means has elements of both the training contract and of the new Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) routes to qualification.
NLS Legal is an SRA-regulated law firm fully integrated into Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University and operating as an Alternative Business Structure (ABS). NLS Legal provides pro-bono legal services to individuals, start-ups and not-for-profit organisations across a number of practice areas. NLS Legal was named ‘Law Firm of the Year’ at the LexisNexis Legal Awards 2022.
I am Principal Lecturer for the Practitioner Portfolio at Nottingham Law School. In this role, I develop tailored continuing professional development courses for law firms and individual practitioners and oversee a team of NLS tutors and practitioner consultants who regularly teach on the courses. I joined the Law School in 2002. Before that, for many years as a qualified solicitor, I practised commercial litigation with a national law firm.
My role at NLS ranges from leadership of strategy for the Practitioner Portfolio to line management of colleagues and external faculty, coaching students for negotiation and mediation competitions and designing and delivering practical courses for practitioners which emphasise the skills required in the practice of law and how delegates may develop their skills after the course. I coach colleagues in leadership and management, sit on course design committees in the University and am a member of the School Academic Standards and Quality Committee.
One of the most common complaints about formal legal education and training is that, whilst the experience may be interesting and even enjoyable, nothing happens afterwards as a result. There is no ‘bottom line’ benefit. Whilst we cannot control what delegates do or do not do differently once they leave the course, we can offer some guidance on how to maximise the chances of delegates translating their learning into relevant action for their practice.
The practitioner courses at NLS are all based on an approach to learning called reflective practice. The approach encapsulates much of the classic theory about how adults learn.
‘Continuing’ is the focus of our courses which require delegates to reflect on what they have experienced in their practice, on the course and following the course. Our aim is to introduce tools for the development of these skills, provide a framework for practising those suggested methods and encouraging, by application of reflective practitioner principles, to adapt their learning to other contexts. The pedagogy is transformative and produces graduates with the ability to grow their mindset and achieve excellence in their endeavours.
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‘Learning by doing’ or experiential learning at first instance might imply the requirement for physical engagement and until 23 March 2020, this was our preferred means of delivery. Interaction and engagement are key to the successful achievement of the learning outcomes and metacognitive enrichment in the delegates. Providing delegates with a ‘safe environment’ to practice skills underpins the successful delivery of experiential learning. Movement around NLS’s small group classrooms to complete tasks is traditionally central to the effectiveness of delivery of ‘learning by doing’ pedagogy.
However, the pandemic lockdown on 23 March 2020 forced us to question this belief. Could we deliver our constructively aligned experiential learning courses online? Could we replicate the physical movement between groups and outputs from group discussions? Would the tutor be able to ‘sit’ among the delegates to give feedback and facilitate guidance on the tasks? Could we ensure delegates’ access to and engagement with the course and mental health?
With these questions in mind, we turned to Microsoft Teams and created a ‘virtual NLS’. Delegates raced around the virtual group rooms created within the Team, documents were created on communal Word documents, and tutors ‘sat’ in their dedicated group’s channel – which frequently split into subgroups, causing tutors to ‘jump’ between the calls in their subgroups. Tutors moved around the group rooms to ‘judge’ advocacy hearings and delivered short plenary sessions in a dedicated plenary channel. Timing was crucial, so tutors liaised in a locked Tutor channel to co-ordinate timing and preparation.
We adapted our sessions and pushed Teams to the hilt to replicate our teaching ethos. It worked. What did we find?
Delegates would visit the Team at the end of the days’ sessions (which would finish earlier than the physical course to limit time on screen), and work offline with other team members to discuss or prepare a task for the next day’s session. They worked simultaneously on a Word document to which their dedicated tutor also had access to give feedback. This was effective for giving feedback on cross-examination questions. Delegates also found they could ‘call’ or message their tutor through Teams. It was a pleasure to witness the delegates’ engagement and enthusiasm given this new regime and the anxiety of the pandemic.
Providing delegates with a ‘safe environment’ to practice skills underpins the successful delivery of experiential learning.
Now we are back in person, have we changed our approach in any way? Yes, we have. The underpinning pedagogy of our courses remains but our approach to physical delivery has changed. MS Teams is a permanent feature of our delivery in conjunction with face-to-face sessions. Using the communal Word document to provide immediate and recorded feedback in a session in addition to being able to walk the room to facilitate group work has enhanced delegates’ experience. From a tutor perspective, the reams of papers or emails that would fly around to exchange documents in a task have gone. The exchanges take place via Teams.
Building on our experience and success, we explored the possibility of taking our experiential learning offering purely online but this time with intermittent rather than constant tutor interaction. The topic we identified, given NLS’s experience in delivering IP courses, would be an online interactive means of academic learning about Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the first instance. Armed with that knowledge, the student would progress to the application of their knowledge to practice in commercial intellectual property.
Interactivity and student engagement are key to the design. We worked with the NTU digital team to create a digital experience that ensures that the time poor student will remain engaged and part of the NLS community. The result is an online Postgraduate Diploma in Commercial Intellectual Property.
The course is delivered at the student’s pace. They choose when, where and for how long to study. Each section has a ‘time to read’ indicator which assists the student in planning their time to engage with the course. Some of the sessions are narrated as well as being produced in writing so the learner has a choice and accessibility has been reviewed across the course.
We have done the hard work for the student by identifying what they need to know, how to apply it in practice and advise clients. The aim is to teach students how to begin to think like an IP lawyer, using the tools of reflection on what they have learned on the course and their practical experience to date, which may not be in the practice of IP.
Joy Davies, Principal Lecturer
Nottingham Trent University – Nottingham Law School
Tel: +44 01158 482206
Joy Davies is Principal Lecturer for Nottingham Law School’s Practitioner Portfolio of courses as well as Director of the Mediation and Dispute Resolution Hub that sits within the Centre for Legal Education. Among her many professional roles, she is a member of the NTU Coaching Academy, a member of the Law School Academic Standards and Quality Committee, and for several years was Verifier for Standards and Quality for one of NTU's international collaborative provision partners. She also received the Vice-Chancellor's Outstanding Academic Practice Award in April 2022.
Nottingham Law School is one of the UK’s largest and most established law schools. Its courses are accredited or approved by a range of professional bodies, including the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Bar Standards Board and the Intellectual Property Regulation Board. Nottingham Law School also allows students the unique opportunity to gain unique real-world experience through NLS Legal, its in-house teaching law firm.
Beth Brindley at Blacks Solicitors discusses legal apprenticeships, her experience and why more people should consider non-traditional routes into the legal sector.
As a vocational career, many people often have an idea that they want to work within the legal sector, but there can be barriers that are presented by the more traditional routes, such as university. Legal apprenticeship schemes allow for diversity and can give people who might not be able or want to go to university the opportunity to still achieve their dream career.
Legal apprenticeships have seen a huge increase as more people become aware of the opportunities that are available. In fact, according to The Lawyer Portal, there has been a 40% increase in the number of apprenticeship opportunities made available in 2021, and there are an estimated 2,000 apprenticeships offered nationally across around 400 employers. They present an alternative way to become a lawyer, paralegal, or chartered legal executive without having to study law at university.
Legal apprenticeships are government-backed and employer-designed schemes that involve working and studying. Ultimately, a legal apprentice should be able to end up qualifying in whichever legal field they find most interesting.
There are a number of legal apprenticeships that are available. For example, at Blacks Solicitors there is a choice of three apprenticeships schemes: Level Three Paralegal, Level Seven Solicitor and Graduate Solicitor. The Level Three Paralegal apprenticeship takes two years to complete and the entry level is 96 UCAS points. The Level Seven Solicitor apprenticeship takes six years to complete and is suitable for anyone with no prior legal education. The entry level is 128 UCAS points. And finally, the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship takes 2.5 years to complete and is suitable for those who’ve already completed their law degree or PGDL.
After realising that I wanted to become a lawyer and that university was not for me, I carried out a lot of research to understand the different options that were available, which at the time were not well publicised. I found the solicitor apprenticeship route via BPP University, which led me to Blacks Solicitors.
Ultimately, a legal apprentice should be able to end up qualifying in whichever legal field they find most interesting.
I am the first apprentice to qualify at the firm through the Level Seven Solicitor Apprenticeship, and I was one of the first to apply when it was first offered at Blacks in 2016. The course gave me significant opportunities to experience life in a variety of different teams, gain valuable experience in a well-respected law firm and receive payment as I learned.
In general, as a legal apprentice you are likely to spend around 80% of your time working in the firm and 20% studying with the academic provider.
The scheme is designed to present apprentices with the opportunity to gain a range of experience to develop legal skills, commercial awareness and knowledge of different areas of law. However, it is important to remember that each apprenticeship will differ in terms of roles and responsibilities.
For example, I started as a Solicitor Apprentice in September 2016 and throughout my apprenticeship I gained experience across a variety of teams before qualifying in the Corporate and Commercial team. My apprenticeship gave me the required skills to specialise in commercial contracts including T&Cs, supply contracts, distribution contracts and licence agreements. I have also secured expertise in intellectual property and trade mark registrations.
For anyone who knows that university is not for them, it is important to remember that there are still options when it comes to achieving their dream career. As with many sectors, the apprenticeship route presents a fantastic opportunity to leave the traditional education system and learn on the job.
Whilst academia and learning is critical for a job in the legal sector, the workplace requires an additional set of skills which are not currently taught in our education system. Apprenticeships offer the best of both worlds, with the academia broken up with practical, hands-on experience.
After six years, I have the same qualifications as somebody who has followed the ‘traditional route’, in addition to no student debt and an invaluable skill set that most university graduates do not have.
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Working closely with a provider such as BPP University and a good law firm that places its people at the heart of business decisions will also mean that apprentices are able to balance their time between study, work and general life. This in turn means that not only are you being paid, but that you can still experience the same things that university students do.
As with any route into a new career, there are always important considerations to take into account. Always make sure to research the company that you are planning to apply to. Whilst the apprenticeship route presents lots of opportunities and benefits, it can be very stressful.
A good law firm that appreciates its people will ensure that you have a good work-life balance and that the proper support is there whenever you need it. This also includes the culture – working somewhere with a good culture where employees get involved and socialise with each other will make settling into the job more straightforward and enjoyable.
Securing as much experience as possible will also be extremely beneficial to anyone looking to apply for a legal apprenticeship. For example, during my application process, I went to the local magistrates’ court and sat in, and also became involved in a week-long mock case at my college.
You should not be scared to throw yourself into the legal world, but at the same time, that is not always possible. Using resources such as social media platforms and networking events can also contribute to an impressive CV and show your dedication to the profession that you have chosen. More information on legal apprenticeships can also be found on the Blacks Solicitors website.
Beth Brindley, Solicitor
City Point, 29 King Street, Leeds, LS1 2HL, UK
Tel: +44 01133 222809 | +44 07542 684721
Beth Brindley is a solicitor in the Corporate and Commercial team at Black Solicitors. She deals with a range of commercial matters including the drafting and reviewing terms and conditions and other commercial contracts, advising on intellectual property-related matters and assisting with an array of music law matters.
Blacks Solicitors is a 28-partner firm that provides a wide range of legal services to commercial and private clients in Yorkshire and across the UK. Blacks provides advice on corporate and commercial law, commercial property, leasehold enfranchisement, planning and highways law, employment and human resources, commercial and civil dispute resolution and litigation, residential and Buy-to-let conveyancing, wills and probate and family law.
Concision is a key issue that requires attention in a law essay. Every point you introduce requires to be supported by authorities. It can be a statute or a case law. Pay attention to the structure and type of law essay you are writing, such as compare and contrast, critical analysis, argumentative, and descriptive.
A law essay focuses on legal issues which can be both current and historical. You can compare and contrast the application of justice in the past and modern society. You could look at key amendments to the constitution. Sometimes, the lecturer could be specific on the topic to cover. It is beneficial to request help from assignment services if you have difficulties writing or lack time.
The key features of an attractive law essay include the following:
● A strongly defended and clear thesis statement
● Use of correct references and quotations
● Writing concisely in the right style
● Following a well-defined structure and flow
● Expressing a high creativity level based on deeply researched arguments that respond to the essay question.
● Being attentive to details while focusing on the essay question
● Staying within the legal frameworks and using the simplest language possible
The professor will love your essay if he notices you are keen when selecting the topic. It must be aligned with the essay question and directly address the issue at hand. Every legal paper provides an analysis of the law, which requires you to study the law and research its application widely. The information you get will give you broader ideas on the topic to choose. Structure the topic in a way that makes it attractive in the eyes of the reader.
The amount of information required in a law essay is huge. You will be required to gather it from multiple sources and consolidate it into the most appealing essay. This calls for proper planning from the starting point to the end. Since you require ample time, the first item should be the amount of time you need to complete a detailed law essay. Give yourself enough time and, if possible, the maximum time.
If you have two weeks to the submission date, plan how you will do your research. Based on the type of essay you are writing, research to know the types of sources that will provide the right information. Plan how you will access each source, the amount of information to get from there, and how to get it. It is crucial to record each source for the sake of references. Create a writing plan based on the information available to you. This includes the points to use in each section and how to use them.
The outline helps to make sure you do not leave out any important point or section. If you fail to create a good outline, your essay law essay structure will be flawed. The outline draft includes every point that you will use in the three main parts of an essay. There will be one key point for the introduction, three or four points for the body, and another point for the conclusion. Write guided by the outline and then write the final draft based on the outline draft. Pay attention to these three parts.
While you create the plan, it is important to note that you need the best resume to apply as an intern or to find your first job. To ensure success, approach a write my essay for me service. Getting professional help is your best option to impress the recruiters who scan your CV as the first thing when you apply for a job.
In this section, state clearly what the essay is about. Most creatively, inform the reader what your discussion is about. Hook the readers by making the introduction engaging and interesting. The paragraph concludes with a thesis statement that tells the reader how you will interpret the law and its importance in the topic.
Mostly, the body of a law essay consists of three or four paragraphs. It is the main part of the essay and covers the key arguments. This is the section where you provide your evidence to the point stated in your thesis statement. Each body paragraph is a unique unit that covers one point plus its supporting evidence.
A good body paragraph structure covers three main sections. It starts with the main sentence, which introduces the key argument. The middle part contains the supporting information to the point. You may include relevant minor points to provide greater weight to the main point. The final section is the concluding sentence which crowns the entire paragraph. It is also the transition sentence into the next paragraph and point.
The conclusion is the last paragraph of your law essay. It reaffirms your points in the body and the thesis statement. Provide a summary of your main point in this section. You may provide a suggestion about what might need further research but avoid introducing a new point.
A good essay structure should be simple and easy to follow. Stay within the academic writing guidelines and language. Make sure every source used is referenced based on the citation style of law essays. Use phrases such as it is possible that …, this question deals with…, and it can be argued that …
Writing a law essay is different from writing a case file. You are required to demonstrate your understanding of the law in your araguments. Each argument should be systematically and logically developed. Keep the structure neat, coherent, and effective. With the right information, it should not be difficult thing to write a law essay. What is required from you is a high level of creativity and thinking outside the box.
LSAT was the standard examination a student must pass to get admission into a law school. There were no alternatives, and options like SAT and ACT that had been accepted by other graduate schools were not either.
Some MBA programs even accepted GRE scores or GMATs but law schools only demanded LSAT scores. Due to this, many students faced difficulties once they opted to go to law school. Most gave up the idea entirely, causing emerging lawyers to be less diverse.
Once law schools started recognizing this drawback, they started allowing students to take the GRE exams for admissions. The first university to consider GRE in 2016 was Arizona State University. Harvard Law School took the next step the following year, which eventually resulted in GRE becoming accepted.
The ABA (American Bar Association) accredited eighty-four law schools and now accepts both GRE and LSAT. An LSAT Test Prep is an excellent option to prepare for upcoming GRE exams for law school admission. However, if you are still unsure or confused about GRE, you are at the right place. Stick till the end to learn more!
GRE is now accepted by renowned law schools across the U.S. and has been since 2016. Harvard and Arizona State University caused other leading schools to jump on the bandwagon. There are nearly a hundred ABA-accredited universities that accept GRE scores. The American Bar Association voted in favor of GRE exams in December 2021, further strengthening the focus on the GRE instead of the LSAT.
Nearly 84 ABA-accredited law schools accept GRE scores. Some well-known universities include:
● Harvard Law School
● Indiana University Maurer School of Law
● Arizona State University
● Florida State University College of Law
● Columbia
● Yale
● University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
● Cornell
The list includes private law schools too and is expected that nearly every law school in America will start accepting GRE eventually. A full list from ETS can help you see if your desired school accepts GRE.
Nearly 199 law schools have ABA accreditation. Out of these, 84 accept GRE scores. With these numbers, it is easy to see that most law schools still demand the LSAT, and you will have more options by taking the LSAT exams.
However, no facts or figures prove whether a law school that accepts both gives preference to one score over the other. Even though most law schools accept LSAT scores, GRE has a range of testing dates and several opportunities. You must always check application requirements before sending in your scores and application.
No, it is no different getting admission with GRE scores. Law schools started accepting GRE scores to diversify the lawyer pool, so there is no reason why they would disregard GRE applicants. Even though statistics, it has been proven that GRE and LSAT exams have the same ratio of success. No one type leads compared to the other.
Yes, there is surely a certain GRE score that different law schools expect when you apply for admission. You can use the ABA Standard 509 Information Report to gather data on various universities and what score you need. It is also a good idea to research a university's site and program requirements before applying. Go through the following steps to see where you land with your GRE score:
● Get higher percentile scores for GRE Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning from the university website of your choice.
● Match your own scores with the two scores mentioned on the site for a high percentile like the 75th or 85th percentile.
● If your score is higher, you have a good chance of entering. If it's lower, you should try to get into or aim for a higher score to land in the higher percentile.
● Students who land in the higher percentile are considered brighter and our go-to options for new admissions.
● Make sure to look at the minimum GRE score requirement mentioned by the law school. Having a score below that means you will not be considered at all.
● Private schools have greater GRE score demands than public law schools.
● Always compare your scores with the latest reports released for each university you wish to apply to.
The future of the GRE is quite bright, and it is expected that nearly all schools will start accepting the exam scores shortly. 84 school accreditations in just five years clearly show how popular it is among students and law schools.
If you are worried about opting for the GRE to apply to your favorite law school, then we recommend letting your fears go! The option is great as most universities acknowledge GRE scores, and the exams are less difficult than the LSAT.
Congratulations for having made it to university to pursue your degree in law. But before you enjoy the milestone you have made, you must know that the first weeks in law school can be full of thoughts, anxiety, and excitement. Without the right guidance, you can start your law school life in the wrong way.
Don’t worry. In this article, you’re going to learn hand survival tips for freshmen law students. Note that these tips can also help any student regardless of the course you’re pursuing. Let’s get started.
The first week in law school can feel like things aren’t going to work the way you expected. Remain focused on what you want to achieve and work on creating a friendship with other legal students. Staying focused can help you overcome or overlook challenges that are probably going to come your way in your first week at the university.
Making friends at this juncture is also important because friendship can extend beyond school. Some of the people you befriend can refer clients and bring more business your way once you start practising law after school.
Law school life is a tough one. That’s why before you decide to pursue a law degree, you need to determine whether you’re really prepared to handle the mountains of work involved. From essays to legal reports and tons of assignments, if you don’t know where to seek help, life can be miserable.
The first week can be the best time to find the best essay writing services so that you know you have someone to relieve you of some work in case your hands are full.
Note that there are plenty of essay writing companies out there so make sure you do enough research and find one that can take care of all your academic writing work.
Different people learn differently. Some students like taking notes by hand while others prefer to use a laptop. Note that some universities have some preservation about how to take notes. Some will allow you to use any method as long as you take notes while others strictly allow students to take notes by hand.
If you prefer to take notes using your laptop, you need to find ways to avoid distractions.
You also need to find ways of backing up your notes because anything can happen to your laptop and in just a blink of an eye, you lose your semester’s worth of notes.
The earlier you prepare yourself, the better you will be able to overcome most of the challenges legal students face.
Professors use the first weeks to give learners a syllabus for their classes. Take time to read over the syllabus because you might not have ample time to read it. Dedicate the first week to preparing yourself for the semester by understanding what you will cover throughout.
Use that time to organise your studies so you don’t miss classes, assignments, and other important tasks.
The thought that you have already got into your university of choice to pursue your law degree can make you think that you will not face any challenges. Never let these thoughts overcrowd your mind because university isn’t the usual college life like that of high school. Don’t get scared though.
The truth is that you’re going to face challenges in your first week at law school as you try to adjust yourself to cope with the new life. Just be prepared to overcome any challenge you face along the way.
The first week of law school is probably the busiest of all the time you will be in the university. It’s easy to forget to take care of your mind and body. No matter the temptations to get all things done for the first week, don’t sacrifice your health for your studies.
Even though there are a lot of preparations in your first week, you should find time to exercise and ensure you get enough time to sleep. After all, you aren’t going to sit for an exam in your first week. Just focus on making the right preparations for the semester.
If you have been skipping classes in high school, be warned. Every class in the university, especially for legal students counts. Even though not all professors will penalise you for skipping classes, missing a single class could make you lag in many things. Attend all classes and do everything your professor assigns you.
A lot of things will happen in the first week. For instance, your professor might call on you in class to answer a question or do something. You might be asked to talk about something or volunteer to teach others a concept you know. Regardless of what your professor does, take it as a learning lesson.
Use your first week in college to figure out where everything is. While this sounds a no-brainer, many legal students ignore this advice and end up struggling to figure out things later.
Spend time figuring out where school offices are, students’ lounges, and more. Remember that when the semester gets in full swing, you will not be able to find the best dissertation services because you will be focusing on completing the syllabus and taking school assignments. So use this time to figure out where you can seek dissertation help when the time comes.
For someone just out of high school, life might seem a bit tough. But don’t feel like you’re a loner in the desert because professors are there to give you full support where you need it. Be open to them so that they can find ways to support you. Ask questions during office hours so that your professor can clear the confusion you have and give you a good direction for your studies. Participate in class. If you have a question, feel free to ask during lectures.
You can’t do everything randomly in a law school. You need to establish a way of doing things by having a routine. No matter how smart you are, you’re going to struggle if you don’t have a study routine. Establish a daily or weekly routine that works best for you.
Law school resources are there to help you succeed. Besides, you pay for them. Why not use the library or any other helpful resource located within and without the university. Your professor is also a great resource. If you want to be the best lawyer, befriend your professors.
Use the first week of classes to socialise with other legal students, especially in the second or third year. Since they are already ahead of you, they can help you with survival tips you may not get anywhere. They can tell you what to expect during the first semester or even the whole year. This will help you figure out how to prepare yourself.
The first week at law school is also the best time to learn more about various school groups and clubs. Remember that as you participate in these clubs and other school groups, don’t forget about your school goals. Strive to have a balanced school life.
Law school life is a tough life. Use the first week to prepare yourself appropriately to face all the challenges you will come across as you work to succeed in your career.
Good luck!
