Studying Law

[mountainboo]

I posted a while back regarding the above. I am very keen to study Law as I think I will enjoy it. I have also been accepted at my first choice uni. However, my Brother-in-law who recently graduated with first class honors in Law has strongly advised against it as he thinks I will find it too hard. I am a mature student currently finishing A'Level English and am getting good grades with relatively little work. My intention would be to study Law over 5-6 years as opposed to 3 which is how long my Brother-in-law's degree took. I would eventually like to teach, not practice as a solicitor. My Brother-in-law has been accepted at Oxford and wants to become a barrister so he clearly has high aspirations. I am certainly not aiming that high. Do you think it's possible?

[brenda]

My advice would be to go for it.You are obviously thought through the implications of studying and have made a time plan.for yourself.I would not allow your brother in law to dissuade you.He should be in a position to help you, and willing to do so, if you were to get stuck and he should be a lot more encouraging.

You say you are a mature student and you will be used to making serious committments in study. I do not know anything about your life , but am sure you have a great deal of endeavour and commonsense. I applaud your positive outlook.
He wouldn't be a tad jealous that you can do this -- would he?
Sincerely all the best. Brenda.

[pussnboots]

My daughter went back to Uni when she was 34 and did a 3 year Law degree, then she did 2 years on a LPC, she did all this at the same time as looking after her 3 daughters, it was the best thing she'd ever done and never regretted one minute. You must do what's right for you, take no notice of you brother-in-law.

[mountainboo]

Thanks Brenda, those are comforting words. My husband is unfortunately of a similar opinion so I am now keen to prove them both wrong. My husband would prefer me to study English as it seems to be a subject I excel at, however I am not passionate about it. I should stop listening to my family's negativity and go for it. Thanks again Brenda

[mountainboo]

Thanks pussnboots. That's quite an achievement. I have one three year old, I can't imagine how difficult it must have been juggling a full time Law degree with 3 little ones.

[pussnboots]

Her husband was very supportive and we all chipped in with baby sitting duites. She tended to fit in her lectures with school hours and the odd times they clashed we all helped out.

[brenda]

moutainboo, like I said have a go , don't let the b***ards grind you down.Remember we are all here for you -- cheering you on. Sincerely Brenda.

[saxy_jag]

Of course it's possible. I have a friend who is a fully-qualified solicitor, specialising in testate law, who studied as a mature student (and single parent) at the same time as caring for her two daughters, aged 10 and 14. She's now working for a major firm of local solicitors.

Do remember that you'll need to study some form of postgraduate teaching certificate if you want to teach law. That's usually one or two years' extra study.

Go for it, and good luck!

[lcg]

you must do what you are passionate about. i was a mature student and felt that as i had come late to things, i had a right to do as i pleased and something for ME. he sounds jealous (your BIL). he may see how bright and keen you are and feel it is unfair if he had to work harder. fancy telling someone you shouldn't do something like that! you go for it...x

[sherrardk]

I think your BIL sounds like he is a bit of a big-head. Who's he to judge if you have the ability to do law or not. If you feel you can fit it in around your family commitments then you should go for it. It really cheese me off when people are so negative. Good luck.

[237SJ]

My friend studied law in her spare time. She was in her mid thirties and was working full time in a job that has really anti-social hours. She managed to get rostered off every tuesday night so that she could get to her university class. She used to come top of the class in exams and is a solicitor now. Good luck

[mountainboo]

Those responses are all very inspiring, thank you all. I will go for it and hopefully prove my family wrong

[Postdog]

you would rather teach than practice. Just a thought, but maybe being in a position to teach will depend on having practised

[brenda]

Good-- please keep in touch mountain and let us all know how you are doing.Remember we are all here for you.Sincerely Brenda.

[Canary42]

BIL sounds like a bit of a MCP, and as such no doubt is terrified that your qualifying would (in his bigoted eyes) devalue his achievement. This should be of no concern to you, if you really think Law will be more interesting than English then go for it.

P.S. I got an Honours degree (English incidentally) at the age of 65 so I'm sure it's possible for youngsters like you - GO FOR IT..

[Nini74]

go for it! if you're not sure about going to uni straight away, you can do the ILEX course (Legal Executives) - the Level 4 diploma's with them can be used to exempt you from the degre (in other words, same level) - I did the ILEX course, qualified as a Legal Exec, and then carried on in college to get my CPE exemptions, and then just did the LPC at uni (all part time as I worked full time). There are so many options as to how you want to study. Don't worry about you Brother-in-law's opinion - just go ahead and prove him wrong!

[boxtops]

Go for it, mountainboo - it's something I wished I'd studied way back when. I'm happy now with the job I have, but it's still an interest of mine. There is space for many different roles for a qualified lawyer - I think I posted on your original thread that my friend has a law degree is is very happy teaching the subject in an FE college. You're a mature student, you are not unrealistic about the commitment - you are confident - go for it. You've been accepted, the uni have faith in your abilities, which is a big plus.
Let us know how you get on - exciting stuff.