Tips for Final Year Law Students

Article written by Caitlin Graham, Lancaster University LLB graduate.

Coursework

Try to not leave it to the last minute to do your coursework. It’s always best to start planning early soon after your coursework question(s) gets released so that you won’t be rushing in the run up to the deadline.

Look back at your previous coursework from your first and second year to see where you tend to lose marks.

Remember that, in order to reach the higher grades, you need to critically analyse. This essentially means engaging with other academics’ views and linking back every paragraph to the question.

Exams

Stress will naturally coincide with exams. However, you can minimise stress by doing certain things. Here is a list of ways to reduce stress:

• Manage your time effectively by planning and prioritising.
• Make time for some sort of exercise throughout the day – whether it be going to the gym or going for a walk, exercise is very important for maintaining both mental and physical health.
• Take regular breaks in between studying so you don’t burn out!

Training Contracts

Try not to stress too much about not getting a training contract – only a minority of law students graduate university with securing one. Instead, focus on the present by concentrating on your final exams and assessments that are coming up. There is always time to apply for training contracts after graduating.

Future Plans

Unsure of whether you want to be a solicitor or a barrister, or even pursue a career in law at all? Spend some time either now or after graduating, applying to any law-related work experience opportunities.

There is no rush to qualify as a solicitor or barrister! Do things in your own time and at your own pace. If it makes more sense to complete the LPC, SQE, or BPTC in six months or a year’s time after graduating, do so. As these courses are very costly and time-consuming, it might be better to not just jump straight in to one a couple months after completing a law degree.

Developing transferable skills is crucial and is extremely useful for not just job applications but life in general. If you do not have a job after graduating, be open-minded and apply to a range of jobs. Another good route to take is volunteering if you do not already. Volunteering not only shows that you are committed to a legal career but will be very beneficial to the experience you hold.