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10 Books Every Law Student Should Read

30 Jan, 2024 | Blog Articles , Get the Edge , Humanities Articles , Law Articles

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5. “Learning the Law” by Glanville Williams

Similar to   About Law   at number one, this book is a slightly more detailed explanation of the English legal system.

It was first published in 2002, so it’s important to note that some of the passages are a little out of date now. That said, we’ve still included it on the list as it covers lots of legal fundamentals clearly and in a good level of detail.

6. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

A second fiction book, Lee’s novel is about racism and society in 1930s America. Like   Bleak House , it’s a classic in its own right. The specific relevance to Law students is that its main character, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer tasked with defending a man shunned by everyone else.

Finch represents the legal ideals of justice and equality, and the book is a great source of inspiration for those wondering why law is important, and why rights must be protected. Legal heroes – even fictional ones! – remind us why we’re studying the law.

7. “Jeremy Hutchinson’s Case Histories” by Thomas Grant

From a fictional hero to a real one, this is a recent book about the numerous, thrilling cases that criminal barrister Jeremy Hutchinson has been involved in. From drug smuggling to the “Profumo affair”, Hutchinson represented some of the most notorious characters to have appeared in the courts in the last century.

His techniques and his level of success in court are incredibly impressive. I recommend you read this for a taste of the thrill and importance of life as an advocate.

8. “Winning Arguments” by Jay Heinrichs

Keeping with the theme of advocacy, you might like to read Jay Heinrichs’  Winning Arguments . The theme of the book needs little explanation but has particular relevance to Law students. Much of the work you will do, both as a student and a lawyer, will involve coming up with arguments that appear to be correct (even if they aren’t), to give both sides fair representation.

Heinrichs’ book is full of good advice on how to structure your ideas and use clever rhetorical techniques. It’s also light-hearted and fun to read!

Oxford Scholastica Academy students visiting law courts as part of the Law summer school.

9. “Lord Denning, A Life” by Iris Freeman

Linking back to some of the earlier books on the list, this biography is worth a read as inspiration for any aspiring lawyers. I’ve already given a brief insight into the importance of Lord Denning and the uniqueness of his writings, so I thought I’d include his biography in case you’d like to find out more.

As well as being a great judge, Lord Denning is an important figure because he rose to such a lofty position from a very poor family, with no prior links to the law at all. While many English judges have been wealthy or even aristocratic, Lord Denning worked his way from humble beginnings to the position of Master of the Rolls (the second-highest judge in the land) and the Master of the Court of Appeal. Nor did he forget his past when he reached these heights, as his approach to the law proves.

I recommend this book because it shows that you can become a great lawyer no matter where you come from.

Jurisprudence: A Choice of Three

My last recommendation is not actually one book, but a choice of three.

Jurisprudence is the study of the philosophy of law (or why and how it exists), and Ronald Dworkin, Herbert Lionel Adolphus Hart and John Stuart Mill were some of the pre-eminent thinkers in this subject.

10 (i). “On Liberty” by John Stuart Mill

Mill believed that the most important thing in society was the liberty of the individual. He said that the only justification for law was to prevent harm to others. 

10 (ii). “The Concept of Law” by Herbert Lionel Adolphus Hart

Hart thought that law was simply a collection of man-made rules, which we create and then choose whether we’re going to follow or ignore. 

10 (iii). “Law’s Empire” by Ronald Dworkin

Dworkin, meanwhile, felt that law was a product of morality, and that law cannot exist without it. His ideas are therefore directly opposed to those of Hart, and the two authors argued about this for many years (the question remains unresolved). 

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The Ultimate Guide to Writing an Outstanding Law School Personal Statement

Dazzle admissions with your legally awesome personal story, introduction.

Let's face it: you've spent countless hours studying and acing the LSAT, and now it's time for the pièce de résistance – the law school personal statement. This is your golden opportunity to showcase your personality, and put your best legal foot forward. But don't worry, this guide has got you covered. In no time, you'll be writing a personal statement that could put John Grisham's early drafts to shame.

If you're ready to convince law school admissions committees that you're the next Ruth Bader Ginsburg or Thurgood Marshall, then buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the world of crafting the ultimate law school personal statement.

1. Know Your Audience: The Admissions Committee

First and foremost, remember that you're writing for the admissions committee. These are the gatekeepers of your future legal career, and they've read more personal statements than there are citations in a Supreme Court decision. To avoid becoming a legal footnote in their memory, keep the following in mind:

  • Be professional, but also relatable. You don't want to sound like a robot that's been programmed to spout legalese.
  • Avoid clichés like "I want to make a difference" or "I've always wanted to be a lawyer." Unless, of course, you've been dreaming of billable hours since you were in diapers.
  • Consider what makes you unique. Remember, this is your chance to stand out among a sea of applicants with equally impressive academic records and LSAT scores.

2. Choosing Your Topic: Make It Personal and Memorable

When it comes to choosing a topic for your personal statement, think of it as an episode of Law & Order: Your Life Edition. It's your moment to shine, so pick a story that showcases your passion, resilience, or commitment to justice. Consider these tips:

  • Use an anecdote. Admissions committees love a good story, especially one that shows your problem-solving skills or ability to navigate tricky situations. Just be sure not to end up on the wrong side of the law!
  • Reflect on a transformative experience. If you've had a life-changing event that led you to pursue law, share it! Just remember to keep it PG-rated.
  • Discuss a personal challenge you've overcome. Nothing says "I'm ready for law school" like demonstrating your resilience in the face of adversity.

3. Structure and Organization: Your Legal Blueprint

Now that you've chosen your topic, it's time to draft your personal statement. Like a well-organized legal brief, your statement should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Consider the following tips for structuring your masterpiece:

  • Begin with a strong opening. Start with a hook that will capture the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading. Think of it as your own personal Miranda warning: "You have the right to remain captivated."
  • Develop your story in the body. This is where you'll expand on your anecdote or experience, and explain how it has shaped your desire to pursue a legal career. Remember to be concise and avoid meandering – this isn't a filibuster.
  • End with a powerful conclusion. Tie everything together and reiterate why you're the ideal candidate for law school. Just like a closing argument, leave the admissions committee convinced that you're the right choice.

4. Style and Tone: Finding Your Inner Legal Wordsmith

When it comes to your personal statement, you want to strike the perfect balance between professional and engaging. After all, no one wants to read a 500-word legal treatise on why you should be admitted to law school. To achieve this delicate balance, follow these style and tone guidelines:

  • Write in the first person. This is your personal statement, so own it! Using "I" allows you to convey your unique perspective and voice.
  • Keep it conversational, yet polished. Write as if you were speaking to a respected mentor or professor. Avoid slang, but don't be afraid to inject a bit of your personality into your writing.
  • Employ dry humor sparingly. A little wit can make your statement more enjoyable to read, but remember that humor is subjective. It's best to err on the side of caution, lest you inadvertently offend the admissions committee.
  • Be precise and concise. Legal writing is known for its clarity and brevity, so practice these skills in your personal statement. Aim to keep it between 500 and 700 words, as brevity is the soul of wit (and law school applications).

5. Revision: The Art of Legal Editing

It's been said that writing is rewriting, and this is particularly true for your personal statement. Once you've drafted your masterpiece, it's time to don your editor's hat and polish it to perfection. Follow these tips for a meticulous revision:

  • Take a break before revising. Give yourself some distance from your statement before diving into revisions. This will help you approach it with fresh eyes and a clear mind.
  • Read your statement out loud. This technique can help you catch awkward phrasing, run-on sentences, and other errors that might not be apparent when reading silently.
  • Seek feedback from others. Share your statement with trusted friends, family members, or mentors who can provide constructive criticism. Just remember, opinions are like law school casebooks – everyone's got one, but you don't have to take them all to heart.
  • Edit ruthlessly. Don't be afraid to cut, rewrite, or reorganize your statement. Your goal is to make your writing as strong and effective as possible, even if it means sacrificing a clever turn of phrase or an endearing anecdote.

6. Proofread: The Final Verdict

Before submitting your personal statement, it's crucial to proofread it thoroughly. Even the most compelling story can be marred by typos, grammatical errors, or other mistakes. Follow these proofreading tips to ensure your statement is error-free:

  • Use spell check, but don't rely on it entirely. Some errors, like homophones or subject-verb agreement issues, may slip past your computer's watchful eye.
  • Print your statement and read it on paper. This can help you spot errors that you might have missed on-screen.
  • Enlist a second pair of eyes. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can catch mistakes that you've become blind to after multiple revisions.

Crafting an outstanding law school personal statement may seem daunting, but with the right approach and a healthy dose of perseverance, you can create a compelling and memorable statement that will impress even the most discerning admissions committee. So go forth and conquer, future legal eagles! And remember, as you embark on your law school journey, may the precedent be ever in your favor.

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  • Personal statement advice: law

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What should you write in a law personal statement?

Bringing your interest in law to life is key. If you’re already studying law, then you might want to talk about topics you've enjoyed and any wider reading you've done.

Haven't studied law at A level (or equivalent)? Don't worry – there aren't usually subject-specific entry requirements for law degrees. Learn more about the 'unspoken rules' of university entry requirements here.

Dr Murphy suggests these other ways to demonstrate your engagement with law:

  • A book you’ve read that had a legal dimension to it.
  • Work experience, which could be in a solicitor’s firm or a mini-pupillage, but equally could be shadowing at your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), some charity work, or even your Saturday job.
  • Visiting your local magistrates' court, the Crown Court, or your nearest employment tribunal. As Dr Murphy puts it, ‘the English legal system is open and receptive to those wishing to experience law in action’.
  • Join a debating club, or start your own. If you have the opportunity to conduct a personal project or the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) , consider giving it a legal focus.

But don't simply list what you've done. Write about relevant experiences in your statement in a reflective way. What did you see? What did you learn? Why did it enhance your interest in law?

What else to include in your law statement

  • Why you want to study law: bring this to life by focusing in on aspects of law that are of particular interest to you, how it relates to your current studies, and what additional reading you've embarked on. But keep it concise – three or so paragraphs is probably fine.
  • How your skills fit: demonstrate that you have, or are developing, the skills needed for success in law – from public speaking to persuasive writing, or your meticulous attention to detail when writing essays.
  • Current affairs: the University of Cambridge (and many other universities) like applicants who keep up-to-date with current affairs and who are interested in the legal implications of the latest news stories.
  • Good written English: sentence construction, spelling, and punctuation are absolutely vital, and sometimes a cause for rejection.
  • Combined course applications: if you're applying for law in combination with a different subject, make sure you demonstrate something relevant to the other subject too.
  • What you've drawn from extracurricular activities: this is another good way to demonstrate your motivation, skills and enthusiasm for the course.

What not to do in your law personal statement

  • Fail to research your chosen courses: all that talk of your passion for company law won't impress a uni that doesn't offer it as an option.
  • Spelling and grammatical errors: as Dr Murphy says, ‘law is a discipline of precision, so being careless in such an important document will not bode well for a future legal career’.
  • Not explaining why it's relevant: if you read the law section of The Times, that’s great, but make sure you elaborate on why it's relevant to your application. Try reflecting on a specific article or feature, for instance.
  • Overuse of quotations: ‘don't try too hard to impress with quotations. I don’t care what Locke thinks, I want to know what you think!’.
  • Use clichés: including overuse of the word 'passion' or the phrase ‘law is all around us’. Don't just say it, demonstrate it in a personal, concise way. And remember, less is more.

Are a law personal statement and LPC personal statement the same?

No, these are two different things.

A law personal statement is part of the UCAS application process when applying to study law.

A personal statement for the Learning Practice Course (LPC) is submitted to the Central Applications Board (CAB) when applying to LPC training to become a solicitor, having already completed an undergraduate law degree (or conversion course).

While it is also a personal essay which you use to sell your skills, experience and passion for law, it is very different to a law personal statement – for one thing, the word limit for a LPC personal statement is 10,000 characters ( compared to 4,000 characters for a UCAS personal statement ).

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Paul Bodine

Great Personal Statements for Law School 1st Edition

Expert guidance in creating a high-performance personal statement--essential for admittance to law school

Nationally known consultant Paul Bodine has helped thousands gain admission to elite professional schools. In Great Personal Statements for Law School , he helps you ace your personal statement, the most critical part of any law school application.

  • ISBN-10 0071453008
  • ISBN-13 978-0071453004
  • Edition 1st
  • Publisher McGraw Hill
  • Publication date January 5, 2006
  • Language English
  • Dimensions 7.25 x 0.5 x 9 inches
  • Print length 160 pages
  • See all details

Editorial Reviews

From the publisher.

Paul Bodine is the Senior Editor at Accepted.com, one of the oldest and most successful online admissions consulting services. His clients have consistently earned admission to such elite law schools as Harvard, NYU, Virginia, Duke, Northwestern, Cornell, Georgetown, and Vanderbilt.

From the Back Cover

Expert guidance to writing the all-important personal statement that will get you accepted by your first-choice law school

Your grades are nearly perfect and your LSAT scores are stellar--but that's not enough to get into a top law school. You have to stand out from a crowd of super-achievers, and the best way to do that is with a great personal statement.

Great Personal Statements for Law School is the only book to take the personal essay apart, piece by piece, and show you how to put it all together--from rough draft to finished product--with maximum effect. Written by expert Paul Bodine, the nationally known consultant who has helped thousands gain admission to elite schools, this guide will make it easy to ace your personal statement with:

  • Six "data-mining" techniques for brainstorming raw material
  • An effective system for moving from outline to writing, revising, and editing
  • Detailed strategies for answering the most common essay topics
  • More than 25 actual essays by successful applicants to top schools like the University of Chicago, Georgetown, and Cornell
  • Expert tips for customizing essays to particular schools, waging a guerrilla wait-list campaign, and submitting "value-added" dean's letters

Writing the personal statement can be daunting.... Mr. Bodine's book is an excellent resource."--Derek E. Meeker, Associate Dean, Admissions and Financial Aid, University of Pennsylvania Law School

Great Personal Statements for Law School presents a practical approach to applying to law schools and "crafting" winning personal statements!"--Lynell A. Cadray, Assistant Dean/Dean of Admission, Emory University School of Law

About the Author

Product details.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ McGraw Hill; 1st edition (January 5, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0071453008
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0071453004
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.25 x 0.5 x 9 inches
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About the author

Paul bodine.

Follow Paul on Twitter (@paulsbodine) and LinkedIn (in/paulsbodine).

One of America's most experienced admissions consultants (serving clients since 1997), Paul Bodine has helped hundreds of applicants worldwide gain admission to such elite business schools as Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Chicago, Kellogg, MIT Sloan, Columbia, Dartmouth (Tuck), Berkeley (Haas), London Business School, INSEAD, Yale, New York University, Duke, Cornell, and Virginia, among many others. He has been interviewed by or featured in the Financial Times, BusinessWeek, Wall Street Journal, US News and World Report, and Money magazine. His law school clients have been admitted to such elite programs as Harvard, Columbia, NYU, Virginia, Duke, Northwestern, Cornell, Georgetown, and Vanderbilt. Paul's services to customers include strategizing on application strategy, editing admissions essays, recommendation letters, and resumes, admissions interview preparation, and more.

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50 Real Law School Personal Statements: And Everything You Need to Know to Write Yours (Manhattan Prep LSAT Strategy Guides)

Personal statements are of vital importance to any law school application. This book provides expert guidance on what the ideal essay should look like and how to write it. What qualities characterize a winning personal statement? How does a mediocre personal statement become one that leads to acceptance at a top law school? In this one of a kind collection, jdMission's senior consultants review and critique 50 real personal statements by law school applicants. If you've ever wondered what other people are writing in their law school personal statements and how they measure up, this book is for you. If you are looking for a guide on how to write your own personal statement, this book will leave you with 50 key tips coupled with real-world examples. If you are searching for a topic idea, this book has 50 of them.

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Paul Bodine

Great Personal Statements for Law School (EDUCATION/ALL OTHER) Paperback – 5 Jan. 2006

Expert guidance in creating a high-performance personal statement--essential for admittance to law school

Nationally known consultant Paul Bodine has helped thousands gain admission to elite professional schools. In Great Personal Statements for Law School , he helps you ace your personal statement, the most critical part of any law school application.

  • ISBN-10 0071453008
  • ISBN-13 978-0071453004
  • Publisher McGraw-Hill Education
  • Publication date 5 Jan. 2006
  • Language English
  • Dimensions 18.42 x 1.27 x 22.86 cm
  • Print length 160 pages
  • See all details

Product description

From the back cover.

Expert guidance to writing the all-important personal statement that will get you accepted by your first-choice law school

Your grades are nearly perfect and your LSAT scores are stellar--but that's not enough to get into a top law school. You have to stand out from a crowd of super-achievers, and the best way to do that is with a great personal statement.

Great Personal Statements for Law School is the only book to take the personal essay apart, piece by piece, and show you how to put it all together--from rough draft to finished product--with maximum effect. Written by expert Paul Bodine, the nationally known consultant who has helped thousands gain admission to elite schools, this guide will make it easy to ace your personal statement with:

  • Six "data-mining" techniques for brainstorming raw material
  • An effective system for moving from outline to writing, revising, and editing
  • Detailed strategies for answering the most common essay topics
  • More than 25 actual essays by successful applicants to top schools like the University of Chicago, Georgetown, and Cornell
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Writing the personal statement can be daunting.... Mr. Bodine's book is an excellent resource."--Derek E. Meeker, Associate Dean, Admissions and Financial Aid, University of Pennsylvania Law School

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By Nik Taylor (Editor, The Uni Guide) | 21 September 2023 | 13 min read

Writing a law personal statement: expert advice from universities

Make your law personal statement stand out from the crowd in a competitive field, with these tips from university admission experts

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Be clear about why you’re choosing law

  • Read more: how to write an excellent personal statement in ten steps

Back everything up with examples from your life

  • Read more: how to write your university application

Keep your personal statement personal

  • Read more: teacher secrets for writing a great personal statement

Swerve the clichés

  • Read more: personal statement FAQs

Don’t worry about writing the wrong thing

  • Read more: the ten biggest mistakes to avoid when writing your personal statement

Make the bigger connections

  • Read more: universities reveal all about personal statements

Include any legal work experience on your personal statement

  • Read more: universities explain how to end your personal statement with a bang

If you can’t get formal work experience, consider visiting your local court

  • Read more: how to write your personal statement when you have nothing interesting to say

Work experience in other fields could still be relevant to your law personal statement

Highlight the key skills.

  • Read more: how long does it take for universities to reply to your application? 

Don’t just list things out

Some last tips from the universities….

  • Plan your personal statement : a well-structured and presented personal statement is going to be more persuasive. An attribute we are looking for in law students.  
  • Pay attention to the detail : lawyers are required to be precise and accurate, so ensure that your application does not include grammatical or spelling errors. 
  • Ensure that you research the courses that you are applying to : discussing your interest in an area of law is not going to come across well if the course that you are applying to does not offer it. 
  • Focus on you : it is called a personal statement for a reason. For law courses, this is often the only insight that a university has into you as an individual, so make sure that your motivations, your experiences and your skills shine through. 
  • Avoid cliches : no one wants to read about your ‘passion for law'.

You may want to look at these...

How to write an excellent personal statement in 10 steps.

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  • How To Write Your Law Personal Statement

Last Updated: 16th September 2017

Author: UniAdmissions Blog

Table of Contents

The key to writing a good personal statement to study law lies in bearing in mind the purpose of a personal statement

The purpose of a Personal Statement is generally to demonstrate a student’s interest in their chosen subject, and secondly, to evidence his or her suitability for the study of that subject. Admission tutors want to read an honest characterisation of you as a student and as individual. 

Of course, before you begin looking at the law-specific aspects of your Personal Statement, you should ensure that you have a firm understanding of how you should plan, structure, write and edit your statement in a general sense. If you would like to learn more about this, we would recommend checking out our Ultimate UCAS Personal Statement Guide , which will provide you with plenty of information and tips to ensure you perfect your Personal Statement.

if you’re ready to learn how you can perfect your Personal Statement for law, then let’s start with the key principles to consider when writing your Law Personal Statement.

The Two Principles of writing your Law Personal statement

There are so many things to consider when writing a personal statement that sometimes, you don’t which ones to follow or prioritise. There are two additional things to bear in mind where law personal statements are concerned:

Your interest and suitability should be demonstrated in relation to law as an academic subject - not law as a career. Principle #1

The LPC (Legal Practice Course) and the BPTC (Bar Professional Training Course) are separate courses geared towards making a student prepared for a career in law. In contrast, an undergraduate degree in law at university is not – it focuses, instead, on law as an academic subject. It is best practice to avoid speaking about your interest in the legal profession and focus instead on what it is about law as a subject that draws you to it.

For example, consider important law-related academic milestones of recent years and discuss how these have influenced you. You can mention cryptocurrency or the commercial use of drones. These topics might not seem law related at first, but the required legislation to have these elements present in society is most definitely a law problem. 

Writing the personal statement is itself an opportunity for you to demonstrate skills which the study of law would require. Principle #2

Namely, the ability to make a coherent case (in this case, for your admission), to follow a clear structure and to express yourself concisely. A fun approach you could take is to think of your personal statement as your case to prove you are guilty or innocent (in other words, deserving of a place at your chosen university). Bring some charming humour into it and make it a memorable personal statement. 

What to Do Before writing your law personal statement

You might be wondering: how can I demonstrate interest in law as a subject when I have little knowledge on what studying it at university will involve? This problem can, however, be overcome through adequate preparation before writing the statement. One way to prepare is by reading law books – that is – introductory law texts suitable for those who have never studied law before. One such text is Criminal law: the basics – by Jonathan Herring.

  • Wider Reading: Discover our recommended law reading list

It is important to read these texts not to learn about Law, but to gain some insight into what studying Law involves and why you find it interesting. Articles in the news on Law-related subjects can also be useful in introducing you to controversial legal issues; for example, The Economist previously published an article on the European Court of Justice’s ruling on a discrimination case (concerning whether employers can sack employees who refuse to remove their headscarves).

Mentioning such issues in your Personal Statement, and, more crucially, explaining why they draw you to the study of Law, as well as your thoughts on how the issues should be resolved, can be a great way to demonstrate your interest. Another preparatory step to take before writing the statement is work experience.

This, however, is not essential, and any work experience you complete should only be mentioned if it somehow increases your interest in Law as an academic subject or if afforded you the opportunity to develop skills which will enable you to be a good Law student.

Don’t worry if you’re not able to find work experience: another thing you can do is go into a court to watch a court case (courts in this jurisdiction are open to all). Another worthwhile activity is undertaking an extended essay or the Extended Project Qualification at school; this can give you the opportunity to develop research skills and look into a Law-related topic over a long period of time.

Writing Your law personal statement: structure and style

A good structure to follow is to dedicate the first half of the statement to showing your interest in studying Law, and how you developed that interest through reading books, articles and doing other activities. The second half of the statement should be where you produce evidence of your suitability for the study of Law.

One thing to bear in mind whilst writing the statement is that it is best not to be dramatic; it can be tempting to use a multitude of adjectives – this should be avoided as the statement tends to start sounding silly. Besides, a better technique for producing an interesting statement is using examples to evidence statements and being as precise as possible. The link below has a great example of a personal statement for Law application. 

Success rates for students studying Law can be as low as 12% – UniAdmissions’ average success rate is 57%.

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How to Structure Your Personal Statement for Law

It’s hard enough knowing what to include in your personal statement for law before even thinking about the structure it should follow. That’s why our contributor, Devangi, has outlined a framework of just how to do that.

So before you submit your UCAS application, read on for some tips on the way your text should be laid out so that it makes sense and impresses university admissions tutors.

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1. Section One: Personal Statement Introduction

Your personal statement introduction should showcase your motivations behind pursuing a law degree . Consider the following questions:

  • What inspired you to study law? Were you intrigued by political events? Did you read an interesting article or book that encouraged you to pursue it further
  • What interests you about a law degree?
  • Are you interested in a particular area of law ? If so, what have you done to demonstrate that interest?

Avoid starting your introduction with cheesy quotes, unless it forms part of your motivation for studying law. Often, people find writing the introduction the hardest part, so if it helps, write it last.

2. Section Two: Academic Experience/Supercurriculars

This section should comprise the majority of your personal statement for law. Bear in mind that admissions tutors are more interested in your academic experience (and suitability for the course), rather than your affinity for a particular musical instrument.

Think about the following:

  • How do your A-Level subjects relate to law? For example, studying history develops essay-writing skills, while maths enhances logical reasoning skills. Tutors are interested in evidence of independent work outside of the curriculum; perhaps you read an interesting article about Charles I’s execution that got you thinking about the monarch’s role in the judicial system.
  • Have you attended any summer school or taster courses? Rather than listing things you have done, instead reflect on them critically – What did you learn? What did you do to develop your interests in concepts introduced to you at these events?
  • How can you demonstrate your interest in law? Have you completed an online course on an area of law you find interesting? Have you participated in any mock trials ?
  • Mention any reading materials that challenged you intellectually – This could be a book, an article or a magazine. Rather than summarising the content, focus on critically evaluating the material; did you agree with it? Why (or why not)?

3. Section Three: Practical Experience

Although not essential, practical experience is a good way of demonstrating your interest in law beyond the classroom. There are a number of ways to gain practical experience:

  • Work experience or vacation schemes are the standard ways of displaying practical experience. Spending time at a solicitor’s firm or shadowing a barrister can provide an invaluable insight into a potential legal career path, as well as vital exposure to contemporary legal issues.  When writing about work experience in your personal statement, avoid presenting a wide overview of what you did. Focus on the relevant skills you learned or a particular aspect (like witnessing a trial) that you were interested in and carried out further research on.
  • Witnessing a court trial in person can serve as a springboard for further intellectual inquiry – Perhaps you saw a criminal trial and the theoretical dispute concerned whether the defendant had the mens rea (intent) to commit the crime. This is a great way to engage with legal questions and form an opinion on them.
  • If you have had a non-legal job, that can also be useful as you may have picked up valuable skills that are relevant to law. For example, working as a tutor requires you to communicate your ideas logically and teaches you how to engage with different types of people.

4. Section Four: Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities should only take up a small amount of your personal statement. Try and choose extracurriculars that demonstrate skills required in a law degree like perseverance, organisation and motivation.

  • Mention any podcasts you listen to regularly that deal with current affairs or legal issues, like Today in Focus or  Law in Action . This is particularly good as it can directly be linked to law and you can discuss if you found a specific episode stimulating (and how that allowed you to do further research).
  • If you play any sports, this can be a great way to demonstrate important skills like teamwork and communication.

5. Conclusion

Your personal statement conclusion should reiterate why you are a suitable candidate for law. Remember that there is no set formula for producing a perfect personal statement conclusion. It has to be tailored to what you have written in your own statement.

Instead of repeating what you have already mentioned, consider writing about what you hope to achieve on the course and/or what your future career aspirations are. This will ensure that you have a good overall structure for your personal statement.

Words: Devangi Dave

  • Things to Avoid in Your Personal Statement for Law
  • 4 Things I Wish I’d Known Before UCAS
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"I just don't accept that," Mr Sunak replied, citing education and saying "our schoolchildren are now the best readers in the Western world".

Former spokesperson for Tony Blair, Alistair Campbell, has speculated that "next week PR [proportional representation] will be on the agenda". 

"Because if you have Labour getting a massive majority with fewer votes than [Jeremy] Corbyn, Lib Dems doing really well with fewer votes and Charles Kennedy, Nick Clegg, and Reform getting millions of votes but a few seats, people are going to go, 'oh, hold on a minute'," he says.

The UK has a first-past-the-post system, where the candidate who gets the most votes in a constituency wins - no matter the size of their vote percentage. 

Proportional representation is a type of system in which the number of seats a party wins more closely corresponds with the percentage of the vote it won. 

Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips has finished now, but we'll be continuing with our live politics coverage here.

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law books for personal statement

Books to Read for Law Personal Statement

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Articles for you

Writing a law personal statement: expert advice from universities

Writing a law personal statement: expert advice from universities

How to write an excellent personal statement in 10 steps

How to write an excellent personal statement in 10 steps

Personal statement secrets – universities reveal all

Personal statement secrets – universities reveal all

Personal statement FAQs

Personal statement FAQs

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  1. 50 Real Law School Personal Statements

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  2. Law School Personal Statement Writing & Editing Help Online

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  3. Law personal statement (1)

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  4. Law School Personal Statement Guide

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  5. 50 Real Law School Personal Statements

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  6. Law School Personal Statement

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  1. Sara's *Law* Personal Statement Advice

  2. Law Books 📚

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  4. LAW Admission Test LAT Guess Paper 2024 || How to Get 100% marks in LAT Test

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COMMENTS

  1. 10 Books Every Law Student Should Read

    1. "About Law" by Tony Honoré. This is the first book I read when I decided I wanted to study Law. It's also the only one I put on my personal statement when applying to Oxford. I think it's sometimes better to read and enjoy a small number of high-quality books than to try to discuss hundreds of things you don't fully understand.

  2. 50 Real Law School Personal Statements: And Everything You Need to Know

    If you are looking for a guide on how to write your own personal statement, this book will leave you with 50 key tips coupled with real-world examples. If you are searching for a topic idea, this book has 50 of them. Read more Report an issue with this product or seller. Previous page. ISBN-10. 1941234542. ISBN-13. 978-1941234549.

  3. Law School Personal Statement: The Ultimate Guide (Examples Included)

    Part 1: Introduction. The law school admissions process can feel confusing, scary, and overwhelming. Questions like "What LSAT score do I need?", "How many law schools should I apply to?," and "Do law school rankings matter?" likely weigh on your mind.. But amid all the uncertainty, there's one thing we know for sure: the two most important components of your law school ...

  4. Guide to Writing an Outstanding Law School Personal Statement · LSData

    Be precise and concise. Legal writing is known for its clarity and brevity, so practice these skills in your personal statement. Aim to keep it between 500 and 700 words, as brevity is the soul of wit (and law school applications). 5. Revision: The Art of Legal Editing.

  5. How to Write A Standout Law Personal Statement

    The personal statement is a piece of writing which you send off with your UCAS application to different universities. It's capped at 4,000 characters (so will often end up running for about one side of A4), and serves as the best way to differentiate yourself from other applicants to the most competitive courses.

  6. Law Personal Statement

    A personal statement for the Learning Practice Course (LPC) is submitted to the Central Applications Board (CAB) when applying to LPC training to become a solicitor, having already completed an undergraduate law degree (or conversion course). While it is also a personal essay which you use to sell your skills, experience and passion for law, it ...

  7. Reading Suggestions from Cambridge Law Students

    Reading is a great place to start, and books like those mentioned above can be excellent springboards for further thought and develop ideas that you can write about in your personal statement or ...

  8. Great Personal Statements for Law School

    Great Personal Statements for Law School. 1st Edition. by Paul Bodine (Author) 4.0 19 ratings. See all formats and editions. Expert guidance in creating a high-performance personal statement--essential for admittance to law school. Nationally known consultant Paul Bodine has helped thousands gain admission to elite professional schools.

  9. 50 Real Law School Personal Statements: And ...

    If you've ever wondered what other people are writing in their law school personal statements and how they measure up, this book is for you. If you are looking for a guide on how to write your own personal statement, this book will leave you with 50 key tips coupled with real-world examples. If you are searching for a topic idea, this book has ...

  10. Great Personal Statements for Law School (EDUCATION/ALL OTHER)

    Buy Great Personal Statements for Law School (EDUCATION/ALL OTHER) by Bodine, Paul (ISBN: 9780071453004) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. ... You have to stand out from a crowd of super-achievers, and the best way to do that is with a great personal statement. Great Personal Statements for Law ...

  11. Successful Personal Statement For Law At Cambridge

    Law Personal Statement. Law is the epitome of human reason; it is the force that holds society together and the cornerstone on which great civilizations were built upon. By dictating a code of conduct which everyone had to abide by, it has created a system of accountability and allowed society to flourish. However, Law is never static.

  12. How to write the PERFECT Law Oxford & Cambridge Personal Statement with

    Discover expert advice from successful Oxbridge applicants to write a flawless personal statement. Learn effective techniques to incorporate Law seamlessly. Master concise, persuasive writing and enhance time management skills. Increase your chances of securing a place at Oxford or Cambridge. Read now for the perfect Oxbridge personal statement.

  13. Writing a law personal statement: expert advice from universities

    Plan your personal statement: a well-structured and presented personal statement is going to be more persuasive.An attribute we are looking for in law students. Pay attention to the detail: lawyers are required to be precise and accurate, so ensure that your application does not include grammatical or spelling errors.; Ensure that you research the courses that you are applying to: discussing ...

  14. These Things Will Make Your Law Personal Statement Stand Out

    Books. Reading plenty of books is another great law school personal statement tip will help you write better. By reading law orientated books you will add to your own knowledge, but also prove that you have the proactivity needed to study law and understand the theories of the core modules you'll be studying during your degree.

  15. 4 Law School Personal Statement Examples + Analysis and How-to

    Overview: This essay was also written by a student with significant work experience prior to applying to law school. As in the other essay by a returning student (Example 1, above), it does an excellent job of explaining what the prior career entailed and how the experiences she gained in that career are what encouraged her desire to be a lawyer working in the field of family law.

  16. How To Write Your Law Personal Statement

    Writing the personal statement is itself an opportunity for you to demonstrate skills which the study of law would require. Principle #2. Namely, the ability to make a coherent case (in this case, for your admission), to follow a clear structure and to express yourself concisely. A fun approach you could take is to think of your personal ...

  17. Books to read for a Law Personal Statement?

    For example, I could recommend The Structure of Liberty by R. Barnett; or Hayek's Law, Legislation and Liberty (although, it is a difficult text and harder to engage in without background knowledge on competing theories). Perhaps a bit of Hohfeld could work, but that is very technical - could show some great analytical prowess and is a vital ...

  18. How to Structure Your Personal Statement for Law

    Often, people find writing the introduction the hardest part, so if it helps, write it last. 2. Section Two: Academic Experience/Supercurriculars. This section should comprise the majority of your personal statement for law. Bear in mind that admissions tutors are more interested in your academic experience (and suitability for the course ...

  19. Law Personal Statement Books

    Law Personal Statement Books Showing 1-10 of 10 Misjustice: How British Law is Failing Women (Paperback) by. Helena Kennedy (shelved 1 time as law-personal-statement) avg rating 4.41 — 971 ratings — published 2019 Want to Read saving… Want to Read; Currently Reading ...

  20. Law Books For Personal Statement

    Law books for personal statement serve as valuable resources for individuals seeking to pursue a career in law. These books encompass various subjects and provide insightful information, guidance, and examples that can immensely assist aspiring law students and professionals in shaping their personal statements. One prominent type of law book ...

  21. Books to read for law personal statement

    Vladimir Poutine. 13. LSE (not applying there but their website is useful) has a list of books for preliminary reading, which consists of: T Bingham The Rule of Law (Allen Lane, 2010) S Chakrabarti On Liberty (Allen Lane, 2014) C Gearty On Fantasy Island: Britain, Europe, and human rights (Oxford University Press, 2016)

  22. Books to read for law personal statement?

    I'm particularly interested in criminal law, human rights/international humanitarian law, and family law, so books on them would be appreciated as iwould find them easier to write about, but anything really that isn't the following. 'Learning the Law'. 'The Law Machine'. 'Letters to a law student'. Thanks!!!

  23. Election latest: Elton John backs Labour and Starmer in general

    Sir Elton John endorsed the Labour Party and Sir Keir Starmer in a video message at a major Labour campaign rally in London. Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak was mobbed by worshippers at a temple in London.

  24. Books to Read for Law Personal Statement

    If a uni has human rights law as an optional module in the second year, would it be worth mentioning human rights in my personal statement? The thing that got me interested in Law was the ongoing situation in Kashmir and the Indian government's refusal of basic human rights to the Kashmiri people. In the last couple of minutes, I have come across a book called Comparative Human Rights Law by ...