I'm Moving...

Learner Lawyer has moved to:

http://learnerlawyerblog.com/

Enjoy the snazzy new logo and layout!

Useful Things a Law Student Can Do

1. Read.

2. Highlight. Copiously.

3. Learn how to drink gins and tonic.

4. Go to lots of Law Fairs. Network, and get the free pens. 

5. Start a blog. Or read mine.

6. Use your summer holiday - go somewhere new. 

7. Potential Barristers: Become a Barista.  All you need is a dyslexic Barrister to read your application and you've got yourself to the top of the pile!

8. Re-evaluate your entire life and do a business degree.  You'll make more money.

"Diarize" - Wherein LL Rants

Henceforth these rants will be written a la Denning MR.  Good luck.

Source: Daily Mail Online

Many students go to University to learn. They find it very satisfying when they are able to go to lectures that are so kindly presented to them by their tutors.  Indeed, some rather eminent individuals may be invited to impart their wisdom to these students. How fortunate indeed we are that such opportunities are offered for them!  I refer my nobel friends to my obiter in "So You've Made it to Lectures."

Our post-Norman tongue, English, is one most incredible to use.  The simple form of a noun can be taken into consideration and transformed through the impossibly complex yet somehow easy manipulation, to become a verb.  For those desiring brevity of speech this is truly remarkable.  Instead of one considering the entirety of a sentence, its context, and the appropriate syntax, one may now simply highlight the important noun and make it the 'doing' of the statement.  One can, for example "Google" this or that such thing (although Google Inc despise this and send out very cross letters to point out it is a proper noun, not verb - to preserve their trademark).  The Common Man may "Tweet" now - identifying the message sent over the radiowaves to Twitter as a "Tweet" then making use of our glorious language to say:

 "Ah! My good fellow! What a spiffing turn of phrase! I do believe I shall type that into Twitter and press send. Yes, that's the right thing to do.  Good day!"

Source: BNPS.co.uk

Could one say, then, that "bed" is also a verb? "I'm going bed" being an example.  No.  In my esteemed opinion, this is simply a northerner with no teeth trying to communicate: "I'm going t'bed" reduced to "I'm going bed" because the "t" can no longer be sounded due to some previous mishap with a ferret.  Presumably down a pit.  In that town which features in the Hovis advert.

The Corporate Environment

Here we see our stock "Corporate Team."  As we note, they are all incredibly attractive - one could even conceive they are models hired specifically for such a picture to be taken? Not so! What deception.  Rather, these are colleagues caught unexpectedly as they stand looking serious yet inclusive; smart but not too smart; casual yet formal.  

Who better, then, to help shape common tongue in business and legal environments? 

The Linguistic Case in Point

Here, language changes begins in our corporate realms.  These high echelons of dictatorial nature shape our economy and even politics.  Such hasty conversations now necessitated.  The flexibility of the English language is in no doubt irreplaceable as such.

Herein lies the true issue.  Diarise.  Or, more precisely Diarize.  

Created Online Using http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk

To search for the Ordinary definition: 

(v) "Note an appointment in a diary"  In archaic use in the early 20th century, but most prolific in use commencing 2010.

A more accurate definition of the word, if I may be so bold: 

(n) "I'm a self important, completely self-absorbed, slightly Americanised, earwax crusted toilet-bunny with limited language skills.  Here, just hold my Blackberry, I urgent Patricia."  For example:

Corporate idiot 1:  "Hey! Edward! I haven't had time to diarize that yet, can you blackberry me the schedule, hashtag urgent?"

Corporate idiot 2: "Sure thing, pal. I'll touch base with you later, meantime let's, like, drill down next week's proposal."

Passer by: "Shut up, you utter nobhead."

It is the delight of many to make imprints of themselves and to fit in.  Should we not allow this? All things considered, if this is forbidden, such small minded simple beings may turn to other vices.  One cannot, therefore, with just cause, command another man to cease use of such idiotic wordage - under the presumption that without these a la mode phrases, he may become more verbose and make an ass of himself.

STOP DOING IT. 

USE COMPLETE SENTENCES.  

SPEAK ENGLISH PROPER LIKE.

How to get Work Experience for a Law Degree

UPDATE 30/1/15: To celebrate the new year this blog has moved to www.learnerlawyerblog.com - find more help and an extended post there

Never underestimate how difficult it is to get some experience in a legal environment.  It is sometimes hinted at as 'desirable' or 'should be demonstrated' in prospecti.  

The reality is that if you are offering yourself up for 'work experience' you are, in fact, a pain and hindrance to those in the workplace!  Having been responsible for people on work experience where I worked before studying Law, I can testify that this is the general feeling. You will be in the way.  Those who are a little more forgiving like myself, will also remember not only how difficult it was not only to get the experience, but to also attend it and not make a fool of yourself in such an alien environment!

What sort of work experience do I need to get onto a LLB course?

It is sometimes 'desirable' to have experience in a legal environment. However, nobody will realistically expect an 17 year old applicant to have experience as a Paralegal; or swathes of observational weeks at a multitude of firms (that is, unless Daddy is a Lawyer, which is no bad thing).  

If you can get some voluntary experience in something legal-related, that's great.  Similarly, if the closest you can get to 'legal experience' is what you read in the Financial Times and the Law Gazette Online then that's great too - there is a reasonable expectation that you know what you are letting yourself in for.  

Make sure that shines through in your Personal Statement and at interview - that you know what a legal career entails, and what a legal environment is like (to an extent). However, don't be so sure that you have the correct viewpoint - see my Ultimate Guide to Writing a Personal Statement.  That will delve into how to talk about any part time jobs you've had or how to make almost anything relevant to your application!

How can I try to get work experience?

Herein lies the art of compromise with your ego.  The larger firms, and some of the better known smaller firms have what are known as 'Vacation Schemes' and these are usually open to current undergraduates.  These schemes generally lead on to a Training Contract - competition is fierce.  As an A-level student, this would not be the sort of thing to look at.  Though each firm differs so have a look at their websites thoroughly.

Research the firm you want to ask to spend time with.  Read their website. What cases have they been involved in? Who are their high profile clients? What is their history? What do they specialise in?  Then call them or send an email to enquire about spending some time.

Be honest - if you're only 16 or 17 don't lie about your age, they will ask for ID anyway.

Be specific and concise, and polite.

Be realistic - even two days might be sufficient.  Also, you might not be able to be accommodated by the firm you're asking.

Make sure your SPAG is correct.

Chase up a response.  Keen-ness isn't a bad thing if justified and kept within measure. If you haven't heard back within a reasonable time period (a week or two) then a short email to find out if your email was passed on or would be prudent).  

Look for smaller firms.  They do some pretty interesting stuff and you will generally get the best insight into what it is like.  

Try and get time with one of their Trainees or Newly Qualified Lawyers. They have the most to do and will be most recent on the law and what it is like to go through the system to get qualified. 

Try a Chambers. If you feel brave and/or want to be a Barrister. 

Bonus Points

By now you should have a personal email that is your name, or initials. Sending an email to Eversheds from "madlittleballetdancer" at hotmail isn't going to go down well.  Get a sensible one set up and use it.

Once you're on your work experience, it's a new ballgame, which I'll cover in a later post if this gets enough views!

Family Deaths

Death. Did you feel that shiver down your spine?  It's something I dealt with frequently during my time at Medical School.  First the cadavers in the Dissection Lab, then in real life.

There was a death in the family about a month ago.  It wasn't someone I saw regularly, but enough to make me take time to cogitate about it.  January is a time of several anniversaries of death, so there's plenty of it around at the moment and it makes me think.

Regardless of age, health, gender, fitness, looks, we all die. Some day.

I noticed massive difference in how I deal with professional deaths and personal deaths.  Death changed me professionally.  After several you must try to preserve your sanity.

In a professional capacity death was something to 'deal' with and, if you were me, nip to the staff loo for a cry and big hug from a Nurse.  But even after that, it follows you.  It creeps up at inopportune moments such as the big MCQ exams at the end of each semester - the "Progress Test" as it is called; or a flashback whilst being examined on clinical skills, but you only have that one shot to get it right - there's no time to process the memory at that time.  

Source: http://www.generalcomics.com/funny-directory/15/1505/12.php 

The first person I saw die as a Medical Student was a lovely old lady who I was happily sat listening to whilst holding her hand.  Then, without any drama, her eyes closed mid-word and she was perfectly still.  I know I'm boring but to actually bore someone to death... Then it dawned on me, that was a real life dead body.  It looked no different to a sleeping person.  Then she was taken away and I had the rest of the day to get on with as though nothing had happened.

A personal death does all those things, but more consistently and to some extent, the fact there was probably nothing you could do about it makes it more difficult to shake off. 

Source: http://www.aperfectworld.org/metaphors.htm

It is driven home every time you go to the cinema; talk to your grandparents; watch the news; read books; listen to music; read poetry.  The fact that death ends lives.  Time is finite.  But we ignore it and carry on because we are sure it won't happen until we are ready.  It might be today or tomorrow.

Ask yourself - If the last person I spoke to were to die at midnight, would I have helped make their death a happy one? 

Not for one moment am I being preachy and vouching for an enduring 'do unto others' - living by that all the time is impossible.  You cannot live as if there is no tomorrow because ironically there just isn't time! 

I was lucky enough to see my relative shortly before their death, because I took a chance to grab an opportunity, and inconvenienced myself to visit.  It meant a lot to them, and now to me.

Maybe we should all start being nicer to each other, or at least one of our two faces should, because death is there with all of us all the time.

How did you find this blog...

Usually through Google, TSR, a few search pages about Personal Statements and hyperlinks from other Blogs all star in the traffic.

But then I saw this...

Oh dear.  I didn't know I wrote erotic poetry.  Coming soon: 50 Shades of Law.

First Day of School

Hurrah! First day! Suddenly you are thrown into a group of people you’ve never met before and expected to pretty much immediately get on.  On the whole, the specific type of person attracted to Law are unique and at the very least decent company.

Yet, a David Attenborough style observation was needed of the most vocal wildlife seen in the Common Room:

1.  Girls. Replete with fake tans, juicy couture, pashminas, and always ready for a selfie.  These are commonly found sat together talking about “OMG drama!” or exactly just how drunk they were the night before.  Each member in a gaggle of this species have exactly the same hairstyle, makeup, eyebrows, and outfit to show just how alternative and unique each one of them is.

2.  Boys. “Banterific” and very much in love with themselves. Barbour jackets and Jansport bags galore.  This species will typically leave room for cats around them to fully dominate their surroundings. Litter they refuse to tidy away upon departing often marks their absence.

Both groups are very busy throwing their Law Willies around, spouting names of Judges and Partners they “know” or are related to.  Nobody outside that little group listens.

We all end up equal at University – a student number and unflattering photo on a piece of white plastic.

So You've Made it to Lectures. Now What: Wherein LL Rants

Image: JT Zuhlsdorf www.wdtprs.com 

Most if not all places where lectures, seminars, and talks are given are specifically designed places.  They have a specific purpose.  The very layout of the room ensures everyone can see and hear what the presenter is doing/saying.  It is a place where knowledge is imparted and questions can be asked.

  Some even have specific dedications - in honour or memory of a specific alumnus who achieved great things (or just happened to have a lot of money, as in the case of Carole Nash - there are lots of music auditoriums named after her).

There are a videos on Youtube of lecturers losing their patience at students talking during the lectures.  It's highly distracting.  During my last degree, I saw at least ten people ejected from lectures within the first week because they weren't courteous enough to not gab.  Then too self-absorbed to apologise. 

People teaching through lectures, seminars, and tutorials aren't just doing this for sh**s and giggles, they want you to succeed.  They've probably prepared long and hard so they can talk fluently and give you extra nuggets of information for the exams. Listen to them - or at least pretend to.  

What I've learnt through the faults of others

1. Show up on time, or sneak in at the back silently and take a seat near the back if you're late.

2. Phones away and on silent.  It's only an hour, or maybe even 45 minutes. You can survive without it.

3. Ask the lecturer if you can record the lecture before placing the dictaphone on the desk.

4. Do not ask questions during the lecture.  Wait until the end or do it by email. Otherwise you shall make enemies.  Don't be 'that guy.' 

5. If you're told to be quiet by a fellow student, obey.  Don't be 'that guy.'  Your life isn't so important that you can interrupt others' learning.

Please remember this, you lecture-blabbers, when you 'yuk it up' at the back (or even the front) of theatres; when you get your phones out for selfies or Facebook chat; when you snigger at the diligent student who turns around and tells you to shut the f*** up.  This is Higher Education, not Costa Coffee or High School.

A friend of mine lectures for an LLB course, and the students who bother to show up are apparently the worst behaved in the faculty, closely followed by those studying the GDL at another institution.  She has a dim opinion of them.  

Sorry… am I not being fluffy enough?  “Time’s have changed!”, you say? "We do it quietly!" "We've paid to be here so will do what we want."

I don’t think so.  Don't be 'that guy' - you will make contacts at Law School, and the person who told you to shut up in Land Law may well, one day, be a Partner in a Firm who turns you down for a job because you were a dick in years past.

In case you missed them...

Ultimate Guide to Writing a Law Personal Statement

New Year's Resolution

Paralegal Route to Qualification 

Apprenticeships in Law

Law in a Box

This week I took delivery of books for my degree.  A late Christmas present from myself to myself.  

See if you can match the Module to my much more accurate Book Titles:


So Your Client Thinks They're in an American Law Drama

Imaginary Funds

Have You Been Injured or Killed in an Accident That Wasn't Your Fault?

The Module Everyone Almost Fails

That Bit You Need to Understand the Rest of the Course

Things Your Friends Will Ask You About Because "You're a Lawyer"

That Pesky Law Making Entity We'd Sometimes Rather Ignore

Jeremy Kyle


Module Titles (mixed up)

Constitutional and Administrative Law

Land Law

European Union

Family Law 

Equity and Trusts

Criminal Law

Law of Tort

Contract Law

Question: Blogging...

Always nice to answer reader questions:

Hi, I started a blog months back and I can't find fresh stuff to write on, do you have certain rituals routines and is it important for a associated writing space just for you and how do you get creative or do you need to be simply popular? 

My writing space is anywhere I might salvage a few extra moments of quiet; together with WiFi that isn't slowed by other people either looking at naughty things over the hairnet, or stealing my passwords *cough* avoid Caffe Nero *cough*.  

This is occasionally the loo, or more often than not, the train (until Mrs Smelly asks me to move so her Primark Couture bag can sit on my seat, or Mr Liverpool Accent pesters me for 'eleven pence cheersthanksmate').

So my advice to you, dearest, is that there are bloggers everywhere, so good luck with that...

Image: http://www.motifake.com/

New Year's Resolution

I was absolutely thrilled to see that we can exist in 2015 thanks to Mr New Year, the Internet, and of course the United States of America (who always seem to get a look in on anything decent).  Here is the resolution:

THE YEARS ACT

WRITTEN RESOLUTION

Resolution in writing of the sole director of the world (the "New Year") dated this 1st day of January 2015.

BACKGROUND

A. The World is organised and operates under the laws of the New Year.

IT WAS RESOLVED THAT

1.  A new year may begin on this day.

Dated in the Country of The United States of America on the 1st day of January 2015.

Director Name:  THE NEW YEAR        

See what I did there?  Happy New Year, may 2015 be your annus mirabilis.  


Image Source: http://www.bradmontgomery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Scribble.png         

Alternative Means to Qualification: A Profession in Crisis?

UPDATE 30/1/15: To celebrate the new year this blog has moved to www.learnerlawyerblog.com - find more help and an extended post there

In, probably another attempt to "open the windows" and refresh Law and flexibility of the SRA, Paralegals are on track to the possibility of qualifying as solicitors if they meet the same standards as trainees through equivalent means of training.  (There were new Training Regulations issued in 2014).

There is already the existence in all but admission of a two tiered system, the divide potentially being widened in the near future by this scheme together with Apprenticeship schemes in Law.  It is undeniable that the profession is under pressure to increase its diversity and be less prescriptive about expectations of the route taken to qualification, with haste.  Such a fast alteration is more likely to annoy Very Important People and recently qualified Solicitors who despite obstacles have somehow made it through 'the system.'

Remember - Law is elitist

This is an undeniable fact.  Look at the Magic Circle and the wannabe Magic Circle firms such as DLA Piper.  It is for this reason the profession is desperately trying to reinvent itself in such a short period of time.  But the guise of inclusivity will never stand up to scrutiny, and nor is diversity necessarily a good thing. A non-standard background in candidates can be excellent and an asset, but a non-standard route to reaching the same status as a time-honoured route seems neither promising, nor essential.

A degree in Law is still a degree in Law, no matter where it is from or what letters are appended to your name. Nobody will admit it, but you find a firm that, all things being equal, would accept an applicant with a degree from a former Polytechnic over a Russell Group University.  It just doesn't happen. Prove me wrong.

The increased elitism of the larger firms, which need more regulation, has lead to a lost generation of LPC graduates, moving from firm to firm as Paralegals in an attempt to gain experience and evidenced work.  Will these 'make do' training contracts be recognised? It certainly shows more motivation and competence than having it directed for you through the existing scheme.   

Although this innovation may seem good on paper, there is more promise that it will lead Paralegals and students down the garden path with no substance at the end of it.

The good news

Plenty of Paralegals have completed the LPC and are trying to obtain training contracts.  Although this new route is challenging and has high standards (no doubt), it is a small ray of hope for those who cannot afford to repay a loan they have taken out to study the LPC.

Could this be unfair on the paralegals?

Absolutely.  There is a vigorous scrutiny applied to the evidence supplied by Paralegals in their application to the SRA. This can take up to six months and will assess, among other things, the extent of work-based learning, which has no concrete definition. This will be finalised sometime in 2015 - so we have an incomplete plan. Another year of all talk.

Someone who would give their right arm for a position will of course look through this, grin and bear it, offer a sacrifice to the Law God and hope for the best.  It shouldn't be that way.

It seems Paralegals are not necessarily valued as much as they should be, and more work is being fobbed onto them as they are cheaper to employ than Solicitors.  They are also disposable.  

Further, even if a Paralegal has gained appropriate experience over, say, 18 months with a firm, and are eligable to apply for a training contract if one comes up, they still must complete two years training according to a partner at the Smith Partnership.

During a consultation, the majority of those in support of the new flexible route emphasised a proviso that there was clear, explicit and well-publicised information on what would qualify as equivalent means.  Since the current scheme for LPC graduates will remain in place until at least 2016-17, the carrot is only just being dangled.  A pretty crappy carrot at that.

What are the criteria to be met?

Provisionally evidence on how the applicant works alongside solicitors; the legal nature of work undertaken; level of supervision; feedback on performance; appraisal comments; client interaction.  Needless to say, this level of scrutiny is not applied to those with training contracts. This already suggests the 'new' route will not be as valued as the existing routes. If it were, why the difference?  Of course, then we have the issue of extra-curricular activities. Highly unlikely this is given as much emphasis when looking back at successful candidates through the conventional routes in addition to the SRA requirement for experience in three distinct areas of Law, requiring swathes of evidence. So much of this is down to pot-luck. Simply because Paralegals don't have enough opportunities, of course they are adept at photocopying and filing. If they had more opportunities, the wages of existing Solicitors would have to go down, Very Important People would get disillusioned, yadda yadda yadda. Bad news.

What has the Law Society said on this?

"We support the initiatives that will enable people to qualify as solicotors where they have appropriate competence. Our concern with the SRA's approach is that it is not clear how far this will make a significant difference for many paralegals and whether this is the right time to introduce it given its other work on Training for Tomorrow [...] There is currently not much transparency about exactly how the process will work in practice."

In principle, this is an excellent idea, but can you imagine how many years and different paralegal positions at different firms it will take someone aspiring through this route to gain sufficient experience in sufficient areas? Paralegals just aren't 'important' enough to be given an equal opportunity to learn.  Nor is it a reasonable or fair expectation that larger firms with many Paralegals will be able to support them all equally and fairly down this route.  Then there is the complication with business models for these firms - which are of course primarily businesses and must make profit in order to function.

Source: PracticalParalegalism.com

Employability

The same attitude seems to be applied to this as to the Apprenticeship route.  The same standards must be met, otherwise those who go through this very lengthy route will likely be almost unemployable and have made a very expensive mistake.  

The status of Paralegals may be raised by the CILEx,  but first an enquiry will be carried out, then a consultation, then a committee will no doubt be formed, then a vote, then a follow-up consultation etc. It could take decades. How many graduates will be lost or stuck in a rut in that time.

In the meantime, the promises made by the SRA about this new idea has been given great praise, the advice of the IoP being the document everything as a Paralegal from day one.

Hardly fair.  Sensible. But hardly fair.

Just a Christmas Card

My prayers and best wishes for a holy and peaceful Christmas 2014!

Gerard van Honthorst - The Yorck Project: 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei. DVD-ROM, 2002. ISBN 3936122202. Distributed by DIRECTMEDIA Publishing GmbH.

How to Write a Personal Statement for Law

This is a long post.  But expect to learn the following:

• How to start writing your Law Personal Statement from scratch
• How to structure your Law Personal Statement
• What to include
• What to omit
• How to avoid major errors, and make your Personal Statement more likely to land you an interview, which is pretty much its sole purpose.

Since 2006 I have helped people write PS’s for their UCAS applications in Medicine, Life Sciences, and Law.  The service I used to help with is no longer available online, so here I offer some of my top tips for Law.

There’s bad news, bad news, and bad news  

Firstly, the bad news.  Your PS will take a very long time to write if you’re an Undergraduate applicant. If you are heading for post-graduate degrees such as the Graduate Diploma of Law (GDL) then you can rattle one off a little quicker and should be applying through LawCabs.

Secondly, the bad news.  You have a word limit on UCAS. If you’re concise and to the point, you won’t need all this space. Most PS’s I helped redraft that were successful were about three lines short of the maximum!

Finally, the bad news.  Competition for places is fierce and Admissions Tutors have more than enough PS’s to read. You must grab their attention and lock it in to avoid the great content you’ve put in being missed.

Your Personal Statement is exactly that – it is a series of statements that are about you personally.  You shall not dwell on everything you did on your placements, or exactly what the topic of that article you read on the Law Society website.  That’s for interview.  What you do need to focus on is how did it affect you.

How to Start Your Personal Statement

Show your hand right away, make your point then get on to the next.  The first two lines are the most important, closely followed by the last two lines.  You will likely rewrite these several times. 

Do not begin by setting the scene – you aren’t a Barrister yet, so no “It was about a four o’clock in a wonderful upper east side town house, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in June.  The butterflies were flitting and bluebells were in bloom…”

Address the question: Why do you want to study Law.  That’s all they want to know right now.  Answering other questions comes later.  Give your reason. This is your unique selling point so don’t just lift it from an example you saw online.

Talking About Legal/Non-legal Experience

Next move on to outline how your interest came about. What did you read/experience. State it briefly, finishing each bit with how it affected you.  Focus more on you, not on what actually happened. Just give the highlights and save the elaboration.

If you have any particularly unique points (Entrepreneurial undertakings that have a quantifiable success, for example), they should be included in this section. The degree of their relevance to Law determines whether it is included before work experience or after.

Examples would be

“During a one week work experience placement at Obsorne, Cowell & Walsh LLP, I [what did you do – one line max]. I learnt [what did you learn – two/three lines max]. This [how did it help you decide to study the Law, and/or to become a Lawyer – no more than a line].”

“A further placement at Calvin and Klein LLP showed me [one or two things you learnt about Law and again for the legal profession].  I learnt [what did you learn – two/three lines max].”

“I read [whatever you read that’s legal] regularly. This allows me to [how it influences your decision to study Law and arrange the work experience you’ve had – one line max, this is never the most interesting part and will only be skim read anyway].” 

“Working as [job title] at [company name] has allowed me to [what skills have you acquired in this job relevant to Law – communication skills, responsibility etc]. 

You’ll be able to find something.  Whatever you do, don’t say “I have been unable to arrange work experience” because you’ve just shot yourself in the foot.  If you haven’t done any just don’t mention it. Not everyone can secure work experience, and if you are one of those people, you should make it clear in other ways you know what a legal career, or at the very least studying Law, entails.

Your Achievements, Societies and Hobbies

Write a little about your achievements – even if it’s only Grade One Flute.  Really try and sell yourself.  Talk about your hobbies and interests.  A well-rounded applicant is usually a successful applicant.

For example

“I successfully completed the Platinum Duke of Uranus Award in 2000.  I was able to develop my skills in [two or three skills relevant to Law]…”

“I am a volunteer at [name], where I [what you do that is relevant to skills appropriate to Law]…

“In my spare time I enjoy…”

If you are a prefect or have special responsibilities at School or College, this is also the place to mention them.  Just put it in as a statement, don’t make a big fuss about it.

Should you have space, it is good to include the year of when you started your volunteering/part time job and use the continuous present tense if it is on going.   

The Ending

Arguably just as important as the introduction.  Another unique point is needed – you have answered the question “why do you want to study Law” in the first paragraph. This is the place to answer “why do you want to pursue a legal career” [IE: be a Lawyer].  But don't leave it at that. Your closing statement should be one final thing about you.  

Alternatively, and just as strong, is to use the last two lines to outline why you believe you would be an asset to the legal profession.  Choose some qualities about yourself you have developed in your positions of responsibility and state them here without frills.  Just make sure they are related to Law. 

You do not then need to make a grand conclusion, summing everything up in one.  If you try then there is danger your last words are going to be skim read or just ignored.

The Commandments of a Personal Statement

Thou shalt not bear false witness

To avoid any podiatric-buccal-masticatory-implantation moments at interview don’t say you have done things or read things that you haven’t. You might end up talking to a specialist or author in that area!  Everything in your PS is up for questioning.

Thou shalt not write a story

See the points about bad news.  The passive tense is not appropriate here.

Thou shalt use correct punctuation

Law requires a high attention to detail.  Your SPAG must be immaculate and uniform.  Don’t change half way through.  Get someone to proof read.  Errors in SPAG are entirely avoidable in the days of MS Word, and just look sloppy.

Thou shalt make thy statements personal

If it doesn’t say something or lead to something positive about you, leave it out.  This is neither a letter nor a novel.

Thou shalt be of humble countenance

Sell yourself, but don’t use loaded words.  It makes for a stronger interview if you allude to something clearly in your PS then at interview really ‘wow’ the panel with exactly what it is all about and how incredible it is (not using those words of course).

Thy writing style shall be concise

Lord Denning got away with being verbose. You won’t.  Make your points and move on to the next.  That’s how they’ll be reading it. Your PS might end up being formed of very short sentences, but that’s fine.  The aim is to give the reader enough to remember as they’re reading through.

Thine language shall be varied
Try and avoid starting most or any sentences with "I" and using the same nouns repeatedly. Of course there are times you can't avoid reusing verbs and nouns over again, there is always an alternative. "Learnt" could become "appreciated" for example.

Thy Personal Statement shall be specific

If you’re applying for Law, talk about Law.  If you’re applying for related subjects too (Theology, History, PPE, English etc) but still want a chance at getting in to study Law, the focus should be primarily Law, but the inclusion of your interest in the other subjects you’re also applying for can be extremely helpful in your application and interview. Ensure what you include about it is all positive and helpful for Law.

Thou shalt not say ‘thank you’ at the end, lest thy foot be cast against a stone

Just don’t do it.  Use the space to talk about yourself, this is your only chance to!

Confidentiality Advice

Never send anyone your Personal Statement over the internet, you do not want them to plagiarise or distribute it, which would be a disaster for your application. 

If you want some help by all means comment.