a law guide 101:👩🏾⚖️🎀 (part 1)
let’s talk organisation.
On LexisNexis, I take full advantage of its functionality to create meticulously organized folders tailored to each area of law I’m studying let’s take family law as an example.
My system begins with a broad folder labeled “Family Law,” which serves as the foundation. Within this, I establish subfolders to categorise my materials: “Statutes” for primary legislation,→ “Cases” for judicial decisions → “Relevant Cases/Notes” for my own annotations and summaries, and “Articles/Journals” for scholarly commentary and secondary sources. This hierarchical structure allows me to compartmentalise the various components of legal research, making it easier to locate and cross-reference materials as I prepare for seminars, essays, or exams.
What elevates this system further is LexisNexis’s annotation and highlighting features, which I use extensively. I can mark up key passages in cases or legislation, add my own notes for clarity, and even print these documents when I need a hard copy for deeper review or group discussions. The ability to customise my materials in this way transforms them into living documents that evolve with my understanding of the subject. But the real magic happens with my colour-coding system, which I’ve developed to bring an additional layer of precision and visual coherence to my organisation.
Here’s how it works: I assign specific colours to different elements of my research to quickly identify their purpose at a glance.
Blue is reserved for judges highlighting their names, reasoning, or pivotal statements in a case so I can instantly track judicial perspectives.
Red marks arguments whether from counsel or within academic critiques, allowing me to focus on the adversarial core of a dispute or discussion.
Pink is my choice for critical analysis, where I flag my own insights or those of scholars that challenge or unpack the material in a meaningful way.
Yellow highlights relevant information those golden nuggets that might not fit neatly elsewhere but are too important to overlook, used sparingly when necessary.
Orange ties together legislation, related cases, and articles, creating a thread that connects statutory frameworks to their judicial and academic interpretations.
This system isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a practical tool that mirrors the analytical demands of legal study. For instance, when revisiting a case like Re B (A Child) in family law, I can see at a glance the judge’s reasoning in blue, the parties’ arguments in red, and my own critique in pink, all while orange ties it to the Children Act 1989 or a relevant journal article. It’s a dynamic, module-specific approach that keeps my materials organized and my mind sharp. How do you approach organisation in your studies.
getting a first class.
Achieving a first-class degree in law school is no small feat it demands not just hard work, but a strategic, thoughtful approach to every aspect of your studies. The second critical factor that can propel you toward that coveted distinction is the deliberate and discerning selection of your study materials. Imagine pouring hours of effort into your revision, only to realise you’ve been poring over outdated texts, irrelevant notes, or guides that miss the mark. It’s a frustrating thought, isn’t it? The truth is, hard work alone won’t suffice if you’re not equipping yourself with the right tools.
Choosing your study materials wisely and committing to them wholeheartedly can make all the difference between a good grade and an exceptional one. So, where do you begin? Start by diving into well-crafted notes and revision guides these are your foundation. Think of them as a trusted companion, distilling complex legal concepts into clear, digestible insights. With vivid examples, practical illustrations, and straightforward explanations, they transform the daunting mountain of law into a manageable landscape you can navigate with confidence. Once you’ve solidified this base, take it a step further by skimming carefully chosen textbook chapters. This isn’t about reading every page cover-to-cover it’s about strategically building depth, sharpening your understanding, and broadening your perspective on the law.
But not just any study materials will do. The best ones share a few essential qualities that can supercharge your preparation. First, they should offer opportunities for self-testing little checkpoints that let you gauge how much you’re truly absorbing as you go. Second, they need to be rich with comprehensive explanations, relatable examples, and vivid illustrations that bring abstract legal principles to life, while also including milestones to track your progress against your broader study plan. Third, accuracy is non-negotiable your materials must reflect the most current laws, cases, and exam formats, ensuring you’re never caught off guard. Finally, they should clearly distinguish between high-focus and low-focus areas, spotlighting the critical topics that deserve your attention while gently nudging aside the less essential ones.
*Pro tip: If your exam is looming and time is tight, grab the 1st Class Law Revision Notes they’re a lifesaver, designed to get you exam-ready in under 48 hours!*
Mastering Essays: Dive Deep and Stay Focused When it comes to earning a first-class degree, being detail-oriented is your secret weapon especially for essays. Law school doesn’t give you the luxury of exploring every topic in exhaustive depth, but essays are where you can shine by going deep. Pull together all your resources notes, textbooks, guides and immerse yourself fully in the topic at hand.
Resist the temptation to wander into tangential territory; instead, channel your energy into mastering the essentials of your essay question. This laser focus pays off in spades. By zeroing in on high-priority topics those most likely to appear on exams you’ll develop a nuanced, sophisticated grasp of the material. But it’s more than just exam prep. Essays train you for the real world, pushing you to interpret the law, not just memorise it. You’ll uncover the “why” behind the statutes, wrestle with their implications, and learn to apply them to practical scenarios. It’s this depth of understanding that sets first-class students apart.
Exam Prep: Narrow Your Focus for Maximum Impact As exams draw near, time becomes your most precious resource and you won’t have enough of it to revisit every corner of your syllabus.
That’s why your final preparation should kick into high gear well before the exam period begins. The winning strategy? Hone in on just 2 to 4 pivotal topics per subject. These should be the heavy hitters the areas most likely to dominate the exam and your mission is to master them completely. This approach might feel counterintuitive at first. After all, shouldn’t you aim to cover everything?
Here’s why that’s a trap: spreading yourself too thin during revision risks diluting your knowledge of the topics that matter most. If you try to cram every detail, you’ll likely retain less of the critical content, leaving you underprepared when it counts. Instead, pour your energy into those select, high-impact areas. With the right revision guide one that zeroes in on the essentials you’ll walk into the exam room with confidence, not chaos. It’s a calculated move that maximises your chances of clinching those top grades.
Essay Structure for a First-Class Law Essay
1. Introduction (Approx. 10% of word count)
Purpose: Set the stage, outline your argument, and grab the reader’s attention.
Components:
Context: Briefly introduce the legal issue or question, situating it within its broader area of law (e.g., “The concept of parental responsibility in family law has evolved significantly under the Children Act 1989…”).
Thesis Statement: Clearly state your central argument or position in response to the question (e.g., “This essay argues that judicial discretion in care proceedings strikes an effective balance between flexibility and consistency…”).
Roadmap: Outline the structure of your essay, indicating the key points or themes you’ll explore (e.g., “First, this essay examines the statutory framework, followed by an analysis of leading cases, before critically evaluating academic perspectives…”).
Tone: Confident, concise, and analytical avoid vague generalities.
2. Background/Legal Framework (Approx. 15-20% of word count)
Purpose: Establish the foundation of your argument by explaining the relevant law.
Components:
Legislation: Identify and summarise the key statutes (e.g., “Section 1 of the Children Act 1989 prioritises the welfare of the child…”), showing an understanding of their purpose and scope.
Case Law: Introduce landmark cases that shape the legal landscape (e.g., “The House of Lords in Gillick v West Norfolk AHA established the principle of Gillick competence…”).
Clarity: Define any technical terms or concepts (e.g., “Parental responsibility, as defined in s.3, encompasses…”), ensuring accessibility without oversimplification.
First-Class Tip: Weave in brief commentary to foreshadow your analysis (e.g., “While the statute appears clear, its application in practice reveals tensions…”).
3. Main Analysis (Approx. 50-60% of word count)
Purpose: Develop your argument through critical engagement with legal sources.
Structure: Break this into 2-4 subsections, each addressing a distinct aspect of the question. Use thematic or chronological organisation, depending on the topic.
Components per Subsection:
Topic Sentence: Start with a clear claim (e.g., “Judicial interpretations of ‘best interests’ have prioritized flexibility over predictability…”).
Evidence: Apply specific cases, statutes, or legal principles (e.g., “In Re B (A Child), the Supreme Court emphasised…”), citing accurately (use OSCOLA if required).
Analysis: Evaluate strengths, weaknesses, or implications (e.g., “This approach allows adaptability but risks inconsistency across jurisdictions…”).
Counterarguments: Anticipate and rebut opposing views (e.g., “While some argue this undermines legal certainty, it aligns with the Act’s child-centric ethos…”).
Synthesis: Link back to your thesis (e.g., “This supports the contention that discretion enhances justice in complex cases…”).
First-Class Tip: Engage with academic commentary (e.g., “Herring critiques this as overly paternalistic…”), showing depth and independent thought.
4. Critical Evaluation (Approx. 15-20% of word count)
Purpose: Elevate your essay by stepping back to assess the broader implications or unresolved issues.
Components:
Strengths and Weaknesses: Weigh the merits of the current law or judicial approach (e.g., “While the framework protects vulnerable parties, it struggles to address cultural diversity…”).
Policy/Theoretical Perspective: Consider underlying principles or reform proposals (e.g., “From a rights-based perspective, this aligns with Article 8 ECHR, yet practical enforcement lags…”).
Original Insight: Offer a nuanced take (e.g., “The tension between certainty and flexibility may be irreconcilable, suggesting a need for clearer statutory guidance…”).
First-Class Tip: Avoid mere description—critique with evidence and connect to real-world or theoretical consequences.
5. Conclusion (Approx. 10% of word count)
Purpose: Summarise your argument and leave a lasting impression.
Components:
Restate Thesis: Reaffirm your position, reflecting the analysis (e.g., “This essay has demonstrated that judicial discretion, while imperfect, remains essential…”).
Key Findings: Briefly recap your main points (e.g., “Statutory clarity, judicial flexibility, and academic critique reveal…”).
Closing Thought: End with a forward-looking or reflective statement (e.g., “Future reform must balance these competing demands to ensure equitable outcomes…”).
Tone: Definitive yet thoughtful avoid introducing new arguments.
Additional Notes for First-Class Quality
Word Count: Adhere strictly to limits conciseness is a virtue.
Referencing: Use OSCOLA (or your institution’s preferred style) flawlessly—accuracy signals professionalism.
Style: Write with precision and elegance; avoid colloquialisms or overly complex sentences.
Research: Integrate primary sources (cases, statutes) and secondary sources (journals, textbooks) seamlessly aim for 8-12 references for a 2,000-word essay, depending on the question.
Critical Thinking: Go beyond description question assumptions, compare perspectives, and propose insights.
Example Application (Family Law)
Question: “Does the Children Act 1989 adequately balance parental rights and child welfare?”
Introduction: Contextualise the Act, argue it prioritises welfare effectively, outline statutory and judicial analysis.
Background: Explain s.1 (welfare paramount) and key cases like Re G (Children).
Analysis: Subsection 1: Statutory provisions (s.1, s.3); Subsection 2: Judicial discretion (Re B); Subsection 3: Critiques (Herring on parental marginalisation).
Evaluation: Assess tensions between rights and welfare, suggest reform for clarity.
Conclusion: Affirm welfare focus, note need for nuanced parental inclusion.This structure, executed with depth and rigour, should position you for a first-class mark. Let me know if you’d like a more specific example tailored to a particular topic!
where to get work experience.
Virtual Law Work Experience
Virtual programmes are ideal for flexibility, accessibility, and building foundational skills without geographical constraints. Many are free, self-paced, and open to all, making them perfect for a first-year student.
Pinsent Masons Virtual Work Experience (via Forage)
Details: Offers two programmes—one for school students (16+) and one for undergraduates/postgraduates. Tasks mirror trainee solicitor duties, focusing on legal research, drafting, and commercial awareness.
Why It’s Great: Free, no eligibility requirements, available 24/7, and provides a completion certificate for your CV.
Access: Register via Pinsent Masons’ Forage page.
Clifford Chance Virtual Internship
Details: A self-paced programme simulating real legal tasks, such as contract drafting and case analysis, designed by their lawyers.
Why It’s Great: Offers insight into a Magic Circle firm and enhances applications to their vacation schemes.
Access: Available through Forage; no application process.
Linklaters Virtual Internship
Details: One of the first UK firms to offer a virtual reality internship, focusing on commercial law scenarios and trainee-level work.
Why It’s Great: Prestigious firm exposure, free, and showcases initiative on applications.
Access: Sign up via Linklaters’ careers portal or Forage.
Kennedys Virtual Work Experience
Details: Covers insurance law, liability, and commercial practice through four tasks created by trainees and apprentices.
Why It’s Great: Open to all (law or non-law backgrounds), flexible, and includes careers insight events.
Access: Free registration on Kennedys’ website.
White & Case Virtual Learning Programme
Details: True-to-life legal tasks designed by their lawyers, aimed at building practical skills and confidence.
Why It’s Great: No application required, free, and a strong addition to your CV for applications to this global firm.
Access: Start via White & Case’s careers page.
Clyde & Co Global Virtual Experience
Details: Simulates junior lawyer tasks in projects, construction, cyber insurance, and pro bono work.
Why It’s Great: Globally accessible, free, and offers CV-ready summaries to discuss in interviews.
Access: Available on Forage.
Browne Jacobson Virtual Programme
Details: A six-step interactive programme covering employment, commercial, and public law scenarios.
Why It’s Great: Self-paced, free, and provides a completion certificate—perfect for early CV building.
Access: Register via Browne Jacobson’s Forage partnership.
PRIME Virtual Legal Work Experience
Details: Aimed at promoting social mobility, this programme offers practical tasks and insights into law firm life.
Why It’s Great: Over 2,500 students have enrolled; boosts confidence and career clarity.
Access: Check PRIME’s website for availability.
Forage Platform (General)
Details: Hosts virtual internships from multiple firms (e.g., DLA Piper, Latham & Watkins) with no application process.
Why It’s Great: Broad range of practice areas, free, and ideal for exploring options early on.
Access: Browse and register on Forage’s website.
aspiring solicitors
bright network
In-Person Law Work Experience
In-person opportunities provide hands-on exposure, networking, and a deeper understanding of legal practice. These often require applications and may target specific year groups, but some are accessible to first-years or pre-university students.
Blacks Solicitors (Leeds)
Details: Week-long placements year-round for undergraduates at an award-winning commercial firm.
Why It’s Great: Sit alongside fee-earners, experience contentious and non-contentious work, and strong candidates may secure further opportunities.
Access: Apply via Blacks Solicitors’ website.
Pinsent Masons Vacation Scheme (Various UK Locations)
Details: Paid two-week placements for penultimate/final-year students, with shadowing and real casework.
Why It’s Great: Offers a salary, covers travel/lunch costs, and can lead to training contracts (apply early as a first-year for future eligibility).
Access: Apply through Pinsent Masons’ careers portal.
Kingsley Napley Work Experience (London)
Details: Week-long placements in July/September, rotating through five practice areas (e.g., criminal, family law).
Why It’s Great: Hands-on experience, court visits, and client meetings; applicants must be 18+.
Access: Apply via Kingsley Napley’s Allhires portal by March 31, 2025.
Exchange Chambers Mini-Pupillage (Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds)
Details: Two-day placements for Year 12/13 or post-GCSE students, shadowing barristers.
Why It’s Great: Early barrister exposure, court attendance, and a taste of advocacy.
Access: Apply through Exchange Chambers’ website.
Burges Salmon Work Experience (Bristol)
Details: One-week programme with Birmingham Law School for first-years, focusing on commercial law.
Why It’s Great: Paid, hands-on, and includes networking with lawyers.
Access: Check Burges Salmon’s careers page for summer 2025 dates.
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Volunteering (Nationwide)
Details: Volunteer roles in local branches, assisting with research and admin for legal advice.
Why It’s Great: Practical experience, community impact, and flexible commitment.
Access: Contact your local CAB office directly.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges Fast Track Scheme (London)
Details: One-week placement for first-year law or second-year non-law students, with trainee-level work.
Why It’s Great: Fast-tracks to a training contract assessment day if you excel (requires AAB A-levels, 2:1 degree track).
Access: Apply via Weil’s careers page.
InvestIN Young Lawyer Summer Experience (London)
Details: Two-day immersive programme for ages 15-18, simulating a criminal trial.
Why It’s Great: Interactive, includes certificates and reference letters, ideal for pre-university prep.
Access: Register on InvestIN’s website (residential/day options).
Local Court Visits (Nationwide)
Details: Observe public court proceedings at magistrates’ or crown courts.
Why It’s Great: Free, informal way to see barristers and judges in action; no application needed.
Access: Find your nearest court via GOV.UK and check public access times.
PRIME Work Experience (Various Locations)
Details: One-week placements with leading firms for Years 9-13 students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Why It’s Great: Focuses on social mobility, includes shadowing and research tasks.
Access: Apply via PRIME’s website if you meet eligibility criteria (e.g., free school meals).