Discover comprehensive and compelling reasons for studying a law degree or pursuing a career in law. Whether you’re writing a compelling “why study law” essay for your law school application, preparing for an interview, or outlining your motivations for legal internships, this article provides great insights and guidance.
Are you pondering questions like:
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- “Why study law?” essay question;
- “What is your motivation to study law?” job application question;
- “Why study law?” personal statement question;
- “Why study law?” interview question;
- “Why is law interesting?” law school application question;
- “Why study law in the UK?” question for international students; or
- “Why law?” application question.
Explore the motivations and benefits of studying law with updated a piece of practical advice and in-depth analysis.
8 Answers to Why Study Law
Here are some reasons why studying law can be a great choice for you:
- Intellectually Challenging
- Allows You to Make a Difference
- Develop Multipurpose Skills
- Previous Learning Experience
- Passionate About Legally Connected Issues
- Personal Experience as a Reason to Why Study Law
- Interest in an Area of Law
- Lifelong Learning and Adaptability
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1 – Intellectually Challenging
Studying law or practising it is very intellectually challenging. You will always be kept on your toes! From learning new things daily to learning about specifics of your client’s case – you are guaranteed to always keep learning while studying or working in law.
The field itself, with the ever-evolving case law, detailed statutory provisions, and challenging academic literature, offers endless learning opportunities! You can dwell on very practical issues and/or issues that are philosophical and abstract. Perhaps this could explain, on average, high salaries for lawyers compared to other professionals.
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2 – Allows You to Make a Difference
Although sometimes the study of law can be abstract, the practice of law offers a practical and hands-on career. With your legal knowledge, you will be able to make a difference! Depending on the area of law that you decide to practice in, you will help people, businesses, and communities. Learn about magic circle law firms and their areas of practice.
The ability to help others through the use of the law is highly rewarding and, most importantly, serves a very needed purpose in a democratic society. Law graduates are some of the most influential students of higher education institutions.
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3 – Develop Multipurpose Skills
Many tend to think about law students and lawyers as pure specialists. This cannot be more untrue in the modern world. During your legal studies and legal practice, you will develop a range of multi-faceted and transferable skills! You may want to pursue a law degree and work in law just because none of the other disciplines offers the opportunity to develop such a broad skillset. Many law firms will put their candidates through the Watson Glaser Test to assess their skills.
Many lawyers become experts not only in an area of law but also in the larger industry that they serve. Additionally, lawyers practice and become experts in a variety of skills, such as:
- Research;
- Business development;
- Drafting; and
- Many more!
4 – Previous Learning Experience
It is almost guaranteed that you will have in one way, or another, been exposed to the study of law earlier in your life. It could have been by taking an A-level law class or by exploring a legal issue or a case in a non-law-related study. Previous learning experiences can greatly shape your future motivations because you already have a taste of the law. In reality, how can you really want to pursue something without even trying it once, right?
5 – You are Passionate About Legally Connected Issues
The world is full of issues that affect all of us. From environmental and social injustices to criminal law reforms, there are plenty of legally connected issues that may spark your interest. You may want to study or work in law just because of that, because of your passion for those issues!
During your law degree, you will explore many social science subject areas like psychology, political science, sociology, and economics. The law is a tool that would allow you to better navigate different disciplines that affect those issues, like:
- government policy;
- legislative processes;
- political developments; and
- international relations.
6 – Personal Experience as a Reason to Why Study Law
Some choose to study and work in law because of their past. Perhaps you had a life event that motivated you to pursue law. Maybe something has affected you personally that drove you to be interested in law. We all have different life experiences; sometimes they can be the most significant factor in our decision-making.
Pursuing a study and a career in something that is deeply rooted in your personal motivations can be rewarding and life-changing.
7 – Interest in an Area of Law
There are many different areas of law and in fact, the only reason why you want to study or work in law may be because you want to work in an area of law. Perhaps you were exposed to it during your year 12 law work experience or during a vacation scheme. This may link back to any of the above-mentioned reasons but with a focus on your chosen area of law.
8 – Lifelong Learning and Adaptability
The legal landscape is ever-changing, making law a field of continuous learning and adaptation. By studying law, you not only gain a deep understanding of legal principles but also develop the agility to adapt to new laws, regulations, and societal changes. This aspect of law makes it an exciting and dynamic career choice, as it requires one to stay informed and proactive in the face of legal evolution.
Why I Chose to Study Law Essay Structure
This section offers a structured approach to writing an impactful essay on why you chose to study law. The key elements include:
- Introduction: Start with a compelling hook, briefly introducing your motivation for studying law.
- Personal Journey: Share personal experiences or encounters that sparked your interest in law.
- Academic and Professional Goals: Explain how a law degree aligns with your academic aspirations and career objectives.
- Specialization Interests: If you have specific areas of law you are interested in, mention how they relate to your overall goals.
- Conclusion: Tie your personal, academic, and professional reasons together, reflecting on how a law degree will help you achieve your life objectives.
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3 Tips on How to Excel in Your Answer
Hopefully, by now, you narrowed down why you want to pursue a law degree. Below are some tips to help you make your answers stand out in your university personal statement, interview, or job application.
1 – Create a Structure
When answering this question, you absolutely must answer the “why”. Ask yourself, and be honest – why do I want to study law, or why am I interested in law? Make it clear what made you want to pursue law as one of your career options.
This can be an experience, something you wish to achieve with the use of law or something particular about the career that appeals to you. Once you have chosen one or two reasons why you want to be a lawyer, you need to back them up.
2 – Show Evidence
Evidence is crucial when answering this question. There must be a solid reason that must follow after the “I want to study law because…”. For example, if you want to pursue a career in law because you want to help people, back it up with an example that made you want to help people.
Be specific but direct; do not over-describe the experience. Always use evidence to support your statements. It gives your argument depth and gives you an opportunity to tell the reader something about you.
3 – Tailor Towards the Reader
The final part of answering this question is to connect your reason(s) for pursuing a study or career in law to the actual profession. For example, if you said that you want to help people and support it, now you need to connect that to studying or having a career in law. How can this degree or career allow you to fulfil your personal passion, life goal, or whatever you used as a reason for pursuing the law?
If you are applying to a specific university, you must tailor your answer to that institution. For example, you must answer why study law at Cambridge University if you are applying there. If you are an international student, you must touch on why you chose to pursue your legal education in England and Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or in whichever jurisdiction you intend to study.
4 – Bonus Tip: Why Commercial Law?
This question is a variation on the “why law” question. For example:
- “Why have you chosen a career in commercial law? Explain what motivates you”
This question aims to evaluate your knowledge of commercial law and your understanding of the role commercial lawyers have. You can approach this question like you approached the “why study law” question, with a focus on commercial law.
Tell the reader what makes you attracted to this specific career, and back it up with evidence. Then, connect that to the career of a commercial lawyer. To answer this question, you need to have some knowledge of what commercial lawyers do and keep this theme throughout your answer. You can learn from legal internships, open days, law fairs, talking to lawyers, and research. In this type of question, you need to draw on your knowledge of commercial awareness to excel in your answer.
Example Answers to Why Study Law
Below, you will find some excellent sample examples of answers to why study law:
Why did you choose law as a career?
As someone who is deeply committed to promoting social justice, I have always felt drawn to the field of law, which provides a powerful platform for advocating for those who have been marginalized or oppressed. Through my studies and work in the legal field, I have developed a keen understanding of the complex legal systems that govern our society, and I am dedicated to using this knowledge to make a positive impact on the world around me. Whether it’s by representing clients in court, advocating for policy reforms, or educating others about their legal rights, I am continually motivated by the belief that law can be a powerful force for good in our world.
Why law school – reasons?
Law school is a rigorous academic journey that not only provides a comprehensive understanding of legal principles but also equips individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the complex world of law. During my time in law school, I look forward to immersing myself in the intricacies of various legal disciplines, from contract law to intellectual property law, and everything in between.
One of the most significant benefits of attending law school is the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills. As a law student, I will be challenged to analyze and synthesize complex legal concepts and apply them to real-world scenarios. This process will help me hone my analytical abilities and enable me to think more comprehensively about legal issues and their implications.
Why do I want to study law?
From a young age, I have been fascinated by the intricacies of legal systems and their impact on society. As I grew older, this interest only intensified, driving me to learn more about the ways in which laws and regulations shape our world. It is this curiosity and passion that now motivates me to study law and pursue a career in the field.
In addition to my interest in legal processes, I am also deeply committed to contributing to justice and fairness. I believe that the law can be a powerful tool for promoting equality and protecting the rights of individuals and communities. By studying law, I hope to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effect meaningful change in the world and make a positive impact on the lives of those around me.
Why do you want to be a lawyer – best answer?
Aspiring to become a lawyer is a decision that stems from my passion to use my skills, knowledge, and experience to make a positive impact on the world. I believe that with the legal profession, I will have the opportunity to advocate for individuals and causes that I am passionate about, navigate legal challenges, and help bring about positive change in society. I am drawn to the legal profession because it offers a dynamic and challenging environment that will allow me to continuously learn and grow, both professionally and personally.
Furthermore, being a lawyer is not just a job but a responsibility to uphold justice, fairness, and equality in society. I am committed to this responsibility and look forward to making a difference in people’s lives through my work. Whether it is representing a client in court, negotiating a settlement, or drafting a legal document, I am excited to use my skills and knowledge to help individuals and organizations achieve their goals and fulfil their legal obligations.
Why is it important to study law?
Studying law is of great significance as it enables individuals to gain a comprehensive understanding of our legal system, its structures, and processes. By studying law, individuals can develop critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and legal reasoning skills that are essential for interpreting and applying laws effectively.
Moreover, an in-depth knowledge of the law can help individuals make informed decisions and contribute to the betterment of society. It also plays a significant role in ensuring that justice is served, and order is maintained in our society. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the value of studying law and the positive impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole.
