Advice about studying law - but not to become a lawyer

[NanooCov]

Not sure this post belongs in this topic but couldn't find a better home for it.

I work in investment management and really enjoy it. Have been doing it for years and wish to continue. A lot of my job involves reading, reviewing and understanding a variety of contracts between different corporate bodies. I'm good with the commercial side and - after years of doing the job - know a bit about the legal side. But I have a hankering to do some study of law to assist with my knowledge and understanding of the legal side. Not with the view to becoming a lawyer, but more because I enjoy that side of the job, I'm interested in it and want to know more. I'm pretty sure my employer would pay for study (they're supportive of professional development and I could make a business case to justify the expense) but need some advice on what sort of course / qualification would suit.

Would the GDL be suitable? I have an MA already (2:1) but haven't done any formal study for around 20 years....

Any ideas? I would need to be able to do it while still working but could have some study leave under our policies. I also have two kids under five and am the main earner in our family so may be bonkers to consider it but I've been toying with the idea for a while and really want to make a go of it.

The GDL does attract loads of people whose degrees were a while back, but is quite broad and a busy year (or however long). Do you want to take so many subjects?

I did the GDL 20 years ago so my take on it is not very current. Its hard work, a lot of law to cover in a short period of time. It won't all be relevant to your interest in contract law either as you'll also cover other areas of law. I expect you've already looked into this but are there no specific law focused CPD courses you could do relating to your current career?

Honestly, a GDL is a lot of different law and it won't focus a whole lot on what you want to focus on. I would buy yourself some books on the areas you want to read up on if the qualification won't make a difference.

My DD did the GDL around 4 years ago. It is a crammed foundation law degree. Not the same as a law degree of course but it covers lots of topics. Contract law will be one. The others will be Criminal, Equity and Trusts, EU, Land, Public, Tort and an area of your choice for research, so you might be able to tailor this part of the qualification.

I wonder if there might be an Open University course that would be more precisely about your area of work? If you don’t need to know about Land, EU or Criminal, do you really want to study it?

GDL probably too general - as you'd cover lots of irrelevant stuff - tort and criminal although interesting would be unlikely to be relevant. It's designed to cover the compulsory elements of a full law degree so very definitely aimed at future lawyers!

Quick Google suggests King's has an online LLM that might fit, depending on prerequisites. I looked for commercial law masters.

Seconding LLM. I don't want to practise law in any way but I did one in medical
Law and it's been so useful. There are lots of areas you could study in to tailor it.

Thanks all. I'll look into LLM.

Of the different elements of the GDL, there are a few that would still have some relevance (equity and trusts, tort and land). My masters was a joint honours in languages and EU studies (!) so although less relevant might be interesting. Criminal not relevant at all.

The intensity of study is a concern with my eldest due to start school in September. He also has additional needs so maybe I'd be taking on too much. Will continue to have a think but thanks for the advice so far!

I owuld only do the GDL If you wanted to do the LPC and qualify after training.
I think you might be better off just going on some courses eg you could do 3 day contracts courses - I have chaired some of those and all kinds of sectors put that kind of thing on.

GDL isnt a very intellectually stimulating or fun course. Like doing 20 GCSEs in a year.