What subjects do you need to take law at uni

[mrsmobbs]

My ds starts year 10 next week and is really keen on going into law, he did a young lawyers summer school course and loved it, I know it is too early to be thinking about A levels yet, but no one seems to be able to give a definitive answer on what subjects would be best to take at A level, everyone talks about doing a general degree and doing a conversion course, not sure I understand what that means, but if he wanted to go to uni to take actual law what subjects would be best to continue with, his GCSE options are English, maths, triple science, history, German, Spanish and Latin

mrsmobbs I would just like to agree with skishool we also look for more than academics and would much rather take an all rounder with a life and outside interests than someone who is one dimensional. All the traits you describe your son as having sound like the good foundations for a career in law. Forgive me if I missed it but does he want to be a solicitor or a barrister (as that may tailor some of the advice you are receiving). Regarding the young lawyers course, if he wants to do it and he will enjoy it then he should go, if wont do him any harm and it may crystallise some of his thoughts around his career choice.

And I always have great respect for those who worked through 6th form and uni as I think it takes a great level of dedication or it reminds me of myself

oldroan I don't want to hijack this thread but just to respond to your last post, I think it totally depends on the law school and the individual judge/mentor. On the back of an advocacy contest at my uni I received two mini-pupillages and a vacation scheme at a solicitors firm. One of the occasions I marshalled was as an undergrad which I obtained through sitting in the court, letting the usher know I was there and asking if the judge would answer my questions on his determination of the case. But I am was a huge geek and knew I only ever wanted to do law in the area I currently practise in. It is becoming so competitive these days applicants really need an edge to them, although this can be non-law based (recently interviewed someone who was a semi-professional athlete who changed career path due to injury).

Sorry, yes, didn't mean to hijack - was just interested!

It sounds like your son is good at languages. If so then a languages degree or law plus language degree would be a really good idea. Getting a training contract now is just so competitive - too many well qualified applicants and just not enough places - that having something extra to offer can make all the difference. Spanish - opens up not only Spanish clients but also Latin America and German is a great language to have for European and Swiss business. Or even choose a new language at university level.

Are there charges for these summer schools and if so is the charge significant? Firms will definitely be wooing undergraduates, at least at the best unis, but I don't think any will be talent spotting this young, and especially not at any expensive and therefore exclusive London course. If your son is at a state school he might do well to join the Citizenship Foundation's Bar Mock Trial Competition (even if he's intending to be a solicitor). In answer to your original question, I really don't see that he can go wrong with any combination of subjects for A2 but if he's taking three, I'd tend to take at least two very analytical/ logical subjects rather than two MFLs. The main thing decent firms and sets will be interested in are good grades, including at GCSE, and a high 2.1 from a good uni. The best commercial sets also like post grad. Some law schools are much more highly regarded than others. Summer schools are harmless I'm sure, but are very peripheral in terms of selection.