Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Law
Last Updated on August 12, 2023 by Oluwajuwon Alvina
Choosing a career as a working lawyer can be exciting and rewarding as you will be dealing with such big issues as crime, family law, contract law and property law. This means that you will need to understand the difference between your advantages and disadvantages of studying law to give you an insight into whether you really do want to pursue this as a profession.
The legal profession is one of the most highly paid careers in the world. But it is also a very competitive environment, so you need to know if becoming a lawyer is right for you. Deciding whether you want a career in law is no small matter. You may end up paying quite a bit of money for course fees; so you need to be sure it’s the right thing to do.
On Collegelearners, you will also discover up-to-date, related articles on importance of studying law and benefits of studying law in India. What are you waiting for? All the information you need like pros and cons of studying law, why study law essay, motivation to study law, importance of studying law and benefits of studying law in India now at your fingertips on Collegelearners site!
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Benefits of Having a Law Degree
Law can be defined as a set of rules formed and imposed by any governmental institute for maintaining conduct. The imposition of law helps a country or a community to sustain peace and enforce justice to those who hinder the rights of others.
Law is therefore termed to be the art and science of justice. Law gives form to history, economics, society, and politics, and abides as a mediocre of people’s relations.
Law comprises two main scopes namely Public law and Private law. Like all the laws such as criminal law, administrative law, and constitutional law, which directly concerns the society or the government falls under the Public law, the Private law covers laws formed for dealing with legal arguments among organizations or individuals regarding torts, property, commercial law, and contracts.
Systems of legal affairs are different in different countries and are investigated via comparative law, which is commonly known to be the study of the world’s various legal systems. While most democratic countries have laws to conserve the citizen’s rights, to uphold order, and to limit the government’s power, there are still some countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran that make use of historical religious law called Islamic law as the principal legal structure.
Law study or legal education is the study underwent by various personnel on the theory, practices, and principles of law for numerous aims such as understanding in depth the nature of law for business or politics, acquiring adequate skills as well as knowledge for admittance to practice law, or updating oneself on the recently made changes in the law.
Legal education has several forms, comprising of Law degrees, which vary as per the level of education. Graduate-level or sometimes undergraduate level studies cover Primary law degrees, whereas, Doctoral, as well as Masters Degrees, cover Advanced academic law degrees. Practice courses, specialized law endorsement, and continuing professional development are the remaining forms of legal education.
Since law forms the backbone of justice, its study comes with several advantages to an individual as well as to a community. The prime advantages of studying law will be explained only after we understand the backstory of legal education in brief.
Brief History
Studying law as education in the western region arose during the Democrat Rome. Primarily, people having a desire to becoming advocates trained in oratory schools. Then, Tiberius Coruncanius recognized law to be a discrete discipline and started teaching law accordingly around the 3rd century.
Around the medieval period, universities in Europe taught canon law. Nonetheless, the emergence of associations for teaching country’s domestic law took place in the late 18th century.
The study of law in England began via internships around the late 13th century, where the admission to practice as well as some training was controlled by the Court Inns.
It was not until the 1800s that the English universities started providing formal degrees for native law, before which universities taught canon and Roman law.
Why choose a career in law?
Law will always challenge you. Whether it’s intellectually, because of the hard work you need to put in or because of the people you need to deal with. Most of the time overcoming these challenges will help you grow as a person and even make you better at your job.
Law is certainly a rewarding. It could be rewarding because of working in the charity sector and helping disadvantaged people. Or it could be rewarding because you’ve taken part in a million pound sale of a corporation. Or perhaps the little victories will provide you with a great sense of satisfaction too like helping out a colleague or providing a great idea to your firms partner. Regardless of your role, you will get a great feeling of accomplishment from performing your job to a high, professional standard.
Generally speaking legal sector workers are very well paid. This isn’t just for the solicitors and barristers; an experienced paralegal can earn up to 50k per year in city firms. This does usually depend on the sort of firm you work for. A firm which deals only with legal aid won’t pay its employees as much as a corporate law firm. However, the legal profession is regularly ranked in the top 20 best paid careers in the UK. (Source here and here).
But…
Law firms ask their employees to work long hours. This mean you may have to spend a lot of time away from your loved ones. If there’s a deadline, or big client who needs work doing for them, then you’ll be expected to put in extra hours. There are even some horror stories of solicitors being called by their firm in the middle of the night, saying they’re needed at work, and telling them a taxi is on the way! This sort of experience should be limited to the biggest firms though. If you’re getting paid that much, a little out of hours work is expected.
There is a definite need for qualifications if you want to be a solicitor or barrister. Although this is getting better in recent years with the ability to qualify as a legal executive. There is still the need for at least 4 years of legal training plus two years of practical training if you want to become a solicitor or barrister through the traditional route. This of course is very expensive and consequently could be unobtainable to some people.
It’s about who you know. All profession have this problem to some degree – the boss of a company is more likely to hire his son than you; even if you’re a perfect candidate. In law it’s especially apparent so making good connections early on in your legal career is vital. It is unfortunate that sometimes the best connected candidate is chosen over the candidate with the best ability, but that should give you the extra drive to become well connected and network with the right people.
Reasons to become a solicitor
You can go into the legal area you enjoy the most. When you’re making your training contract applications you will be able to pick the firms which practice the areas of law you enjoy the most. After your LLB and LPC courses you should know the areas for you. It really is key to enjoy the work you do; you’re going to be spending the rest of your working life doing it after all! In the words of Confucius; choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. There is luckily a diverse range of firms to choose from who should practice in at least one of the legal areas you enjoy
There should be lots of travel opportunities if you’re working in a big firm. Some firms even offer an overseas seat as part of their training contract. This is mostly limited to the large international firms, however you can expect at least some travelling especially if you’re involved in EU law, corporate law, human rights and environmental law. Working in a small high street firm the opportunites for travel will obviously be much less.
Solicitors have great career progression. There isn’t even the standard way of promotion to achieve a higher salary. Generally speaking the more experience you have, the more money you will make (this goes for other roles such as legal secretaries and paralegals too). You may one day even be able to become partner of the firm which will bring along a ton of other challenges and opportunities.
But…
It’s hard to get a training contract. Especially in this economic climate. There are quite a few processes you need to go through to get your training contract too – there will be lots of competition. To even get to the interview stage you need great academics and a CV stuffed with relevant work experience. If you don’t get a training contract that’s a lot of money spent on legal education not getting put to use…
There is a constant need for education. This isn’t necesseraily a bad thing. It depends on your personality. The law is constantly changing and you need to keep up to date in order to properly perform your job. You also can’t fall behind in regards to technology used. Can you imagine if a solicitor refused to learn about WestLaw or Lexis when they first came out? They wouldn’t be able to perform their job as well as well as a solicitor who had mastered these resources.
The work may get repetitive. Even if you love the area of law you practice in, day after day of filling in paperwork could get tedious. As could dealing with the same cases and pieces of legislation every day. But that’s the same for a lot of jobs; plus you have the chance to move upwards within the firm (maybe working toward becoming a partner) or even take on another area of law.
Reasons to become a barrister
Becoming a barrister is certainly prestigious. This is mostly for historical reasons with the Bar being seen as one of the few suitable career for upper class men in the 18th & 19th centuries. Due to the amount of training needed, high competition, and ability advocate before higher courts the profession has maintained this prestige to the current day.
If you want to go into politics then becoming a barrister first is a good idea. Loads of past and current politicians have been barristers like Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher. The skills needed to become a barrister are very similar to the ones you need if you want to become a politician. It also makes sense that if you spend all that time reading about the law, you would want to help create it in the future too.
Fighting a cause. Being a barrister is brilliant if you’re really fighting for something that you believe in. You could be passionate about the environment, human rights or criminal justice. But as long as you believe in the work you’re doing then you can be happy in the knowledge you’re making a difference.
But…
There is a lot of pressure. This pressure is different then being a solicitor, which is mostly pressure over a period of time (like hitting a deadline). The pressure you will face as a barrister could be more focused around the moment rather than over time; the pressure to perform in court is a perfect example of this. You can’t let the pressure get to you or your argument will fall apart. This will result in your client; who needs you to do your job perfectly, being let down.
It’s even harder to become a barrister than it is to become a solicitor. There are only 15,000 barristers in the United Kingdom. There are not as many pupillage places available as there are places on the Bar Professional Training Course, so unfortunately a certain number of applicants are going to be disappointed. As with being a solicitor you should make some good contacts via networking or mini pupillages before applying.
You need to be naturally talented. You can’t just be good at speaking & arguing; you need to be the best. The same goes for being good at thinking on your feet. If you’re good at law but don’t necessarily possess the quick thinking, persuasive and charismatic attributes required by a barrister then you’re not likely to be successful.
Pros and Cons of Studying Law
What do Margaret Thatcher, Benazir Bhutto, Barack Obama and Mahatma Gandhi have in common? Interestingly, they are world leaders who studied law. One of the oldest academic fields in the world, a law degree is a highly regarded qualification and promises great career opportunities. For some, to study law is to uphold justice, a noble call that is most commendable (and the world needs more of them); nevertheless, law is not just for lawyers or in the courtroom as it affects all aspects of society; from the protection of life and liberty to corporate or international relations, law graduates are capable of doing many important roles in various professions.
Every course has it’s own advantages and disadvantages, below are the advantages and disadvantages of studying law.
What are the advantages of studying law
Stable Income
Jobs may not come immediately after obtaining a law degree and even after acquiring a job, one may not immediately earn more, but with this degree eventually, one is deemed to have high income as well as job security as compared to other degrees.
Strong foundation for further/combined academic studies
Many courses enable students to combine their legal studies with business or accounting, and by combining law with a range of non-law degrees.
Large Professional Opportunities
It is not always mandatory for an individual studying law aiming to be a lawyer because legal studies offer several job opportunities in a variety of areas like academia, politics, media, social work, etc. from where one can choose as per their liking.
Master critical thinking, strong reasoning and analytical skills
The knowledge and skills gained from studying law facilitate students to analyse both sides of complex situations or problems and to devise the best solution based on strong reasoning and critical thinking.
Power of Correcting the World
People with high moral conduct and who have a strong desire to change the world can make their dream come true legally by acquiring the qualification as well as the education necessary and valid for making those changes through the study of law.
Respect and prestige
Many law graduates are successful in various industries and more became world leaders who are highly respected. The job is not easy but those who uphold justice are most deserving of respect.
Esteemed Field of Study
Almost all the graduates of law who are true to their job are successful in their respective fields and are most likely to become the looked upon leaders. Whatever path they choose, law graduates are extremely respected and valued in their work.
Awareness of rights and responsibilities
Being unaware of rights and responsibilities prohibits you to become the best that you can be as a fellow human. Studying law allows students to understand the reasons behind the regulations.
Improved Reasoning Skills
Because of the skills and insight attained while undergoing legal studies, students are capable of effectively analyzing all the aspects of an intricate situation and can formulate the best outcome from those situations.
Development of self-confidence
Studying law is an empowering experience. Law students often work in groups and actively participate in debates or discussions, such environments nurture good self-esteem and confidence.
Advanced Negotiating Skills
As the study requires students to take part in several debates and arguments, law students grow the aptitude of negotiating using simple evidence in such a way that it will result to be difficult for others to counter.
Better communication skills and high adaptability towards various career transitions
Law students develop the ability to argue from a basis of evidence in a way which can be hard for others to do; this actively cultivates advanced communication skills, keen problem-solving abilities and the capacity for independent thinking. As a result, law graduates adapt very well in various situations or career transitions.
An intellectual challenge
With such compelling benefits, it comes to reason that obtaining a law degree is not easy. The standards are high and outstanding academic performance is expected. Studying law is demanding and a truly intellectual challenge. If you enjoy working your little grey cells, this may well be the biggest benefit of studying law.
Ability to Independently Plan your Schedule
While the job can be stressful, it is up to the lawyer to independently plan his/her schedule and determine performance tasks, workload, cost of his services. The profession comes with maximum freedom in time which cannot be guaranteed in any other job profile.
Bad effects of studying law
Working for long hours
Law firms ask their employees to work long hours. This mean you may have to spend a lot of time away from your loved ones. If there’s a deadline, or big client who needs work doing for them, then you’ll be expected to put in extra hours. There are even some horror stories of solicitors being called by their firm in the middle of the night, saying they’re needed at work, and telling them a taxi is on the way! This sort of experience should be limited to the biggest firms though. If you’re getting paid that much, a little out of hours work is expected.
Competition for Jobs
Competition for jobs in the legal industry is pretty high and will continue to be so. Apparently, there are more law students graduating from than there are legal jobs. Hence, the option to move to your choice of city or to pick an area that you like the most no longer have a role to play when pursuing law.
Constant need of education
There is a constant need for education. This isn’t necesseraily a bad thing. It depends on your personality. The law is constantly changing and you need to keep up to date in order to properly perform your job. You also can’t fall behind in regards to technology used. Can you imagine if a solicitor refused to learn about WestLaw or Lexis when they first came out? They wouldn’t be able to perform their job as well as well as a solicitor who had mastered these resources.
Changing Legal Paradigm
With the onset of globalisation and privatisation, the practice of law is rapidly changing and unfortunately, lawyers do not have a monopoly in the field anymore. Today, lawyers face challenges from a range of non-lawyer sources which might not be reputable but are changing the picture drastically.
Lots of pressure
There is a lot of pressure. This pressure is different then being a solicitor, which is mostly pressure over a period of time (like hitting a deadline). The pressure you will face as a barrister could be more focused around the moment rather than over time; the pressure to perform in court is a perfect example of this. You can’t let the pressure get to you or your argument will fall apart. This will result in your client; who needs you to do your job perfectly, being let down.
You Might not Like Your Client
You won’t be able to pick the clients you want to work for simply because that is how the business works and your income would be based on that. People who require lawyers don’t come from a single demographic. Either your clients may be filthy rich and willing to offer a lot of money or they could be homeless and accused of a crime who might not be able to afford you.
Underestimation of Lawyers
It would be a lie if we said that people do not underestimate a lawyer. The society is still yet to understand the significance of a legal perspective and having more efficient lawyers in the country. Although law tends to affect every individual in their day-to-day activities, they remain far from reality and eventually underestimate the profession and power of a lawyer.
Technology in the Legal System
Like every other sector, technology has been successful in transforming the practice of law as well. This demands today’s lawyers to be proficient in multiple technology platforms which might range from management tools to spreadsheet, document review, billing software, etc. While lawyers are trying to keep with that, the market trend threatens to transfer the jobs of lawyers to technology.
But such benefits may not be easy to attain as legal studies require a lot of devotion and hard work, and many of the law students usually drop out during their first two years of graduation.
Regardless of the hardship, if one can sustain their devotion and a strong sense of justice, he/she is deemed to be respected in their community and can bring about the change they wished to see in the society.
Also, with the definite knowledge of the laws supporting one’s country, they will be able to sustainably progress the world towards a better future without affecting others’ rights.
Being a Lawyer Pros & Cons – Summary List
| Being a Lawyer Pros | Being a Lawyer Cons |
|---|---|
| Lawyers can earn really good money | Lawyers often work long hours |
| Being a lawyer implies excellent career options | Stress can be enormous |
| Lawyers can work in many different jobs | Being a lawyer may affect your family life |
| You know your own rights quite well | Lawyers have to be flexible |
| You can defend your family and friends | You have to defend people you don’t like |
| Lawyers learn how to deal with stress | You often just live for your career |
| You can learn a lot in your first years | Problematic from a moral standpoint |
| You can start your own law firm | People may insult and threaten you |
| Lawyers can build a strong business network | Law school is quite expensive |
| Being a lawyer never gets boring | Not every lawyer gets a good salary |
