School students interested in law often ask for advice about what to read to help them find out what studying law at university is like. Listed below are some suggestions.
Letters to a Law Student: A Guide to Studying Law at University by Nicholas McBride
An excellent introduction to all aspects of studying law at university written as a series of letters. The book is organised into sections that deal with the decision to study law, the process of studying law, assessment and the job market.
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What About Law: Studying Law at University by Catherine Barnard and Janet O’Sullivan
Another excellent guide that looks closely at what the process of studying law involves. The book focusses on some of the core subject areas on a law degree so that the reader gains a real sense of what studying and thinking about law will be like. Written by leading law academics the book is stimulating and provides a real insight into the thinking demanded of law students.
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How to Write Better Essays by Dr Bryan Greetham
As the title suggests, this book focusses on the skill of writing essays. Although there are many methods of assessment at university the essay retains a central place. In fact, the essay has been a key method of presenting ideas and arguments for hundreds of years and is regarded by some as one of the most difficult skills to perfect. Writing an essay is not just about putting pen to paper, it is about research, organising your thoughts and arguments to suit a particular audience, capturing their attention and persuading them. All of these skills are applicable elsewhere on a degree and in great demand by employers.
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If you would like to read a different kind of book then try the following:
One L by Scott Turow
This is a factual account of the first year of studying law at Harvard Law School. Although it was first published in 1977, it remains a great read for those interested in law at any university. Many of the experiences, challenges, setbacks and successes that Turow recounts are immediately familiar to today’s law students. If you have ever wondered if studying law might be a little dry – this is the book for you!
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The Paper Chase by John Jay Osborn
Once again, we find ourselves in the first year at Harvard Law School but this time in a fictional text. Well worth reading, the book was also made into a highly successful film.
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