Undoubtedly, a law degree is one of the most valuable assets anyone could have when pursuing their chosen career after university, whether it be a legal career or something completely unrelated to law. The flexibility and endless opportunities available to law graduates are what send most people on this journey. However, everyone’s story is different. Perhaps you were inspired by your great-grandfather who was a barrister, or perhaps you are a first-generation student (like me!).
Law, Medicine, STEM. I personally feel these are the three career paths that are waved in our faces from as early as the day we chose our GCSEs. These graduates are highly sought after by employers and the ‘transferable skills’ everyone talks about can lead you down any path you can dream of! But with the world becoming saturated with graduates, what makes you different from the rest?
I study Common and Civil Law with French and, like most law students, I had my heart set on studying law from a young age. I usually get the same reaction, “Law AND French!? You must have a lot of time on your hands!” when in reality, my university experience has been a blessing and my decision to change from Law to Law with French was perhaps the best decision I have ever made.
The benefits of studying Law with a Language are endless, and the purpose of this article is to encourage more students to engage with modern languages. Studying a language allows us to take a step back from ‘le train-train quotidien’ (as the French would say!).
What advantages come with studying a Law and Language degree?
It breaks it up
In my cohort, there are around 300 hardworking law students. 14 study Law with French and the number is around the same for Law with Hispanic studies. The single honours law students study six core modules annually in first and second year and four optional modules plus a dissertation in their final year. However, those who study law with a language study four law modules annually in first year, second year and final year with one French module each year (worth double credits) and we have no dissertation at the end! As a result, we have less law readings to do (what a blessing!) and less law exams and assignments.
The Year Abroad
Studying abroad is perhaps one of the most important factors when choosing to study a Law and Language degree. For us Law with French students, we currently attend ‘Legal French’ classes (‘Français juridique’), where we study and prepare for assessment on the Civil Law system in France. The form of assessments includes essays and oral discussions providing critical analysis of aspects of the French legal system. The aim of this module is to prepare us for our Erasmus Year, where we will study Law at a French (or Belgian) university. Although we will have to take exams in France (which will undoubtedly be challenging!) and will likely appear on our degree transcripts, these grades won’t count towards our final classifications, so we are able take time to explore France, practice our language skills and experience the culture without feeling guilty!
It sets you apart from other applicants when entering into a career within the legal sector
They will inform you of the endless opportunities available to you, but they will not warn you of how competitive it is. Studying a language alongside a Law degree, as well as studying Law in your second language at a foreign university demonstrates to employers your dedication and resilience. It is not easy, but it is rewarding. It sets you apart from others. Of course work experience, content writing, mini pupillages, vacation schemes and open days are all of great benefit and are equally as rewarding, but a language cannot be learnt overnight. It is a skill which has been developed over time. Most importantly, participating in a Year Abroad is so valuable to your own personal development, as settling into another country, studying there, adapting to a new culture and practising the language will nurture vital skills which will make you a brilliant asset to any employer no matter what career path you decide to take.
The Global outlook of Law Firms:
Big city firms, including ‘Magic Circle’ firms, receive a heavy number of applicants. Studying a Law and Language double honours degree will be a huge benefit to your application to any law firm (particularly multi-jurisdictional organisations), as you can demonstrate you have studied the legal system of another country. Additionally, it also demonstrates a global mindset, which is sought after by many employers! Your experience and knowledge of another legal system also opens up opportunities for you to be considered for cross-jurisdictional work.
The skills that come with learning a language are vital for any career
Communication skills, listening for gist, summary writing, attention to detail, public speaking, interpersonal skills and creativity are all vital skills for a career in a legal sector and will make you an asset to any law firm or business! As modern languages students, the tasks we carry out for each module focus on developing these skills. We study grammar, discuss current affairs in our target language, we translate extracts from books and movies, and most importantly we study, analyse and critique aspects of the French legal system.
It’s fun!
In my free time I watch Netflix in French, YouTube in French and read French books without feeling guilty as it 100% counts as revision! Also, I am a member of both the Law Society and the French Society at university… which means I can attend both balls!
Brexit:
The impact of Brexit on UK Law firms will increase the demand for lawyers who are interested or are experienced in European Union Law. But what about a law student who has studied the language of a European country and has lived there and studied their legal system in their language? Also, the demand for legal services post-Brexit increased the workload of lawyers in terms of the UK’s future trade deals overseas.
It allows you to breathe:
Burning yourself out and grinding out law school from 7am - 11pm should not be encouraged. Studying French allows me to breathe, relax and take my mind away from Law for a couple of hours.
What are the drawbacks of studying a Law and Language degree?
Year Abroad
This is a potential drawback for the home birds. This is compulsory, and it can be nerve-wracking but there is so much preparation in advance! I was very nervous to accept my offer of Law with French for this reason, but I am so glad I did.
The demand
Because Law is such an intense subject (even with 4 modules!) it can sometimes be difficult to stay on top of everything, particularly as learning a language is progressive therefore it is important to study it every week and not leave it till the very end. At the beginning, you may find it difficult to balance, but it gets easier after the first semester!
This is often a four-year course instead of three
For those who wish to jump into employment as soon as possible, this may be a drawback. However, there is a silver lining. You have more time to gain experience and consider your potential options after graduation.
On top of all these advantages, I wanted to take something I was passionate about with me while I discovered my career path. The study of modern languages should be encouraged more in schools. It wasn’t until after I applied on UCAS that I was aware of the opportunity to study Law with a Language. After this ground-breaking discovery, it was my parents who encouraged me to continue learning French at university.
If you are a law student who is not studying a language and want to experience the benefits laid down in this article, there are so many opportunities available to you. My university offers 10-week courses through the Language Centre, which includes over 70 classes in 14 different languages. British Sign Language also offer courses at a discounted rate for students and Duolingo is always available! Having a second language under your belt is something which makes you unique and adds a little bit of ‘oomf’ to your CV, on top of the other great things us law students get up to!
Britney is a second year Law with French student at Queen’s University Belfast, where she volunteers as a Peer Mentor and an Academic Representative. Currently, she is interested in Criminal Law and European Union Law. Outside her studies, she enjoys learning Italian, reading and exercising. Recently she completed her Teaching English as a Foreign Language course.
Comments