Studying law today

How has the pandemic shaped Scotland’s educational landscape? The shift to online classes, while challenging, taught lessons in time management and self-discipline. Now, with the return to in-person learning, has the value of face-to-face interactions been reaffirmed?

Studying law has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. The experience of doing so at the University of Aberdeen in the aftermath of Covid-19 added a unique perspective to my experience. Students across Scotland have navigated the transition from online learning to a hybrid model, and eventually back to in-person classes. I believe that this journey has fostered a group of resilient, adaptable individuals. Law students have adjusted to new ways of learning and interacting with peers and professors, making the next generation of legal professionals better equipped and prepared for their careers ahead.

The pandemic reshaped Scotland’s educational landscape. The shift to online classes, while initially challenging, taught us valuable lessons in time management and self-discipline. Now, with the return to in-person learning, the value of face-to-face interactions has been reaffirmed. Passionate, engaging lectures and in-person workshops and tutorials are a core aspect of the university experience. The opportunity to participate in discussions and exchange ideas with fellow students is irreplaceable and can be challenging to replicate online. Following Covid-19, universities have become increasingly flexible. While certain classes require physical attendance, others are held online, or posted in a podcast-style format. This suits many law students, myself included, who prefer to structure their work week and are required to balance extracurricular commitments. Online participation provides greater flexibility in organising busy work and study schedules. It also reflects the transition to hybrid in-office and remote work arrangements adopted by numerous employers post-pandemic.

Studying a Bachelor of Scots Law (LLB) degree has provided me with an in-depth understanding of the Scottish legal system and its historical underpinnings. The primary factor influencing my choice of this standalone degree was the opportunity to undertake electives during the first three years of study. Alongside my legal education, I have taken philosophy, ethics and dispute resolution courses. Scottish universities offer a wide range of legal degree options, including Scots and English law and dual degrees. Our institutions are incredibly flexible. Should a law student wish to transition to a different degree type after commencing their studies, universities are keen to accommodate such a change.

A distinguishing feature of being a law student is the strong emphasis on early career planning. Universities provide a wealth of resources to help students map out their career paths from the outset. Career services offer personalised counselling, workshops and networking events to connect students with professionals in the field. An annual highlight is the law fair hosted by Scottish universities. Here, prospective employers, including firms and legal organisations, gather to network with students, offering insight into summer vacation schemes and traineeship opportunities. However, universities are also keen to battle the misconception that law students must become solicitors. Universities offer pathways for those interested in advanced studies, such as a Masters in Law, which opens doors to academia and specialised research.

The most fulfilling aspect of my legal studies has been my involvement with The Aberdeen Law Project. Founded, led and operated entirely by students, this initiative is dedicated to addressing the access to justice gap. I am the current director of the representation team. We provide free legal advice and representation to those who do not qualify for legal aid but cannot afford a solicitor. I have the privilege of working with a dedicated team of students in offering much-needed advice to those in our community. The role has reinforced why I chose to study law in the first place. By applying my legal knowledge to real-life situations, I have experienced first-hand how the law creates meaningful change. Whether advocating against discrimination in employment tribunals or resolving property disputes, students possess the skills to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

My involvement has heightened my awareness of access to justice issues within Scotland and the subsequent importance of pro bono work. While law students learn about the strengths of the Scottish legal system, it is equally important to critique areas of weakness. Law clinics are not unique to the University of Aberdeen; they are a standout feature of being a law student in Scotland today. For those with a passion for helping others, I encourage you to explore whether your university offers the opportunity to get involved with a legal clinic. Alternatively, you could look to other avenues for pro bono work, such as volunteering with Citizens Advice Bureau.  

Law students are studying during an exciting period. Considering the evolving legal and educational landscape post-pandemic, the multitude of career opportunities and the expanding role of law students in advocacy and pro bono work, a law degree can no longer be regarded as just a ‘qualification’.

Written by Freya Stephen

Second Image: Senior management of The Aberdeen Law Project’s representation team (l-r): Finlay Mailer, Housing Firm Lead; Freya Stephen, Director of Representation; and Katie Moore, Employment and Consumer Firm Lead