A CAREER IN LAW
Source: Amy Krois-Lindner and Matt Firth, Introduction to International Legal English (2008),
Cambridge University Press
THE STUDY OF LAW
Lead-in
The study of law differs from country to country, but most law degree programmes
include core (compulsory) subjects which all students must take. Which core courses are
typical in your country? How long does it take to complete a law degree?
READING I: A CAREER IN LAW
1 Read the text below and answer these questions.
1 Which courses do law students in the UK have to take?
2 Which optional courses might a student who wants to work in a big law
firm take?
The study of law is intellectually stimulating and challenging, and can lead to a variety
of interesting careers.
In the UK and the USA, law degree programmes usually take three years to
complete. In the UK, these programmes typically include core subjects such as
criminal law, contract law, tort law, land law, equity and trusts, administrative
law and constitutional law. In addition, students are often required to take
courses covering skills such as legal writing and legal research.
There is also a variety of optional (elective) courses available. Since many
law students go on to become lawyers, students often take courses that
will be useful to them during their future careers. Someone wishing to run a
small partnership or to work alone as a sole practitioner in a small town may
decide to take subjects such as family law, employment law and housing law.
Those wishing to work in a large law practice will consider subjects such as
company law, commercial law and litigation and arbitration.
Many universities also offer courses on legal practice. Courses like this give
students the opportunity to experience the work of a lawyer before deciding
on a career in the law. Another way of finding out more about law in practice is
to get involved with a voluntary advice centre or law clinic. These clinics offer
free legal assistance to the local community and provide a useful introduction
to some of the day-to-day work of a lawyer.
For students wishing to work in a commercial practice, knowledge of foreign
languages is essential. When law firms hire new recruits, they generally look
at four things: education, personality, work experience and language ability.
Since English is the language of the international legal community, law firms
increasingly expect graduates to have a good command of English.
READING 2: COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
First-year course descriptions
Introduction to Law: This course aims to familiarize the student with the study of law;
to begin the development of certain basic skills, such as reading, analysis and synthesis
of legal decisions, and interpretation of statutes; to discuss fundamental aspects of the
legal process, e.g. how courts “make law" and the function of the courts with respect to
statutory law.
1) ……………….: This course covers the fundamental principles governing the
formation, interpretation, performance, and enforcement of contracts. In addition, special
attention is given to the requirements of offer and acceptance, consideration, formal
requirements, public policy, and the problems of choosing a remedy in case of a breach.
Some attention will also be given to the Uniform Commercial Code.
2) ……………….: Topics covered include liability for intentional and negligently
caused injuries to person and property; strict liability; vicarious liability; ultra-hazardous
activities; products liability; nuisance; invasion of privacy; defamation; the impact of
insurance and risk distribution upon liability; accident compensation plans; damages;
losses.
3) ……………….: This course presents the basic concepts of criminal law. Crimes
against persons, property, and public administration are covered, with special emphasis
placed upon the law of homicide.
Second-year course descriptions
Evidence: This course will explore the rules of evidence and their rationale, including
relevancy, hearsay, impeachment, cross-examination, opinions and experts, documents,
and privileges.
Criminal Procedure: This course will cover regulation of law enforcement conduct
during the investigation of crimes, with special emphasis on constitutional and statutory
limitations. Topics include search and seizure, confessions and incriminating statements,
electronic surveillance, entrapment, identification procedures, and remedies for improper
police conduct.
4) ……………….: This course covers the general principles of federal constitutional
law, including government authority and its distribution under the constitution; the
judicial function in constitutional cases; powers delegated to the national government
and the reserved powers of the states in areas of federal authority; intergovernmental
relations; rights, privileges, and immunities under the constitution; national citizenship;
the contract clause; the federal constitution and the amendments thereto.
5) ……………….: This course is designed to acquaint students with the nature of legal
research. Students will analyze judicial opinions; apply legal concepts and rules; and
learn correct legal citation and use of correct precedent. Special attention is given to the
mechanics of legal research, the techniques of writing memoranda, and briefs.
