Law School Myths Debunked: I Should Attend the Most Prestigious University Possible
Written by Canada Law From Abroad - 23/04/2026
In this blog we work to debunk the myth that students need to attend the most prestigious university possible in order to succeed in their future legal career.
It’s important to remember that, like most things in life, one size does not fit all – and that’s okay! There are many ways that students can decide which universities they wish to apply to and ultimately attend. At Canada Law From Abroad, we partner with some of the top UK universities to help you get the most out of your legal education. Whether you want to study in the bustling city of London, or you prefer a more serene setting, we have you covered.
CHOOSING THE BEST FIT FOR YOU
We generally advise you should go to the university that best fits you regardless of how prestigious a school is. Evaluate all aspects of the university such as campus type, location, student involvement opportunities, cost and of course, prestigious reputation/ranking, if that is indeed important to you. If the university and you aren't a good match, you will be unhappy regardless of the prestige so find one that fits best with your personality, academic needs, and strengths. If you want to pick your universities based on student satisfaction, work opportunities, or research prestige, our advisors are here to help guide you to the ones best for you. There is not a one-size-fits-all university, it's very much a personal decision, and your search and selection of the universities you apply to should be personal as well.
LAW SOCIETIES BRING NETWORKING AND COLLABORATION
All of our partner universities have law societies that students can join during their studies. These societies are student-run groups with a focus on giving academic support, providing networking opportunities, and organizing group events specifically tailored to law students. These groups are a great way to get to know your fellow law students and can bring you amazing personal connections to carry with you throughout your legal career
While some universities have more specific Canadian law societies that offer support when looking ahead to the NCA accreditation process, for others these societies are open to all students and enable you to connect with students from different backgrounds as you work through your legal studies.
BENEFITS OF RUSSELL GROUP UNIVERSITIES
Throughout your university research you may come across the term “Russell Group” university – what is that? Just how important is that designation when considering your Law School options?
The truth is these universities have a clear aim to produce the best research and academic resources for its students that they can, and with over 30 years of history dedicated to this focus, these universities do have some great networking opportunities and professional connections available to students. The resources available to this group means that they also have policies in place to continue top-notch development and growth of their research and learning goals.
University staff and alumni have strong, often unrivalled links with business and the public sector. When considering law studies, these industry connections can be directly to top-tier law firms both in the UK and abroad. The result? These connections can help students build their own professional network. As networking is a key part of the legal profession, these useful connections may help students establish their legal career early-on.
We are partnered with several members of the Russell Group including:
- University of Birmingham
- University of Exeter
- University of Leeds
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of York
YOUR CAREER IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT
Overall, we find that students who choose not to attend highly ranked/prestigious universities can be just as successful as those who do as long as they make the most of their education and take advantage of every opportunity offered to them. Professional/real-world experience can be just as important as grades when considering recent graduates and the focus UK universities place on growing students’ professional skillset can be a huge advantage no matter where you study. Most importantly, these experiences can often set you apart from your Canadian peers so it’s important to seek out these skill-building opportunities throughout your studies. Consider taking on Pro Bono work, participating in Mooting competitions or attending guest lectures to build a well-rounded legal professional.
