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The Do's and Don'ts of Writing a UCAS Personal Statement
What is a personal statement? How long does it need to be? What should you talk about in your statement? Does it need to be written as a letter to the university?
The personal statement is a key part of the law school application process in the UK. It is your chance as an applicant to "talk" to the admissions team and give them a more complete picture of you as a student. But any old essay won't do, the are a few key things that you need to make sure your statement hits the mark. And there is a degree of nuance in the tone and content that will help to make sure your statement is meeting UK expectations. A statement written for a UK law school application is a lot different than a US college admissions essay or what you hear about in movies.
Join our advising team as we go over the most common mistakes we see students make when writing a UK personal statement. Whether you've already started your statement and just need to polish it up or you are struggling on the best way to begin, we can help!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice Law in Canada with a UK Law Degree?
University of Sussex: Pre-Departure Webinar
This program is amazing
As a Canadian, who had just completed a degree in Politics and Sociology, some wondered why I chose the LLB Single Honours degree program at Queen’s University Belfast but the choice was easy. I knew that I wanted to study law and to practice, not just in Canada but also internationally. Queen’s offered me a three-year program similar to a Canadian JD. With this degree, I can practice in the UK, and I can return to Canada. This program is amazing because it offers North Americans the opportunity to obtain a law degree as an undergrad, so the process is much quicker! Not only that, but the Queen’s School of Law ranked 8th overall in the UK in the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2013.
From the moment I arrived, representatives from Queen’s made me feel welcome by meeting me at the airport and helping with accommodation. Further, I love being in the LLB program because the school provides constant, easy points of contact with a variety of people who can help us with our course. Each student has a personal tutor who they can visit at any time to discuss questions or concerns. Lecturers in general are open to meeting up.
Queen’s also offers a huge variety of opportunities for internships and study abroad schemes that I have already been offered as a first-year student. I love how the school is genuinely concerned for their students’ immediate needs and future career aspirations. I would highly recommend the LLB Program at Queen’s to any international and especially North American student who is thinking about a future in law.
Incredible opportunities
I completed my first year in the JD program on a very high note because of the incredible opportunities available at Queen’s and the support of the key staff members at the School of Law. On the academic side, I was awarded one of the Top Module Mark prizes. Outside of my course work, I was able to participate in various extra-curricular activities.
Through the School of Law, I was able to participate in the Lincoln’s Inn Tour in London. By visiting one of the four Inns of Court has helped me understand the process of being ‘Called to the Bar’ in England and Wales. Another great opportunity was being able to publish a report about Northern Ireland for the World Universities Comparative Law Project with Allen & Overy. This experience was truly invaluable in developing my commercial awareness in a different jurisdiction. Through these two very different experiences, I was able to learn more about what it takes to become a successful barrister and a commercial solicitor.
As a Queen’s student, there were many opportunities to get involved on campus. One society event that sharpened my advocacy skills was the Belfast Model United Nations Conference. I was a delegate in the Human Rights Council representing the Republic of Albania. We dealt with discussing measures to eliminate gender based violence in all levels of education, including violence against the LGBTQI+ community. Another society event that was extremely rewarding was participating in Maynooth University's International Negotiations Competition as a member of the QUB Alternative Dispute Resolution Society and the UK chapter of the European Law Students' Association. This competition was another opportunity to expand my commercial awareness and develop negotiation skills.
Another valuable experience was becoming involved in my local community. In March 2016, I was trained as one of the Diversity Ambassadors with the QUB Student Union. We were hosted by Corrymeela Community (Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation organisation) and the British Red Cross. The training involved learning how to initiate diversity awareness and recruitment in clubs or societies on campus. At the end of the two-day residential, we were able to identify gaps in the student experience and services on campus. Our contribution was honoured at the Student Union Volunteering Excellency Awards in June 2016. Lastly, I also became an active member of ‘Lean In’ Belfast Chapter, which connects me with local professionals who continuously encourage me to “lean in” to my ambitions.
It is through all of these experiences that I was able to complete my first year in the JD program with a great deal of accomplishment and pride in my achievements.
Does it get any better?
Canada Law from Abroad assisted me in the whole process of applying to law schools in the UK.
I was fortunate to meet my advisor in person in one of CLFA's downtown Toronto sessions in the fall of 2017 where she provided me with a detailed account of how CLFA operates and what I can expect from the team. To those who can make it to one of these sessions, I highly recommend attending them and setting up an appointment! My advisor was extremely helpful in providing me a shortlist of law schools that catered to my specific needs. Furthermore, she was always there whenever I had questions and concerns and always kept me up to speed with my applications assuring me to not worry.
Fast forward to 2020, I have successfully graduated from York Law School and am now pursuing my NCAs to start the ball rolling to get my feet in the door in Ontario! I highly recommend students pursuing law school in the UK to approach Canada Law from Abroad!
