The Benefits of Studying Law in London, and Why You Should Do So
London has long been known as a cultural and economic hub, with a reputation for academic excellence that extends well beyond its borders. For aspiring legal professionals, studying in London offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a city that boasts a rich history of legal tradition and innovation. With its numerous world-renowned universities and a diverse student population from all over the world, London is the ideal destination for those looking to gain a competitive edge in their legal education. In this article, we will explore the benefits of studying law in London and why it should be at the top of every prospective law student's list.
Before we get into that, it is worth pointing out the universities that actually provide Law as a course of study in London, and how they differ from one another. Law is intrinsically a broad discipline, and the approach taken to cover the curriculum tends to differ (albeit only slightly in some cases) from school to school.
The universities that teach Law in London are, as well as their QS rankings in 2023:
Birkbeck, University of London (QS Overall Rank #343)
Brunel University London (QS Overall Rank #412)
City, University of London (QS Overall Rank #355)
King's College London (KCL) (QS Overall Rank #37, Law Rank #15)
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) (QS Overall Rank #56, Law Rank #7)
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) (QS Overall Rank #117, Law Rank #32)
Royal Holloway, University of London (QS Overall Rank #402)
SOAS University of London (QS Overall Rank #443, Law Rank #151-200)
University College London (UCL) (QS Overall Rank #, Law Rank #14)
*Schools without a Law Rank do not appear on the QS 2023 list for Law and Legal Studies.
These 7 schools are all public universities, which means that they are funded by the British government. King's College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, Queen Mary University of London, Royal Holloway and University College London are all part of the Russell Group universities in the UK, which is a group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK that are often regarded as among the most prestigious and reputable universities in the country.
KCL, LSE and UCL are also part of the Golden Triangle (G5) group in the UK, which consists of the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, as well as the aforementioned London schools (excluding Imperial College London which does not provide law). The G5 schools are highly regarded for their academic excellence, research output, and selective admissions processes, whilst receiving the largest amounts of research funding and have produced many Nobel laureates and other notable alumni over their rich history. This piece will mainly focus on the schools KCL, LSE and UCL due to the significantly higher applicant demographics, as well as the demand of students wanting to enter these universities.
Now that you understand the various law schools situated in London a little bit better, let’s dive into the juicy part - the actual benefits of studying there. This Inspire Law original will seek to cover the exact reasons by going through 3 broad aspects - 1) Reputation and Quality of Education, 2) Opportunities and Prospects, and finally 3) All-Round Student Life and Experience.
1.) Reputation and Quality of Education
Aside from the famed Oxbridge universities, the London universities (especially those that are a part of G5) are considered to be the very best in the whole of the UK, and throughout the world as well. They have a proven track record of producing top Nobel Laureates, as well as leading figures in the legal industry and trailblazing ministers that have led their nations all across the world.
The interdisciplinary and practical approach to teaching Law is prevalent throughout, and can be observed most clearly in LSE, UCL and KCL. For one, LSE's law program draws heavily on insights from other fields such as economics, politics, and sociology to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the law and legal systems. This allows for students to hone their knowledge and skills in a broad and all-rounded manner, and in turn provides ample opportunities in virtually all realms of the law and even outside of the industry. UCL's strong emphasis on International Law, coupled with its state-of-the-art facilities mean that it is one of the top institutions in the world to study for students interested in pursuing careers in areas such as human rights, international arbitration, and transnational business law. Likewise, KCL’s offers a wide range of specializations within its law program, including International Business Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Medical Law, which allows for students to tailor their curriculum and studies to what they like and specialize in certain fields of interest.
London's law schools not only offer exceptional education but also state-of-the-art facilities that are unparalleled. These prestigious institutions boast a roster of distinguished professors who are experts in their fields, including Philippe Sands QC, Conor Gearty, and Dame Hazel Genn. At University College London (UCL), students are privileged to be taught by Professor Sands, a leading authority in international law, who has appeared before numerous international courts and tribunals. At LSE, Professor Conor Gearty is a professor of human rights law at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and is one of the most acclaimed professors of human rights law in the UK. He has worked on numerous notable human rights cases and has also founded the Institute of Public Affairs at LSE, which has contributed significantly to public debate and policy development in the UK.
These acclaimed professors offer just a glimpse into the caliber of teaching and impressive expertise possessed by professors at these top institutions. LSE's Department of Law, housed in the New Academic Building, offers modern facilities for both teaching and research purposes, including a Moot Court Room, a Law Library, and seminar rooms equipped with advanced audio-visual technology. The British Library of Political and Economic Science, located at LSE, is one of the largest libraries in the world devoted to economics and social sciences, while UCL's Faculty of Laws is housed in the Bentham House, which underwent major refurbishment in recent years. Additionally, King's College London's Dickson Poon School of Law, established in 2012, has a moot court equipped with the latest technology and a remarkable library, The Maughan Library, with a dedicated law floor, computer workstations, and study spaces that overlook the River Thames. These facilities ensure that students have access to an unmatched environment to study, read into past cases and precedents, and hone their legal skills. Based on the QS Rankings, LSE, UCL, and KCL are also among the world's top-ranking law schools, solidifying their commitment to providing a world-class legal education.
The premier facilities and exceptional professors pay clear dividends in its teaching, as the mentioned London law schools have produced an extraordinary line up of alumni, including Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement; Cherie Blair, the wife of ex-British PM Tony Blair, who was also a British barrister and Queen's Counsel; as well as Christopher Greenwood, the ex-judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), amongst many more.
It’s not difficult to see why London law schools (especially KCL, UCL, and LSE) are globally recognized for their excellence in teaching, research, and producing some of the most notable legal minds of our time. With their exceptional facilities, world-renowned faculty, and unparalleled reputation, they offer an educational experience that is second to none. The practical and theoretical training provided equips graduates with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. On a micro level within the faculties, the rigorous academic programs, combined with exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences, foster critical thinking and a deep understanding of the law. This cements the academic brilliance of London law schools, and prospective students, perhaps like yourself, can rest assured of the quality of education that will be attained in these institutions.
2.) Opportunities and Prospects
Now that we’ve covered the quality of education engendered by renowned professors and modern facilities, let’s move on to the practical application of law and more specifically the opportunities and prospects that come with being a law student in London. If you're studying law at UCL, LSE, or KCL, there are tons of cool opportunities that can give you a leg up in your career. All three schools - UCL, LSE, and KCL - offer various internship and exchange programs for their law students. For instance, UCL has a unique International Pre-Master's Program for law students who come from countries with a different education system, which helps them prepare for the rigors of a UK education. LSE offers several internships for law students, such as the Public Interest Law Internship program, which provides students with opportunities to work on legal issues that have a social impact. KCL has an extensive study abroad program, which allows law students to study in different countries and earn credit towards their degree. Additionally, all three schools have extensive career services that offer guidance and support to their students in finding internships, job placements, and other opportunities after graduation. These programs and services are designed to help law students at these schools gain practical experience, build their networks, and enhance their employability prospects.
Not to mention, studying law in London (whether it be G5 or any other London law school) means that you will be surrounded and be within a close proximity to Magic Circle firms. These are five of the largest and most prestigious law firms based in the United Kingdom: Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May. These firms are considered to be among the best in the world, and they offer a range of legal services to clients across a variety of sectors and industries, with their client base including many of the world's largest corporations, financial institutions, and government entities. The close proximity that London law faculties are to these firms, as well as the established relationships that these schools have with the Magic Circle mean that students have access to a wealth of internship and work experience opportunities, and can build valuable connections with industry professionals. Furthermore, these schools have strong relationships with these law firms, with many alumni occupying senior positions, and often providing guest lectures and workshops to students. This is an underrated yet key advantage for law students, as it allows them to network and engage with legal practitioners, gain practical insights into the industry, and gain a competitive edge in their careers. Additionally, annual job fairs and career seeking opportunities that are held in London give students an edge in securing contracts and internships. The LawCareers.Net Live event is one of the largest legal careers fairs in the UK, which features over 50 leading law firms and offers students the chance to attend presentations and network with representatives from these firms. Other notable events include TARGETjobs Law Fair, which brings together top law firms and barristers' chambers to offer guidance and advice to students. Additionally, many London law schools also host their own career workshops and networking events throughout the year, such as UCL's Legal Skills Academy and KCL's Law Society events. Studying law in London opens up a plethora of opportunities, with job prospects that are widely considered to be among the best in the UK.
The 3 schools KCL, UCL and LSE also have joint double degree programs with Columbia Law School, an ivy league school based in New York, USA. This is a highly coveted course that is offered to the best performing law students who have to go through a rigorous application process consisting of essays, interviews and submission of transcripts and recommendations. This is an opportunity whereby students can attain two prestigious degrees from top institutions in the UK and the US. These programmes typically last four years, with students spending two years at each institution. The first two years are usually spent in London, and the final two years in New York City. Students will gain a deep understanding of both common law and civil law systems and will have the chance to engage with diverse cultures and legal traditions, opening up a range of doors for graduates to work for international law firms, global organizations, and multinational corporations. This is a course that is unique to London law schools (G5), and is not offered in Oxbridge or any other institution in the UK.
Lastly, on a softer note, London is a bustling melting pot of international students. Every school consists of a significant number of international students, with rough estimates of 70%, 52% and 44% of students being from outside of the UK in LSE, UCL and KCL respectively. The cosmopolitan nature of people that you might potentially meet means that you will be establishing a global web of connections and network that can prove very valuable in your career as a lawyer or any other profession you choose to pursue after law school. Students from over 160 countries come to London to study law, and that is a stunning statistic. Not only will you receive a top-notch education, but also a widely-recognized degree and a global network of relationships that will lay a rock-solid foundation for your professional career as a lawyer. With these exceptional qualifications under your belt, you will be well-equipped to face any challenge in your field and make your mark on the world.
3.) All-Round Student Life and Experience
On a personal note, I’ve seen countless seniors and peers go over to London to pursue their studies and come back to Singapore with the highest plaudits they could possibly give. Perhaps I'm being idealistic, but to me London is very much a dazzling metropolis that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology, modern infrastructure, and vibrant culture with timeless traditions and English elegance. As a 20 year old looking to broaden my horizons, I believe that a 3-4 years student experience in such a city would be a sensational and life-changing time for me and hopefully for many of you reading this as well. The beauty of being an international student is the process of enjoying a myriad of different experiences, emotions, cultures and places - and studying in London unequivocally ticks that off the checklist. What more can one ask for than receiving a world-class education while immersing oneself in the beauty and diversity of the world? Additionally, there are numerous student clubs and societies at each of the schools, ranging from academic and professional to cultural and social. This offers international students the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, make new friends, and immerse themselves in a multicultural environment. Such opportunities are valuable whilst we are still relatively young, and should be embraced with both hands as much as possible.
For those who love the thrill of traveling, London is a great starting point for exploring other European countries, as it has five international airports and a well-connected train network. From London, you can easily travel to other beautiful age-old European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Berlin, as well as take short flights to destinations like Barcelona, Rome, and Prague. This makes it convenient for students to explore different cultures and gain new experiences while studying in London, and traveling with the same friends you work hard with in law school during semester and term breaks adds that little bit more adrenaline and fun to your trips. Cost of travelling is enticing to students who might be on a low budget as well, with several budget airlines, such as Ryanair and EasyJet, offering cheap flights to various European destinations. In addition, the Eurostar train provides easy access to cities such as Paris and Brussels. With London's multiple airports, it's easy and affordable to plan weekend trips or longer travels. So, as an international student in London, you have the opportunity to easily and affordably explore Europe and its diverse cultures.
As international students which I presume many of you might be, London also provides entertainment and events that you might not find in your home country. London is known for its vibrant nightlife, with countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every taste. There are also numerous cinemas, theaters, and comedy clubs in the city, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences. In terms of sports, London has a lot to offer, with numerous options for both watching and participating in sports. Many students enjoy attending professional sports events, such as Premier League football matches or Wimbledon tennis tournaments. For those who like to stay active, sports options are limitless with plenty of gyms and sporting facilities and hubs available, as well as opportunities for outdoor activities such as running in one of the many parks or along the Thames River.
Closing Thoughts 🙂
In sum, law school and university should be seen as more than just closet studying or memorizing legal facts and documents. London law schools offer a breathtaking once in a lifetime experience that goes beyond just academic learning. With the opportunity to forge lifelong connections, explore diverse cultures and enjoy a vibrant student life, studying law in London is a truly rewarding and enriching experience. The seamless mixture of world-class education, remarkable alumni, and proximity to major European destinations makes London an ideal destination for aspiring lawyers and professionals looking to build a successful career. Those are the benefits of studying law in London, and that is why I think you should do so.
This article under our flagship University Navigator series is written by Inspire Law's Founder and Lead Writer, Tristan.
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