As a practising solicitor who once sat where you are, I understand how daunting it feels to write a personal statement for law school. In England and Wales, your UCAS personal statement can be crucial in securing an offer to study law – law is a competitive, highly academic subject, and the statement often serves as a key differentiator between similar applicants. This is your chance to go beyond grades and show admissions tutors your passion for law, your ability to think critically, and your readiness for the challenges of an LLB course.
In this article, I’ll share practical, experience-based tips on how to:
Show a genuine interest in the law
Demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills
Show understanding of what studying law entails
Reflect on relevant experiences (work shadowing, debates, reading, volunteering)
Express your long-term goals and motivation for a legal career
We’ll also cover advice on structure, tone, and common pitfalls to avoid. The tone here is informative and encouraging – just as your personal statement should be.
Conveying genuine interest in law
Authenticity is key. Admissions tutors want to see that your interest in law is sincere and informed – not just a generic statement of “I’ve always loved law” without evidence. Bring your interest to life by sharing the experiences or ideas that sparked and sustained your enthusiasm.
This interest can come from many places, not only from studying law in school. For example, perhaps you encountered a legal issue in a history book, followed a high-profile court case in the news, or listened to a law podcast that intrigued you. Maybe a personal experience (like volunteering at Citizens Advice or observing a community issue) opened your eyes to how law affects people’s lives. Whatever it is, use it to demonstrate your curiosity and engagement.
It’s helpful to carry out actual activities here – for instance, reading a book with a legal dimension, doing some work experience (from a solicitor’s firm to shadowing at a Citizens Advice Bureau), visiting a local court, or joining a debating club or mock trial team. These kinds of pursuits show you’ve taken initiative to explore law beyond your classes.
When you mention them, don’t simply list what you’ve done; reflect on why these experiences fueled your interest. For example, instead of writing “I visited the Crown Court and found it interesting,” you might say,
“Watching a case in Crown Court – from the barristers’ arguments to the judge’s reasoning – confirmed my fascination with how legal principles play out in real life, especially in balancing clarity of rules with fair outcomes.”
This tells the reader what you took away from the experience.
It also helps to show that your interest is sustained and self-driven. Admissions tutors are impressed by students who follow legal news and issues proactively. You might mention how you keep up with current legal affairs – perhaps you’ve been tracking developments in privacy law or human rights cases. If you do, go one step further and explain why those issues captivate you. Maybe you read an article about a Supreme Court decision and then discussed it at school or researched its background. Showing that you delve into topics on your own time highlights a genuine passion. As one advisor notes, taking an interest in current legal issues and then following your genuine interests in your own time will make it feel less like work – and that genuine interest will shine through in your personal statement
Demonstrating critical thinking and analysis
Law schools value critical thinking almost as much as interest. They aren’t just looking for a list of accomplishments; they want evidence that you can reflect, analyse, and form your own viewpoints – skills you’ll need both in a law degree and legal practice. So, use your personal statement to show how you think, not just what you’ve done.
A good strategy is often summed up as “show, don’t tell.” Instead of flatly asserting “I have excellent analytical skills,” illustrate those skills by discussing an example where you applied them. For instance, if you mention an article, book or case you explored, talk about your reaction to it. Did it raise questions or contradict your assumptions?
Perhaps you disagreed with a author’s argument in a law journal and researched further to form your own view. When writing about any reading, lecture or online course (MOOC) you’ve engaged with, don’t just state the title – describe what it made you think about, what you learned, or where it led you next. You could say something like:
“After completing an online course on human rights law, I found myself questioning how international conventions are enforced domestically – which led me to read more about the UK Supreme Court’s approach to international law.”
This shows an enquiring mind in action.
The same goes for work or extracurricular experiences: analyse, don’t simply describe. For example, imagine you did a week of work shadowing at a local solicitors’ firm. It’s not enough to write “I assisted with filing and sat in on client meetings.” Dig deeper and reflect on what you observed or learned about the legal process or professional skills.
Perhaps handling legal documents taught you about the precision required in law, while observing client interviews showed you the importance of active listening and critical reasoning when gathering facts. Maybe you’ll say something like,
“a lawyer needs to be both precise and creative – meticulous with documents yet able to think on their feet when a client’s situation doesn’t fit a template”,
…which highlights a multidimensional understanding of the role. This kind of insight demonstrates analytical reflection: you’re extracting meaning from the experience, not just recounting it.
If you’ve participated in debates or a moot court, you can use those to showcase critical thinking too. Discuss how you learned to structure arguments and consider opposing viewpoints. For instance:
“Debating in our school club taught me to critically analyse an issue from both sides. When arguing about privacy laws, I had to research case studies, anticipate counterarguments, and think on my feet to rebut them – a process that helped me develop the ability to form logical, evidence-based arguments.”
This not only shows that you have relevant skills but also that you recognise their relevance to law studies.
Reflection is the golden thread: whatever examples you include, always loop back to what they mean for you as a budding law student. An admissions tutor will be thinking, “How did this experience or activity prepare this person for an LLB?” If you explicitly answer that in your statement – by highlighting how you developed a legal skill or deepened your understanding – you’re demonstrating the kind of critical, self-aware thinking they appreciate. Ask yourself questions as you write: What did I disagree with or find thought-provoking? What skill did I improve? What will I do next with this insight?. By incorporating the answers into your personal statement, you show that you’re not a passive learner but an active, analytical thinker ready to tackle law.
Showing you understand what studying law involves
Studying law at university isn’t all courtroom drama and witty rebuttals like on television – it’s an intellectually challenging, rigorous academic pursuit. Admissions officers in England and Wales want to see that you appreciate what the LLB involves before you embark on it. In your personal statement, it’s smart to convey that you have a realistic understanding of the course and are prepared for it.
What does this mean in practice? First, recognise that law is a reading-heavy, analysis-heavy subject. As a law student, you’ll be reading cases, statutes, journal articles, and dense textbooks daily. You’ll need to absorb complex information, think critically about it, and communicate your understanding clearly in essays and problem answers.
You can signal your awareness of this by referencing any academic preparation you’ve done. For example, maybe you entered a legal essay competition, or read some academic articles beyond your A-level syllabus. Mentioning these is valuable, but again, go beyond listing – reflect on the experience.
Perhaps you found academic legal reading challenging but rewarding, because it taught you to extract key arguments from dense text. You could write:
“Completing an EPQ about the role of law in gender equality introduced me to academic research and writing. I learned how to digest scholarly articles and synthesise different viewpoints, which gave me a taste of the analytical reading and writing that law study entails.”
This tells the admissions tutor that you’ve dipped your toes into higher-level study and enjoyed it (or at least learned from it), which is a positive sign. In fact, tutors aren’t expecting you to be a legal expert already, but they do appreciate evidence that you’ve made an effort to engage with law in an academic way. It shows enthusiasm for learning, not just for the idea of being a lawyer.
Second, emphasise that you understand law’s multi-faceted nature. Law isn’t studied in a vacuum; it intersects with history, politics, economics, ethics and more. If part of what draws you to law is this breadth, say so. Maybe you enjoy how law combines rigorous logic with the need for moral judgment, or how it requires both attention to detail and big-picture policy thinking.
So you might say for example that you loved both your maths and English courses at school – the precision of maths and the interpretive nature of English – and therefore were attracted to law’s mix of analytical and creative thinking. This kind of explanation shows you’ve thought about what studying law actually involves on a day-to-day basis (analysing rules and constructing arguments) and recognised that it suits your skills and interests.
Crucially, distinguish between studying law and simply wanting to be a lawyer. Yes, most people pursuing an LLB want a career in law eventually, but admissions tutors need to see that you’re motivated to study the subject itself for 3 or 4 years. Avoid giving the impression that you’re only interested in the outcome (the job, the salary, the status) without interest in the process. For example, writing “I want to study law because I’ve dreamed of being a high-powered lawyer at a big firm” doesn’t actually tell the reader that you’ll enjoy tort law lectures or hours in the library!
It’s much better to say why the content of a law course appeals to you – maybe you’re excited to learn how laws evolve, or you look forward to dissecting legal arguments. You might mention specific areas of law that intrigue you (provided they are commonly offered in your target universities) and why they interest you. Just be careful: if you profess deep passion for a niche like “marine environmental law” that isn’t even taught in the programmes you’re applying to, it won’t impress (and could indicate you didn’t research your courses). Stick to aspects of law you’ll actually encounter as a student.
Demonstrating this understanding in your personal statement reassures universities that you know what you’re signing up for. For example, you could write:
“I am eager to study law not only to prepare for legal practice but because I genuinely enjoy the process of legal study – from looking into complex cases to constructing well-reasoned essays. When completing my A-level coursework, I realised how much I love analysing texts and interpreting statutes or judgments. I’ve also started reading a introductory book on contract law, and even though I found some concepts challenging at first, I was fascinated by how the interpretation of the law can develop it over time – exactly the kind of intellectual challenge I’m seeking.”
A statement like this signals maturity and academic readiness. It says: I know studying law is hard work, and I’m excited for it, which is exactly what admissions tutors want to hear.
Highlighting relevant experiences
Your experiences can be the shining evidence of everything we’ve discussed – interest, skills, and understanding. Whether it’s work experience, extracurricular activities, or personal projects, relevant experiences show how you’ve walked the walk, not just talked the talk.
The key is to choose the experiences that genuinely contributed to your interest in law or developed skills useful for a law student, and then to describe them in a reflective, meaningful way. Here are some types of experiences commonly seen in law personal statements, and how to make the most of them:
Legal work experience:
If you’ve done any work shadowing or internships at a law firm, chambers, in-house legal team, or even informal visits to a local solicitor’s office, definitely include it. Focus on what you observed and learned, not mundane tasks. For example, you might write about how sitting in on client meetings taught you the importance of careful listening and fact-analysis, or how assisting with paperwork made you appreciate the precision required in legal drafting.
Show that you picked up insights:
“During my two-week placement at a solicitors’ firm, I noticed how vital attention to detail is – a single word could change the meaning of a clause. I also saw the solicitors switch between meticulous paperwork and creative problem-solving for clients, which demonstrated the dual critical skills law demands. It confirmed for me that I thrive in precisely that mix of precision and creativity.”
Even if some work experience tasks were basic (photocopying, filing), you can still frame what you gained (time management, responsibility, exposure to office culture, attention to detail, etc.). And don’t worry if you lack formal law internships – any work experience can be relevant if you draw out transferable skills. For instance, working in a shop builds communication and patience; if you can tie that back to law (like dealing with different people, handling conflict calmly, etc.), it’s worth mentioning.
Debating or mooting:
Involvement in a debate club, public speaking society, mock trials or mooting competitions is excellent for aspiring law students. These activities practically scream “critical thinking and advocacy”.
When you discuss them, highlight skills like constructing arguments, analysing issues, and speaking persuasively under pressure. For example:
“As captain of the debate club, I learned to dissect complex topics – from privacy rights to environmental regulation – and present coherent arguments within tight time limits. This experience sharpened my ability to think on my feet and respond to counterarguments, skills I look forward to using in moots and seminars at university.”
Debating also shows initiative in pursuing law-related interests (especially if you cite specific legal or political debate topics you tackled). If you haven’t had a chance to do formal mooting, even class presentations or any form of argumentative writing (like an essay competition) can serve a similar purpose – emphasise your analytical and rhetorical growth.
Volunteering and community involvement:
Volunteering can be a powerful addition to a law personal statement, especially if it’s in a setting related to advice, justice (e.g. pro bono law clinic), or simply working with diverse groups of people. Law ultimately is about service and working with society, so experiences that show your empathy, leadership, or commitment to helping others can bolster your statement.
For instance, maybe you volunteered at a pro bono community legal advice clinic, or if not, perhaps at a shelter, charity shop, youth club, or any initiative where you took on responsibility. Describe what you did and what you learned.
“Over six months volunteering at the Citizens Advice Bureau, I assisted people in understanding their rights and paperwork. It was eye-opening to see how law directly affects individuals’ daily lives – from housing to employment issues. The experience taught me to explain complex information in simple terms and strengthened my resolve to study law so I can empower people who struggle to navigate the legal system.”
Even volunteering unrelated to law – say tutoring children or working at a care home – can be relevant if you explain the personal growth or skills gained. You might highlight qualities like communication, resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving. For example,
“Helping at a children’s centre every week pushed me out of my comfort zone. I learned to communicate adaptively (sometimes kneeling to a child’s level and using creative examples to explain things) and gained patience and empathy. I believe these skills will be invaluable when studying law, a field where understanding others’ perspectives is crucial.”
This way, your volunteering isn’t just a nice deed – it becomes part of your case for why you’ll be a dedicated law student.
Wider reading and academic projects:
If you have engaged in any additional learning activities related to law, definitely bring them in. This could include reading a book about law, following a law-related blog or newspaper column, completing an online course on law or criminology, attending a public lecture or law taster day, or writing a research essay/blog on a legal topic.
Admissions tutors love to see intellectual curiosity. The trick is to mention what you did and then immediately discuss what you got out of it. So instead of: “I read The Secret Barrister and Letters to a Law Student,” try:
“After reading The Secret Barrister, which exposed some injustices in the criminal courts, I became even more motivated to study law and advocate for improvements in the system. It also prompted me to follow legal news more closely – for example, I now regularly read The Times’ Law section and recently found myself debating, with a friend, the merits of a new bail reform proposal we read about”
This response shows not only that you read something, but that it changed or reinforced your thinking and spurred further engagement. Similarly, if you wrote an essay or blog, mention your topic and one or two interesting findings or questions from it.
“Researching and writing my essay on ‘The law’s role in advancing gender equality’ taught me how to formulate a legal question and dive into scholarly sources for answers. In the process, I examined how legislation can change social behaviour – concluding that law can guide change but real progress requires social commitment too, a understanding I’m keen to explore further at university.”
This demonstrates academic initiative, research skills, and again that analytical reflection that we keep coming back to.
Remember, quality over quantity. You don’t need to have done dozens of law-related activities. Admissions tutors know not everyone has access to internships or special programs. It’s far more effective to take a couple of your real experiences and delve into why they matter to you and your decision to study law. That genuine reflection can set you apart more than a long but shallow list of accomplishments.
Expressing your career goals and motivation
Law admissions officers in the UK understand that an undergraduate personal statement is primarily about why you want to study the subject, but it’s also natural (and wise) to address your long-term goals and motivation for a legal career. After all, committing to an LLB is often the first step on the path to becoming a solicitor or barrister. Showing that you have thought about your future in law – and more importantly, why you’re drawn to it – can add weight to your application. It signals drive and purpose, which can be very persuasive if done right.
Start by articulating why law as a career appeals to you, in personal terms. Avoid vague clichés here (e.g. “I want to do law because I love arguing” or “since I was young I’ve dreamed of being a lawyer” – these don’t really say anything unique, and admissions tutors have seen them a hundred times). Instead, pinpoint aspects of legal work that attract you and connect with your experiences or values.
Maybe you thrive on solving problems and you see a legal career as a chance to tackle complex problems for real people or businesses. Perhaps you value justice and fairness, and becoming a lawyer represents a way to champion those values. Or you might be interested in a particular field – for example, intellectual property, because you’re passionate about the arts and tech and want to help protect creators, or environmental law because you care about climate issues. It could even be that you’ve seen the impact of law on someone close to you (say, a family business dealing with regulations, or a friend’s family going through a legal issue) which sparked your interest in how lawyers can help.
When explaining your motivation, be honest and personal – don’t just tell the admissions team what you think they want to hear. If a family member’s experience or a personal challenge influenced you, you can mention it (briefly and sensitively) to the extent that it shaped your desire to go into law. For example:
“My interest in a legal career solidified when I helped my non-English speaking neighbour navigate a tenancy dispute. I saw firsthand how confusing legal processes can be, and it made me determined to become a solicitor who can bridge that gap for people in vulnerable positions.”
That’s a genuine motivator grounded in experience. Contrast that with a hollow statement like “I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was a child because my family is full of lawyers,” which doesn’t actually reveal your thinking or motivation – plus it sounds like a formulaic answer to avoid. Steer clear of the “childhood dream” narratives and generic proclamations; instead, share the real reasons that led you to choose law now.
It’s also important to show that you understand a legal career is not just flashy courtroom scenes; it involves hard work, long hours, and continuous learning. If you have space, you might subtly acknowledge this. For instance:
“I am drawn to the problem-solving aspect of a legal career – I know that beyond the glamour portrayed in TV dramas, real law involves diligent research, careful drafting, and ethical judgment. Those behind-the-scenes challenges appeal to me just as much as the idea of advocating in court.”
A sentence like that can reassure the reader that you’re not coming in with unrealistic expectations; you have a mature outlook on what lies ahead.
When you mention long-term goals, don’t worry if you’re not 100% sure which area of law you’ll specialise in or whether you’ll be a barrister or solicitor – you’re not expected to have your career mapped in stone at 17 or 18. But if you do have a particular aspiration, it’s fine to mention it as a way of showing direction. For example:
“In the long run, I aim to qualify as a solicitor and work in environmental law, helping to shape corporate practices for sustainable outcomes.”
Or,
“Ultimately, I see myself as a barrister, perhaps in criminal law, where I can advocate for individuals and ensure fair trials.”
Briefly mentioning an end goal can tie your statement together by showing where you hope the degree will lead you. It can also underline motivation: why that goal appeals to you. Just be sure to connect it back to the present: how does studying law now set you on that path?
“This is why I am eager to study law – I know it will equip me with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to eventually make a difference in the field of environmental policy.”
Such a line links your future aim with your current academic pursuit logically.
One caution: keep the tone aspirational yet grounded. You want to come across as motivated, not overly grandiose. Saying “I intend to become the greatest lawyer of my generation” is probably not the vibe you want. Instead, focus on how your goals align with your values and experiences so far. And if you’ve identified a niche interest, it doesn’t hurt to mention that you’re excited to explore it in depth during your law studies. For instance:
“I’m particularly interested in the intersection of technology and law – a field I plan to explore during my degree and one in which I hope to build my career, given the growing importance of cyber law and data privacy.”
By articulating your long-term motivations, you demonstrate foresight and commitment. Just remember to keep it connected to the skills and curiosity you are already developing. A well-rounded personal statement will show that you not only love the idea of being a lawyer, but also value the process of becoming one through studying law. Convince the reader that this is truly what you want and that you have the drive to see it through, and you will leave a strong impression.