Law personal statement example (6)

Reading time: 3 minutes
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Published: 23rd February 2021
Word count: 600 words
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Law may be viewed as a social construct: it is socially defined and therefore subject to change. Yet our views on what the law should represent can differ as moral judgments are neither absolute nor universal. Jurisprudence intrigues me: Hart’s ‘The Concept of Law’ prompted me to consider how far the law should go in upholding ethics and to question the power the law wields in shaping our own moral compass. Reflecting on the legal implications of contemporary issues has allowed me to recognise the difficulty the law faces in taking a moral standpoint in a pluralistic society. The dynamic and thought-provoking nature of law is where the subject’s appeal lies for me and I am keen to learn how it has been shaped by economic, social and political factors to reflect society’s shifting attitudes and modern challenges.

My enthusiasm for legal reasoning was sparked when I entered the Peter Cane Prize and analysed the subtleties of S.6 HRA 1998. Researching the Act enabled me to appreciate that legal decisions may not be solely justified by rational argument, but on occasions determined by a more subjective and individualised understanding, for example the controversial interpretation of ‘public authority’ during the Leonard Cheshire case. My interest in human rights was further strengthened when I was selected by my school to work as an ambassador for the Holocaust Educational Trust. Visiting Auschwitz and speaking to survivors cemented my belief in the importance of promoting a fair, unprejudiced and tolerant society.

Keen to experience law in action, I shadowed a solicitor and witnessed a corporate culpable homicide case. I found the case particularly interesting as, unusually, the accused was an individual in a non-managerial position being charged under corporate law. Observing the workings of the court was fascinating and I found myself instinctively scrutinising the nuances of opposing arguments. Driven by this interest, I evaluated the Scottish three verdict legal system as my modern studies higher assignment and argued that the ‘not proven’ verdict should be abolished due to the difficulties the court faces in reaching a fair judgment when a second acquittal verdict is available. I also constructed a written legal argument to a bank seeking compensation for actions which I believe contravened the Data Protection Act. Acquiescing to my argument, the bank conceded wrongdoing and made appropriate reparations, giving me confidence in my abilities to form a cogent argument.

My role as elected president of a large student-run debating society has developed my communication, presentation and organisational capabilities. Moreover, coaching pupils to consider different arguments and speak strategically has developed my creative problem solving skills. I led a team that came second in the UK-wide John Stuart Mill Cup and I reached the quarter final of the Donald Dewar Debating Tournament, demonstrating my ability to construct a well-reasoned argument and present a motion in a persuasive manner. I find language fascinating: notably its capacity to be manipulated to communicate subtleties and construe different interpretations which portray implication, supposition and conjecture. I also play violin and piano to grade 8 level and perform in bands and orchestras, demonstrating time management skills and an ability to balance my interests with a full academic schedule.

Independent learning appeals to me and I feel that I would be well suited to university life: I self-studied national 5 French and I am now teaching myself Latin. I find academic conversations stimulating and I particularly enjoy debating moral and philosophical issues in my social science classes. Reading law will inspire, challenge and foster my love of social thought and coherent argument and I hope to thrive in its academic rigour.

Why this example works — strengths and ways to improve

You write with real intellectual curiosity, anchoring your interest in jurisprudence, a statutory competition entry, a court observation and a sustained debating record. Your best paragraphs connect evidence to legal reasoning. Weaker passages slip into skill lists, and some reflections stop short of explaining what you concluded or how your thinking changed, especially on Hart and the court visit.

Subject motivation

prompted me to consider how far the law should go in upholding ethics

Your opening establishes a genuine interest in law and morality, and naming Hart gives it substance. However, you describe questions Hart raised rather than your own position or a specific argument you engaged with. One concrete point of agreement or disagreement would make the motivation more distinctly yours.

Academic preparation

argued that the ‘not proven’ verdict should be abolished

This is strong evidence. You took a live Scottish legal debate, reached a clear conclusion and gave a reason. The Peter Cane Prize work on section 6 HRA adds depth. Self-studying French and Latin supports your independent-learning claim, though you could link it more explicitly to legal study.

Evidence and reflection

legal decisions may not be solely justified by rational argument

This is your sharpest reflection: the Leonard Cheshire example leads to a real insight about judicial interpretation. Elsewhere, reflection thins. The Auschwitz visit ends in a broad statement of belief. Saying you scrutinised 'nuances of opposing arguments' in court needs an actual nuance to persuade.

Relevant experience

constructed a written legal argument to a bank seeking compensation

This is an excellent ordinary-life example of applied legal reasoning with a tangible outcome. Shadowing the culpable homicide case is also relevant, and you note what made it unusual. A sentence on how the defence or prosecution framed the non-managerial issue would deepen it.

Credibility and voice

Acquiescing to my argument, the bank conceded wrongdoing

Your voice is confident and mostly measured. Occasional phrasing feels over-elaborate, such as 'construe different interpretations which portray implication, supposition and conjecture'. In places this obscures meaning rather than showing precision. Plainer wording would better display the clarity you claim from debating.

Structure and format

demonstrating time management skills and an ability to balance my interests

The continuous structure moves logically from ideas to research, practice, activities and conclusion. The debating and music paragraph drifts into 'developed my… skills' formulae, and the language sentence sits awkwardly within it. The closing is generic and could return to your opening theme.

What you’ve done well

The section 6 HRA research and Leonard Cheshire example show you can draw a genuine insight from close legal reading.
The not proven assignment and the bank complaint show you forming and acting on reasoned legal positions, not just observing.

How this draft could improve

Replace general skill claims in the debating and music paragraph with one specific moment showing reasoning or persuasion in practice.
State your own view on a question Hart raised, and name a specific argument you noticed in court.
Simplify the ornate sentence about language, and end by reconnecting to your opening idea of law, morality and pluralism.

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