How to write the PERFECT Oxford & Cambridge Law Personal Statement with example personal statement from successful applicant
How to write the PERFECT Oxford & Cambridge LAW Personal Statement
An example personal statement with annotations from a successful applicant
In Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, a black man falsely accused of r*pe is denied a fair trial by the highly prejudiced society of 1930s Alabama. Learning about the plight of minority groups under the Jim Crow laws planted the seed for my interest in law. Discrimination amongst the jurors was also a dominant theme in the film ‘Twelve Angry Men’, in which a single juror challenged his peers’ prejudices to ultimately change the verdict. These two stories were part of my inspiration to become a lawyer and led me to base my Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) on the right to a fair trial.
For my EPQ I investigated ethnic minority groups within the legal system and the right to a fair trial. The project developed my independent research skills and I began to interpret legal concepts and the associated jargon. I concluded that a lower socioeconomic status was a greater disadvantage in the courts than ethnicity per se. However, a disproportionately large percentage of ethnic minority group members fall within this bracket, somewhat linking the two factors.
Looking to broaden my knowledge, I completed the online course ‘From Crime to Punishment’ in June, which outlined the stages of a criminal case. I then shadowed a family law barrister for a week to further explore the practicalities of law. Prior to going, I read ‘What About Law’ by Catherine Barnard to familiarise myself with how the legal system works. I found the criminal law chapter very thought-provoking, particularly the case of R v Brown and the balance between public welfare and individual autonomy. Equity and constitutional law also appealed to me, most notably equity’s flexibility and the protection of fundamental rights. In tandem with the book, my work experience showed me that not all disputes have to be settled in court, and sometimes a compromise, such as an undertaking, is favourable. My practical experience also highlighted the significance of legal technicalities, and the difficulties faced by non-English speaking people and those with limited mental capacity. These complications emphasised to me the importance of patience and tolerance when dealing with a wide spectrum of people.
In August, I spent a week at a solicitors’ firm, revealing another side of the legal profession. The firm underwent an audit, demonstrating the need for organisation and the ability to meet deadlines within the profession. I learned that pro bono work is not obligatory for lawyers, but it is something that I would like to be a part of, both as a student and a practising lawyer, as I feel it is important to provide free legal protection to those who need it most.
I have started writing an online blog; after exploring literature I write a short report on what I have learned and my opinion on the subject. Both my EPQ and blog have encouraged me to write concisely and clearly, which I enjoy. On the other hand, my scientific A-level subjects help me to assess information critically and logically. I am highly organised and able to cope with a heavy workload, as demonstrated by my academic attainment and extracurricular activities. I play three musical instruments to a high standard and am currently completing the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Part of this involves helping to run a junior tennis session, showing my leadership and communication skills. These skills were also heavily involved when I undertook National Citizen Service: The Challenge, in which I led my group for our charity project.
Following my law degree, my ambition is to specialise in criminal law or equity, perhaps travelling abroad to experience other legal systems. Although there are many high-profile cases in the news, ordinary people find themselves fighting for justice every day. It is important to me, through the medium of law, to defend the rights that all people deserve and to make a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged, vulnerable individuals in society.
Offers from:
Oxford
Nottingham
Leeds
Manchester
Liverpool
What makes this the perfect Oxford Law personal statement?
1. Passion for law: The applicant displays a clear passion for the study and practice of law, evident through their engagement with literary works and real-life examples that highlight the importance of a fair trial and combating prejudice.
2. Independent research skills: Through their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) on the right to a fair trial, the applicant demonstrates their ability to conduct independent research, interpret legal concepts, and critically analyze the relationship between ethnicity and socioeconomic status within the legal system.
3. Broadened knowledge: The applicant's completion of an online course on criminal law and their shadowing experience with a family law barrister indicate their proactive approach to expanding their legal knowledge beyond the classroom, showcasing their commitment to understanding the practicalities of the legal profession.
4. Ethical considerations: The applicant's exploration of legal texts, such as "What About Law" by Catherine Barnard, reveals their thoughtfulness regarding ethical dilemmas in law, including the balance between public welfare and individual autonomy, as well as the protection of fundamental rights.
5. Practical experience: The applicant's work experience at a solicitors' firm and exposure to the complexities of legal practice provide valuable insights into the profession, emphasizing the need for organization, meeting deadlines, and the significance of pro bono work in providing free legal protection to those in need.
6. Strong communication skills: The applicant's involvement in writing an online blog, combined with their participation in extracurricular activities such as music and leading a junior tennis session, highlights their ability to communicate effectively and their well-rounded nature.
7. Ambition and social impact: The applicant's ambition to specialize in criminal law or equity, along with their desire to defend the rights of disadvantaged individuals, reflects their dedication to making a positive impact on society through the medium of law.
By combining their passion for law, independent research skills, practical experiences, ethical considerations, strong communication skills, and ambition for social impact, this personal statement stands out as an excellent representation of the applicant's commitment to pursuing a career in law and making a difference in the legal field.
