The life of a final-year law student is a mix of lectures, seminars, assignments and revision. As someone staying in on-campus halls with a meal plan, I have the convenience of structured meals, but balancing academics with personal time remains a daily challenge. Here’s a glimpse into my routine as a final year law student.
Morning: Getting Ready for the Day
My day typically begins around 8:30 AM. Since I stay in on-campus halls, breakfast is already sorted, so I head to Parkeat to grab a quick breakfast before the day kicks off. I usually get a croissant and a custard-filled pain au chocolat, and of course a strong coffee!
By 9:00 AM, I’m usually in my first lecture. This term, I have modules like Company Law and Revenue Law. Having taken Commercial Law in my first semester, I am very invested in learning more about how businesses and law intersect. Company Law is all about understanding how companies are set up and run in England and Wales. We get to look at companies from different angles, like what businesses need, what policymakers think and the theory behind. During case studies and essay exercises, we’re encouraged to form our own opinions. It helps to sharpen employability skills like teamwork and communication. The module considers different perspectives like the stakeholder approach. It delves deeper into certain topics like corporate insolvency and restructuring, which are something I am passionate about.
Lectures and Seminars
Most days, I have a mix of lectures and seminars. While lectures provide the theoretical framework, seminars are where the real engagement happens. These smaller sessions are discussion-based and require thorough preparation, as we analyse case law, discuss hypothetical scenarios and engage in debates.
For example, in Family Law, the discussions often revolve around case studies, which can be quite thought-provoking. The interactive nature of seminars pushes me to think critically and engage with legal principles beyond just reading textbooks.
Lunch Break and Study Sessions
By early afternoon, I head back to the dining hall for lunch. This is a great opportunity to catch up with friends and discuss coursework—or just take a mental break from law-related discussions!
After lunch, I usually head to the library for revision. As a final-year student, the workload is intense, and independent study is key. Whether I’m working on an essay or problem question, the law library is my go-to place for focused study. With extensive legal resources and quiet study areas, it’s the perfect place to deep-dive into research and refine my legal arguments.
Afternoon: Meetings, Work Experience and More Study
Once per semester, I meet up with my academic tutor to discuss my progress and get feedback on my assignments. My tutor gave feedback on how to strengthen arguments, improve structure or refine my thesis statement. Also, she clarified complex concepts from lectures or suggested resources like family law journals for deeper research. These meetings are incredibly helpful, as they provide guidance on how to improve my work and stay on track for my final exams.
Some days, I also attend work experiences or law firm insight days. These opportunities provide invaluable exposure to the legal industry, allowing us to network with professionals, gain practical insights and strengthen our career prospects. For example, during the Clifford Chance Open Day, I gained an understanding of the firm’s global presence and its work in the Asia-Pacific region, while engaging with senior associates and learning about their client-driven strategies. At the Latham & Watkins Insight Day, I participated in a case study on leveraged finance, where we analysed real-world transactions and discussed the key financial and legal considerations. These experiences are particularly rewarding because they offer practical knowledge that you can’t get in the classroom, giving me a deeper understanding of how legal theory applies in the real world. If I have an insight day scheduled, I usually take an early train to London and spend the day immersed in the workings of a law firm.
Evening: Unwinding and Social Time
After a long day of legal studies, I appreciate not having to cook! Post-dinner, I might catch up with friends or go for a walk around campus. Some evenings, I return to the library or my room to do some additional reading. However, I try to balance my studies with downtime—whether it’s watching a TV show or hitting the gym.
Final Thoughts
Being a final year student is demanding but rewarding. Balancing lectures, seminars, assignments and revision requires discipline, but the experience is intellectually stimulating and prepares me well for the legal profession.
As I work through my final year, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come since my first day of law school—and how close I am to achieving my goal of graduating and stepping into the legal world!