Law degree personal statement example (2w)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I have a very keen sense of justice, if I feel something is wrong I will speak up. A Law degree would open many doors for me, mainly to be able to help those who cannot help themselves; this is why I want to study law. I feel a main aspect of law is the interpretation of the English language and you can help anyone who needs it with the right skills in our language; skills to analyse, research and interpret different cases to help the individual.

My interest in Law has mainly deepened from studying AH Modern Studies. I am currently learning about the justice system and why criminals commit crime in the first place. For my dissertation I have chosen the topic- Does the punishment fit the crime? I am enjoying the research required and the opportunity to delve deeper into issues regarding crime and punishment. In particular I am studying the Jamie Bulger case and whether the young boys' backgrounds had anything to do with the crime. The complexity of sentencing is an area I find very interesting and I was pleased to hear about the increase in minimum sentencing for knife murders.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

My studies in Higher History have helped me greatly in learning how to research and write essays, skills which are going to be important for law.

To further my interest in Law I organised work experience with Mcallans Solicitors and Estate Agents. During my time there, I gained a great deal of experience in several areas, such as conveyancing, the writing of wills and family law. Recently I have been to the Edinburgh High courts with an advocate Mr Renucci, where I sat in on an appeal court, where there was a request to return drugs to the police. I also went to the start of a trial for attempted murder. I am now planning to go into Edinburgh to the courts again with Sean Murphy Q.C.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

In my spare time I volunteer with the "Arrupe Programme". In this I go to a disabled school every Wednesday and help the children develop their computer skills. This has helped me gain a great deal of patience and learn to treat people equally. I have also been to a school in a disadvantaged area and helped the children there; this really opened my eyes to the poverty on my very doorstep. Lastly, with this program I went to a home for the elderly in which I learned how to improve my communication skills.

I am a part of my school's "children's fund" in which we go to a residential school to play and help them with their homework. I feel I am very good with the children as I am not shy and I can speak to them for hours.

I have recently been chosen to become a third year retreat leader; this is a sought after position in my school and to become one is quite a privilege. With this trip I will improve my sense of responsibility and leadership. This sense of leadership was heightened by the leadership course I was part of at the start of my sixth year. During this course I took part in a variety of physical and mental challenges, with the theme of helping our team mates and becoming leaders.

I have been in the Guide Association for almost thirteen years now; I am now a young leader and will be training to be a full leader very shortly. I am a very committed person and I have a good sense of fairness when working with the girls. I was recently in my school's student council in which we were given many problems to solve, I took these challenges in my stride, speaking to my designated class on their opinions. I am a dedicated member of my school's drama club, I have had many important roles and I have achieved many awards due to my commitment.

In conclusion I feel that I would be able to cope with the intellectual and social demandsthat university, and in particular studying for a law degree, calls for. I am a very forthright person who will not shy away from a challenge and am eager to learn more about the justice system in our country.

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

Need help with your personal statement? You can ask a question or get feedback from The Student Room community (and our trained personal statement experts) on the personal statement advice forum.