Ask a PhD Lawyer: How to Prepare a Law Application and What Happens When the Law Goes Wrong
Sylvie achieved a Double First from the University of Cambridge in Law, before progressing to a Master’s and PhD in Comparative, European and International Law at the European University Institute, Florence, Italy. Stay on top of current legal debates with Sylvie, who talks us through the crucial research she is currently undertaking into problems of the law, particularly in terms of gender disparities. Sylvie also shares her top tips for preparing a university Law application, including demonstrating sought-after qualities through legal work experience, reading and research.
Hi Sylvie, can you tell us a little about your current research and what draws you most to law?
Law is one of the building blocks of our society. It shapes and moulds people’s behaviour and so says a lot about what we collectively value and how. It is particularly worrying, therefore, when we get it wrong. It is generally such situations which form the basis of my current thesis.
Over the course of my undergraduate studies, I realised that what it is that really interests me about law is not so much the black letter statutes themselves, but rather their relationship with other, more humanistic fields of study and research such as sociology or psychology. Particularly when a legal issue has no answer, I truly believe in the importance of interdisciplinary research and working collaboratively with experts in other fields. This has also impacted the focus of my PhD, which also draws on fields such as philosophy and economics.
There are myriad key elements to my research, which combines the spheres of Family and Labour Law. It raises questions such as what it is that makes a family; how we grapple with comparative disadvantage and potential exploitation in the face of globalisation. A key theme that runs throughout, however, is how it is that we currently define and value work – and the highly gendered disadvantage that this has. At present, domestic labour is not considered part of the productive economy, and thus not remunerated. Though more and more women are entering the paid labour force, challenging the traditional dichotomy between breadwinner and housewife, the international trend continues to be that they also assume primary responsibility for housework - forcing them to work a ‘double day’. So why it is that we do not value such feminised labour in pecuniary terms? Can this be justified? I currently focus particularly on the commercial surrogacy industry: the regulatory gap that currently exists, the harm this causes to those involved, and how this might be productively addressed.
It also ties into important contemporary debates regarding rising infertility, its systemic causes, and how we ought to address these. It is well known, for instance, that more and more women are suffering infertility as they delay reproduction to achieve professional advancement. Rather than relying on reproductive technology to ‘correct’ this, it might well be questioned why we are not providing employment structures better suited to achieving an effective work-life balance for these women. These are all social questions that though increasingly asked, do not have clear answers.
The thesis also has to address important questions such as what the boundaries of markets are, and what should we allow people to sell. This has the potential to implicate other controversial debates, such as whether prostitution should be liberalised or regulated.
When did you realise you wanted to pursue law and how did you go about it?
I realised I wanted to apply for Law when I was doing my GCSEs. Though this is by no means necessary, it was useful in that it gave me some time to complete relevant work experience which definitely strengthened my application. I also participated in a Masterclass in the subject offered by the University of Cambridge (though other universities also do similar taster sessions), which again both solidified my choice and demonstrated my commitment at the time of application.
One of the major benefits of applying for Law is that you can do so with any A Level subjects – there is no preference as to whether you have followed a scientific or humanities-based route. The most important thing is definitely to play to your strengths! I studied English Literature, History, and French, all of which were certainly advantageous over the course of my Law degree. They laid the groundwork for the development of critical skills such as written coherency, verbal expression, and the processing and analysis of large quantities of information. I also completed an Extended Project Qualification on a legal issue (whether Sharia Law ought to be introduced to the United Kingdom), which was a real source of interest in my interview. I think this was likely my biggest advantage when applying to Cambridge.
Outside of my immediate academics, doing legal work experience was also real advantage – something I will discuss more below. I additionally took on various roles which showed me not only to be organised and efficient, but also trustworthy and able to engage with others. For instance, I was Secretary to the Student Union of my Sixth Form, volunteered in Oxfam, and acted as a Reading Mentor to younger students in the school. As I also did a lot of Musical Theatre, it was also possible to draw on this experience when talking about delivering in front of an audience - something else lawyers often have to do. The important thing is not so much what you do, but rather how you mould it to demonstrate an aptitude for law. Doing things outside of academics generally shows you are a well-rounded and efficient person, but it is definitely preferable if you can specifically link it to skills the subject requires.
One thing that really cannot be underestimated with Law is the amount of reading involved. No matter where you undertake the degree, this is an inevitable reality. As it is unlikely you will have studied the subject prior to starting the degree, showing that you have read around it of your own volition is definitely a good way of showing interest. It also gives some basic knowledge from which to approach questions you might be asked at interview. Notable examples of such reading might include ‘The Rule of Law’ by Bingham, or ‘Eve Was Framed’. For advice on studying law, McBride’s ‘Letters to a Law Student’ is also particularly helpful.
Once invited for interview, the best preparation really is just to practice! If your school offers any sessions definitely make the most of them, otherwise ask around to see if anyone is willing to give you a mock interview. My friend’s dad offered to give me one. Though possibly more nerve-wracking than the real thing, it gave an important flavour of being able to think on the spot and staying calm under pressure.
Do you think work experience is important for prospective law applicants?
Doing work experience in law is vital at almost any stage of your education – whether you be looking to apply to University, or are already there but hoping to follow a professional legal path. It is a critical way of showing interest to prospective employers; demonstrating critical competences through practical, hands-on experience. It is also an important means of networking and making contacts if there is a particular firm for which you would like to work.
More importantly, however, it is vital to ensuring that a career is the one you actually want. The chasm between studying and practicing law cannot be underestimated. There is also then a significant difference between working as a solicitor and a barrister, and between the myriad fields of law it is possible to specialise in. Only by actually spending time in these environments, and with people who do this day in day out, is it really possible to appreciate this.
I personally really enjoyed the work experience I have done. People have always been very accommodating of my questions and willing to help me learn about their roles. In the early stages, it mostly came through asking informally; dropping my CV off at offices and asking for the opportunity to shadow. Once actually at university, it becomes possible to apply for mini-pupillages and vacation schemes more formally. It is also useful to keep an eye out for application opportunities outside of firms – for instance Gray’s Inn offers advocacy days. These are generally advertised through their website or social media.
If you had one piece of advice to give to our future lawyers, what would it be?
No matter where you study or what professional path you follow, much of law is simply about perseverance and determination. Statistics can often be off-putting: there is no denying that it is a competitive field. If it is what you really want, however, then you should not let it put you off. Equally, if you realise it is not for you – don’t be disheartened! The skills learned through legal studies and experience are highly transferrable and desirable; opportunities can always be found elsewhere. As much as it sounds like a cliché, it really can be a door to amazing opportunities, so is worth the pursuit.
Interested in taking a law masterclass with someone like Sylvie in preparation for your law application?
