[Blueboy]

I was wondering, as i enjoy history, would i need to take it to be able to qualify for Law at uni, possible leading to a career as a lawyer?

[Mr Field]

You don't need to take it, but it would most certainly be a very wise choice - it is an excellent subject to illustrate an intelligent, thoughtful student who is able to create extended, well orgainised and structured work as well as having an inquisitive and incisive mind.

It also shows you have great taste.

As you enjoy it, I wouldn't waste any time signing up for it.

However, clearly I'm biased as I'm a history teacher. My sister is a qualified solicitor and took history as one of her A-Levels, leading to a degree in law.

[Blueboy]

Does enjoy working as a soliciter? I have been thinking about going into law, but dont know if it is an interesting career

[Mr Field]

Well - here's not really the place for such a discussion. Being a solicitor can be a really enjoyable profession, but can also be incredibly draining and stressful. I'd recommend talking to your careers advisor at school - they'll be able to offer some constructive advice.

Also don't forget you can take a law degree and then decide to be a solicitor or indeed something else. A law degree is an excellent start to a whole host of careers - Prime Minister for example!

[Mrs Faithorn]

As Mr Field has said, your best course of action is to talk to your Careers Advisor at school. However, I would agree that if you are thinking of reading Law at University, then GCSE and then A Level History would be a good choice to make since there are similarities in the ways that Historians and Lawyers both work (evaluating evidence, synthesising information, developing reasoned arguments and reaching reasoned conclusions).

It would also be possible to read History at University and then go on to become a Solicitor or Barrister; it is not necessary to read Law in order to go into the legal profession.

Indeed the advice I always used to give students espressing the same sort of interests as yourself was: take History for GCSE and A Level. If you know that you want to go into the Law when you are applying for University then apply to read Law. If you are at all uncertain at that stage, apply to read History for you can always go into Law after you graduate.

[Mrs Piper]

You could do a History Degree and then a Law conversion course afterwards

[Blueboy]

Thanks for all the advice, unfortunatly the Careers adviser is on hols, (typical)

What is the difference between a barraster, a lawyer and a solicitor?

I'm definatly taking history and law at college, as they are the subjects i have a passion for, i'll see at the time, how i will get a degree as a solictor etc, when the time comes.
Thanks

[Mr Field]

Strictly speaking a barrister is the individual who deals in cases once they reach the courts and a solictor deals in cases and legal matters before they reach court.

A laywer is an American term for someone who is qualified to work in the legal profession.

As the legal system in this country changes, the job descriptions of what a barrister and solicitor do are developing though.

The way to become either a solicitor or barrister is to obtain a law degree or equivalent (such as history degree + law conversion course) and then do the specific exams for either profession at law school.

[Blueboy]

Thanks again. Seems a long time to get the job, but im not worried about that at all, as i feel i really fancy this career. Unfortunatly law school, and uni sounds as if it will cost a fair bit in student loans.

Thanks again