Law Personal Statement Example 73

I once attended a lecture by the late Barrister Gani Fawehimmi. He was a prominent human rights lawyer in my home country Nigeria. He spoke passionately about legal systems and human rights. I was particularly impressed by a man who helped the underprivileged and the cheated by representing them without asking for payment. I would like to promote social justice by representing for example those who oppose the oil corporations that pollute the Niger Delta.

My interest in becoming a lawyer has also been encouraged by representations of the legal processes on TV and in literature. I have particularly enjoyed the books of John Grisham. The lawyer Jake Tyler Brigance in A Time to Kill was especially memorable as he showed great determintaion for justice. I also enjoy reading legal journals and texts to supplement my A level law course for example the A level law review.

At the moment we are studying criminal law. I am impressed with the amount of work a lawyer will need to do to properly represent their client. I am intrigued by the litigation process, from the opening statements to the final speeches made by both counsels. I observed this last summer when I visited Bristol Crown Court. Last summer with other students we went to the University of the West of England and took part in a mock trial. I thorougly enjoyed this experience, it was very realistic. I was the judge and got to give the verdict and sentence.

I recently did some additional research into the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, with focus on the special defences to murder. I discovered that the previous law on provocation was very unfair to women. The new act has rectified some of these problems. Race and gender equality should be encouraged by legal changes. While I was in Nigeria I worked briefly at a family friend's law firm. My tasks were limited to office work but I still got to witness the process of researching and preparing cases for settlement or court.

I also currently study history A-level. This has helped me develop my analytical skills and my essay writing, as well as inform me about laws brought in to deal with wartime emergencies. I also study sociology. Last year I had to conduct a piece of lengthy research on social deviance and document my findings. This should prepare me for university because it has accustomed me to the tasks of finding information and working on my own or in groups.

I am currently working as a student ambassador. My job involves communicating with and giving information to students thinking of coming to the college. This has helped me develop good communication skills and developed my self-confidence. At secondary school I was an active member of the debating team. I represented my school on several occasions and I was also very successful at it. I am able to argue reasonably, sensibly and critically.

I am excited by the prospect of university. I look forward to taking part in the sporting activities and societies around the campus. After university I would like to go back to Nigeria and work in the law. Please give me the opportunity to realise my ambitions.