Deliver Justice Towards All: My Motive to Become a Lawyer

I wish to study law as I am deeply fascinated by the different aspects of the criminal justice system, which defines and shapes the human condition. In a recent article, titled ‘Coercive Control: An Offence but Not a Defence: R v Challen”, the article explained how Sally Challen was convicted of killing her husband Richard Challen in 2010, however, she successfully won the right to a retrial based on the law of diminished responsibility. This was largely due to insights gained from newly acquired evidence, specifically pertaining to her mental state at the time of the killing. The notion that the law takes into account a person’s psychiatric condition reflects society's progress and relationship with the law. However, the fact that the defence of insanity continues to carry a social stigma due to the wording of the M'Naghten principles. Reading various legal journals and articles has sparked an interest in law, directing me to explore careers within the legal sector.

Furthermore, I am currently studying and working to successfully complete the WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology, as well as the Btec Level 3 Health and Social Care diploma. Criminology has prepared me for the challenging environment that is university, as it has refined my analytical skills and it has created a detailed foundation of knowledge regarding the relationship between law, crime, and society. I am working to complete a lengthy written report on the processes of criminal investigations, which examines the roles of personnel involved, as well as the various investigative techniques. Additionally, I have studied judicial and government processes of law making and how different models of criminal justice impact the way the system functions and the values the system must uphold. I was able to apply what I learned while participating in a criminal mock trial last year. This experience heightened my interest in practicing law. Studying Health and Social Care has instilled within me a strong work ethic, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and resilience, all of which will serve me well when completing my university studies. This course has also supported me in providing me with extensive knowledge about health and legislation when dealing with different individuals. For example, in one unit, I produced a lengthy written report explaining how laws such as the Equality Act 2010 and the National Health Service Act 2006 influences health professionals to implement strategies and various health policies to reduce inequality for vulnerable individuals in the health or social care services and settings.

Regarding the activities, I have the responsibility is being a co-leader in Bubble Club undertaken within the school where I am able to communicate effectively and learn how to work with vulnerable students. This has also allowed me to refine my time management and leadership skills. In addition, I independently found a place to do work experience. My work experience was in a nursery for young children aged 2 to 5 years where I work shadowed the manager who explained all the policies and legislation, they implement into their care practice with different children’s needs.

My aspiration is to become a barrister in the long term and deliver justice towards all whilst using my expertise in Criminal Law. My medium term is to apply to Law firms and develop my Lawyer characteristics further. As such, I believe that by studying Law in the UK , I will be able to apply myself into employability programmes and vacation schemes to work in law firms such as Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy.