On Wednesday 16 January, our students were joined by Louise Musgrave from the University of Law. Louise gave an informative talk about studying a law degree and other career paths into the legal sector.
The University of Law is one of the UK’s longest-established specialist providers of legal education, with nine campuses across the UK. They offer a range of courses in law, many of which are combined with subjects such as marketing, finance and criminology.
Louise explained to our students that there are various pathways into the profession of law. The two main ways to pursue a career in law are LLB degrees, and apprenticeships. These various pathways can take place over 2-7 years, so although there are many options to choose from, it is important to look thoroughly into courses and choose the one that is right for you.
Law is all around us, and Louise explained some different types of law to our students, and what situations they may be used in, for example, criminal law, property law and family law.
One of the most well-known types of law is copyright law, and Louise told the students about a famous copyright dispute that divided opinions amongst lawyers across the world. This was the ‘monkey selfie copyright dispute.’
British nature photographer David Slater travelled to Indonesia to take photographs of the critically endangered Celebes crested macaque monkeys. He spent days taking photographs of the monkeys, and one day left his camera set up in the forest. Once he returned, he realised that the monkeys had taken pictures of themselves, ‘selfies’, using his camera!
When these photographs started being published online, lawyers were divided as to who had copyright claim of these photos. Was it Slater, who had travelled to Indonesia and set up the equipment? Or was it the monkeys, who actually took the photos, yet were not recognised in many aspects of copyright law, as they were non-human creators?
Eventually, Slater won the case, but did give a large amount of the money he took from this case to animal charities.
Although not all cases that lawyers deal with are quite as unique as this one, working in law can be a very exciting profession. There are opportunities to work and travel all over the world, make dramatic news stories, and work with high profile clients. Not to mention that the most successful lawyers are paid extremely well!
Eventually, Slater won the case, but did give a large amount of the money he took from this case to animal charities.
Although not all cases that lawyers deal with are quite as unique as this one, working in law can be a very exciting profession. There are opportunities to work and travel all over the world, make dramatic news stories, and work with high profile clients. Not to mention that the most successful lawyers are paid extremely well!
Our students found Louise Musgrave’s talk and guidance about getting into law extremely informative, and left with a great amount of insight about the career pathways into the legal sector.
Find out more about the University of Law and pursuing a career in law.
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