Personal statements - Law

My enthusiasm for Law springs from a fascination with resolving conflict. I believe the law should be a framework for enabling every individual to live constructively as a part of society. The course you offer would inspire me to further develop a system of cogent and sound reasoning, providing an outstanding basis for actively tackling some of those injustices which trouble us. I seek to understand legal systems, especially their roots and possibilities for improvement. The additional study of German Law, with a year abroad, is therefore an immensely exciting prospect, as a grasp of another culture's ideas dramatically increases one's perspectives, and awareness of international potential within the legal discipline.

I feel that I am well prepared to meet the challenges of an exacting Law course, including the German element. With a voracious appetite for knowledge and deduction, I am thoroughly enjoying my studies in History, where extensive material must be collated, closely analysed and processed into a clear, logical argument. My intimate appreciation of language, especially the rich depths of English, would doubtless be an asset when formulating and interpreting legal documents. I speak fluent German and have done three weeks of work experience with two German law firms, becoming familiar with the technical language as well as the different justice system, including codified law rather than the law of precedence. Alongside an insight into the work of local solicitors, this makes me eager to explore further and assures me that I would enjoy a life in law. Debating in national competitions and representing my form in the school and sixth-form councils has exercised my persuasive skills, and given opportunities to propose improvements to evolving systems. I attend Advanced Extension Award English and current-affairs seminars to sharpen my critical reasoning.

To complement my academic interests I engage in a spectrum of extracurricular activities. I am deeply involved with music, as a former Truro Cathedral chorister and current leading member of the school choir, two orchestras and a clarinet ensemble. I find musical expression alongside others highly rewarding, and look forward to continued involvement at university. In December I will be taking my Grade 8 Clarinet to join my Grade 8 Piano. As a Millennium Volunteer I have helped in a residential week at the International Musicians' Seminar in Cornwall, as well as working as a peer-mentor on the ACHE counselling scheme, giving me the chance to interact with numerous different and stimulating people. Leading Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburgh groups, including the ascent of the three highest peaks in England for Gold, has honed my organisational skills and the ability to coordinate and hold together a team under adverse conditions. As a keen winger in the school 2nd XV, I relish the physical discipline, courage and camaraderie of rugby, and wish to carry on playing. I love cycling, for its sense of liberation (and as 'green' transport), having cycle-toured along the Danube, Elbe and Oder rivers in Germany.

Positions of responsibility including Senior Prefectship have demanded an ability to handle groups of peers, younger children and senior staff, while being a member of the school charity committee and editor of the 'Rigor Mortis' history magazine has led me to launch ambitious campaigns to arouse enthusiasm and support. I hope to continue such activities alongside reading Law within the greater scope of University life, adding my talents to the community, developing myself further and preparing to fulfil my aspirations.