Caroline Said:

Im applying to Oxford for Law what work experience should I get?

We Answered:

To be honest, you should try and keep your extra-curricular activities to a minimum. Oxford is a highly academic institution and at interview the tutors look down on students who have too many extra-curricular activities as they are seen as not being committed enough to their academic studies.

The key thing you need to demonstrate (seeing as your grades fit the bill) is that you have a real passion for your subject, above and beyond what is taught on the syllabus at school. Work experience in a wide range of law firms will therefore look great on your application. You should also try and read about different areas of the law and any new developments. Publications such as Legal Week and The Lawyer have really good websites so you should look at those. The Times also has a good law section which is particularly good as it does special editions for law students every now and then.

And please ignore the answer above that's going on about recommendation letters - you don't need any such thing to get into Oxford!!

Kay Said:

What are the chances of getting into a top university for law, without work experience?

We Answered:

I would say you need to highlight skills that you have from extra curricular activities and maybe part time or any other jobs that you have. It will take a while I am guessing depending on your circumstances to get an interview so there are things you could put on your personal statement and expand on in interview when you have actually experienced it. I would really suggest getting some work experience as soon as possible send an email or letter to as many law firms as possible.

Is it really a career you would want to get into without some work experience ? some universities do actually demand that you undertake experience and have a form signed by the person you did it with !!

Geraldine Said:

Know of any law firms in Surrey that give work experience to A level Law students (18 years old)?

We Answered:

Take the initiative: ring all your local law firms, explain the difficult situation your in, be polite, and say how much you need it, and could they make an exception for you