Many people have asked me why I chose law. You might wonder why I chose law too. I've now written a dissertation on this particular discipline which might help you understand why the legal profession attracted me the most.

1. Why Law?
Law is a systematic discipline which I feel myself strongly attracted to. It is an essential part of a
successful society and without it, our constitution would be disordered and perhaps, destroyed. The
nature of law is difficult to comprehend, yet is easily adaptable by those who elucidate it. By studying
the subject, I have aspired to increase and enhance my knowledge on the legislation and philosophy of
law which surrounds us. Moreover, Law would enable me to comprehensively explore the range of
thrilling and multidisciplinary topics as diverse as morality and justice theories, judicial precedent and
the potential approaches to statutory interpretation.
One part of the law that I find appealing is the use of moral issues. While studying the subject in A-level,
I was introduced to the Hart-Devlin debate where the legalisation of both prostitution and homosexuality
was to be a recommendation. I find it fascinating how Professor Hart believed that the state had no right
to intervene in private morality whereas Lord Devlin opposed this view and trusted that the law should
still support moral principles. My interest in comprehensive moral issues has been boosted by reading
Tom Bingham's 'The Rule of Law', which has developed my understanding of the situations faced by
persons and authorities and the many ways legal officials have pursued to implement a fair and just
society.
Lawyers are fundamentally seen as professionals and that is how they are viewed in society. It is usually
asked: what is a professional? Who is classified as a professional? The basic answer to that would be
anything like doctors, accountants, economists, lawyers and teachers. Leubsdorf’s ‘Three models of
professional reform’ defined professionals as having characteristics such as social prestige, specialist
knowledge and community interest in activities. The last factor is key: professional work for the public,
rather than themselves (as stated in Parsons’ ‘Essays in Sociological Theory’). Professionals will
essentially work longer hours than, say constructors would, and would go to great lengths to perform
their duty for the sole interest of their clients. They may work outside office hours to ensure their clients’
needs are met – and that is essentially what a professional is.
Working for the public and promoting public good has been my sole ambition which is what pulled me
to the legal profession. Debating on issues such as legal aid, social status of lawyers and lawyers’
ethics is what drives me almost insane on how ‘badly’ I wish to study law and make a difference for the
world. For example, a major crisis for lawyers has been the withdrawal of legal aid over the recent
years. Is this good? Is this bad? A positive side to the withdrawal may mark the increase in parties using
alternative dispute resolution methods to solve issues instead of relying on judicial reviews, but a
disadvantage may mean that low-income families will be significantly restricted in the access to justice
which might increase concerns of the way the law appears to support the elite.
Further, distinguishing between a barrister and solicitor has been easy for me. After working with both
professionals, I have seen both the similarities and differences in their work, and have seen how both
occupations have intrigued me. While barristers are regulated by the Bar Code and the solicitors are
regulated by the SRA Code, they both essentially have the same objective: to meet clients’ interest at
all times. Having good ethics and being a good ethical lawyer allows the public to gain confidence and
trust in the lawyers and being a trustworthy lawyer is what I strive to be.
Being immensely enthusiastic about the subject, I have ensured I am generally aware of current cases
that are to be heard in the Supreme Court. One example of a recent case is Jackson v Murray & Another
where the appellant was the victim of a vehicle accident that occurred in 2004. Undoubtedly, there are
many other cases that are being heard, at present, in the Supreme Court, therefore, having an innate
interest in legal cases, I consume a lot of my spare time studying and observing some of them via the
court's official website.
So, you still may wonder why I chose Law. Well, I find no other discipline as interesting and tied up into
promoting public interest as the legal profession. Undoubtedly there may be lawyers who might act
contrary to the SRA and Bar Codes and will face appropriate sanctions, and that is for the courts to
decide, not us. I am interested in building that relationship with my clients that all moral and ethical
lawyers will build. I am interested in solving those issues that all moral and ethical lawyers will solve. I
am interested in promoting that public good that all moral and ethical lawyers will promote. People will
have the impression that lawyers strive for the money, but if it was the salary that I wanted, I could
easily make an ideal banker. Acting for my clients with honesty will always remain my objective.