Oxford Pre-Law Program

This summer I got to spend 5 weeks in England studying Pre-Law at the University of Oxford. During my time abroad, I took two classes: Introduction to the Anglo-American Legal System and Lawyers in Society. Furthermore, law professors led both classes; a professor from the OSU Moritz College of Law taught one and a professor from the University of Oxford taught the other. Throughout the 5 weeks, I briefed cases, wrote legal analyses, and had open discussions and debates with 18 of my fellow peers. Overall, it was one of the best experiences of my life and along the way I learned a little bit about myself, both academically and personally.

Overview of the University of Oxford from St. Mary’s Church

Our Host College: St. Anne’s

The most significant change due to this experience was definitely in the understanding of myself. In high school, I wanted to go to law school, but I did not really understand what it entailed so decided against pursuing it when I entered college. However, when I saw this program on the OSU study abroad website, I thought I would give it a shot. I did not want to have any regrets when it came to not trying to pursue a possible career in law when it was something I was always interested in, but just did not know enough about. Worst-case scenario I would decide law was not for me and continue with my Finance degree, and best-case scenario I would realize that this was something I really wanted to do with my life and go to law school. The way I saw it, there was no down side to participating in this program.

By the end of the trip, it was definitely evident to me that law school was something I wanted to pursue in the future. I had always thought about it, but I never really had any experience in law to confirm or deny my passion. I can honestly say that because of the Oxford Pre-Law Program I decided to become a lawyer. If I did not go on this trip, who knows if I would have still decided to go to law school. The experiences I had throughout the 5 weeks, both in and out of class, really opened my eyes to what a career in law would be like, and I absolutely loved it. I could not have had the exposure had I not gone on this program and I am forever thankful for that. I now know what I want to do with the rest of my life and realize where my passions truly lie.

The Crew at Blenheim Palace

As I briefly mentioned, a good amount of the course load consisted of briefing cases. Prior to this class, I had absolutely no experience with law and did not even know the difference between a plaintiff and a defendant. However, throughout the course, I learned a massive amount. Not only did I learn basic terms such as “stare diesis” and “res judicata”, I also learned how to strategically go about breaking down cases and statutes. For me, this was a huge advantage because when I first came into this program I could read a case and it would mean almost nothing to me. Now, when I read a case I can pick out important details and really outline the specifics, which is an insanely important skill in law because you read tons of cases everyday. What was most shocking to me was not only that I was able to pick up the gist of the cases by the end of the trip, but that I actually enjoyed doing it as well. I found out that I was actually excited to read the cases we were assigned for homework and I liked being able to pick out what the different arguments and issues were. This was a turning point for me because I actually realized that this was something I was interested in and enjoyed doing. In addition, we read tons of cases in class, and the best part was that they were all real and relevant to law today. Therefore, I got an exposure to law that was completely realistic and applicable. Since I was able to get this exposure prior to entering law school, I am confident that I am already ahead of the game and on the right path to succeed and become a practicing lawyer.

Typical Case Briefing

Although the work in the classroom was interesting, I think my favorite part of the trip was going on field trips to the different courts. During these trips, we got to leave the university and go to criminal courts, such as the Old Bailey and Oxford Crown Court. There, we got to sit in on cases and experience real life trials. I had never been to court before, so it was by far one of the coolest things I have ever experienced. For example, I got to hear a murder case, sit in on a Supreme Court ruling, and witness various other misdemeanors as well. Watching these cases really put things into perspective because it showed me what my future might look like. In a few years, it might be me in the defendants stand defending my client, and that is pretty dang exciting. These first-hand experiences in court really showed me what to expect in a future career in law and it was definitely something I enjoyed and realized I wanted to be a part of.

Striking a pose in front of the Old Bailey

This transformation is significant in my life because this experience truly opened my eyes to where my passions lie. Before this trip, I did not have any first-hand experience with law, so I was unsure if it was something I was truly interested in. I am the kind of person that if I want something, I really want it and will do everything in my power to get it, so I do not do things half way. Thus, I was hesitant going forward and trying to pursue a career in law unless I absolutely knew that it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. This trip completely changed my professional and academic goals because before it I was planning on just graduating and becoming a financial advisor, but now I am sure that I want to become a lawyer. With this goal comes the added academic load of three extra years of schooling as well, so that will be a change for me academically since it was not something I factored in beforehand. Also, this is obviously a huge change because I am switching careers. Yet, I could not be happier because I am finally confident that I have figured out what I want to do with my life. Now, I just have to prepare for the LSAT and apply to law school (a piece of cake, right?).