LLM GUIDE - Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programs Worldwide

LLM Discussion Board

LL.M. Discussion Board > United Kingdom - Ireland > Bit unrelated - LLB choice RSS Feed

Bit unrelated - LLB choice

Author Message
meenaj

Joined: 04 Aug 2008
Posts: 3
Bit unrelated - LLB choice
Tue Aug 05, 2008 01:13 PM
Hi guys
I'm a Canadian student currently trying to decide where to study my LLB - either at University of Westminster or Cardiff University. It would be helpful if former LLB grads could shed light on these programs if you have attended them. Thanks!!
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
cowboyblues

Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 74
Bit unrelated - LLB choice
Tue Aug 05, 2008 03:43 PM
I didn't attend either university, but I'd recommend you pick Cardiff above Westminster. The latter does not have a good reputation, while Cardiff is more established and part of the Russell Group (top 20 research uni's in the UK).

(This may have no bearing on your situation - but beware that it is v.difficult to practice law in Canada without a Canadian law degree).
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
meenaj

Joined: 04 Aug 2008
Posts: 3
Bit unrelated - LLB choice
Tue Aug 05, 2008 05:03 PM
Thanks for the advice! In that short time span, i've changed my top two choices.. this time it's my final top two. Leicester or Cardiff? What would you choose?
Ya I know it will be quite difficult to come back to Canada, but I didn't even bother applying to Canadian law schools - too competitive. Perhaps I should have...
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
cowboyblues

Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 74
Bit unrelated - LLB choice
Tue Aug 05, 2008 05:54 PM
Leicester is a very good university with some impressive faculty members, but I'd probably still opt for Cardiff. Although I believe both will give you a very good education.

Leicester comes very high in the 2009 Times league tables - although you have to take those rankings with a large pinch of salt.

If you plan to practice in Canada then ..yep...definitely start applying for Canadian law schools. The hoops one has to jump thru to become a Canadian lawyer without a Ca. law degree are very protectionist.

Strangely, you're the second Ca. I've recently read about on forums wanting to opt for a British law school. Is it becoming a growing alternative?
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
meenaj

Joined: 04 Aug 2008
Posts: 3
Bit unrelated - LLB choice
Tue Aug 05, 2008 06:02 PM
Why do you suggest going to Cardiff over Leicester if Leicester is a great school? It's a decision I am struggling with. Cardiff ranked 32nd (or was it 38th) for its law program in the UK according to that Times university ranking, compared to Leicester's 8th place ranking. Also overall as a school, Leicester scored better than Cardiff by a few places. Cardiff's campus/law program does seem impressive, and the city seems to be growing but I just can't decide what to do regarding the rankings.

I really do think Canadians going to the UK for law school is definite growing alternative. Competition in Canada for a law spot is just too insane, and while going to the U.S. would be good, it's just so much more expensive tuition wise than the UK.
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
cowboyblues

Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 74
Bit unrelated - LLB choice
Tue Aug 05, 2008 06:30 PM
I would go to Cardiff before Leicester because it has had a solid reputation for a long time, whereas Leicester is only just emerging as a very good law school. Cardiff is also a big law school and a RG university (aka the British Ivy League). Also Cardiff is a nicer place to live than Leicester - the latter being a boring smallish market town (of course this is subjective - you need to visit these places).

I mentioned the league tables because international students tend to be obsessed with them, and then often base their choice of LLM programme on the rankings. However, most domestic law students believe they are BS , and based on subjective and to some extent unreliable data (i.e. the National Student Survey) - which is why I say take them with a large pinch of salt.

It's interesting that Ca. students are coming over here. As you are paying international fees - you'll be very welcome by law schools!

I have a Canadian acquaintance who did a few years of law school in the US and then transferred to Canada, and ended up with an LLB & JD. She had problems getting in a Ca. law school.

[Edited 05 Aug 2008 by cowboyblues]
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote

Reply to this post

Related Programs