Happy Holidays from Susie Law School
No animals or polar ice caps were hurt in te making of this game but it's great fun! Only managed a score of 312m so far... sure I can do better!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Mock examining
Next week we have mock exams. Three of them to be exact - one for each compulsory subject.
The consensus in law school is that most people are anticipating abject failure. Apparently the average mark last year was an impressive 30%. Considering the mark required to pass the final exams is 50% I felt this fosters a great deal of confidence in the fact that since most people passed their final exams, there is enough time to do all the revision well between now and the end of February. As a result many of my peers are planning to carry out minimal revision and prepare to perform the happy dance if they succeed in obtaining over 30% in the mock exams (seeing as that would be deemed 'above average').
However, the situation has created within me considerable cognitive dissonance.
In one corner is the Logical Susie. She accepts there really is not enough time for the kind of decent revision between now and next week that would be required for say a 60-70% outcome. Therefore she has decided the best course of action is to instead focus on detailed consolidation and do what she can in the mocks, and not worry if the result is less than encouraging. It is all about experiencing what the exams will be constructed and suchlike.
In the other corner, however, is Competitive Susie. She is thinking that really it would not do to fail the mocks. This is despite the fact that they are entirely insignificant and most people improve greatly from their mock result when they sit the final exam. She is wanting to do all she can to maximise the points she can score, and see exactly how well she COULD do, to provide confidence for the impending final exam revision and at least a small smidgeon of self-satisfaction.
Currently Logical Susie is winning. She has convinced me to sit down and carry out very diligent consolidation activities which, although taking longer than superficial cramming, is providing me with a much better in-depth understanding of the topics and which should put me in good stead come exam-time.
However, notwithstanding this victorious outcome, I fear it is highly unlikely that Logical Susie will be able to convince Competitive Susie not to be too disappointed when she averages 29% in the mock exams...
The consensus in law school is that most people are anticipating abject failure. Apparently the average mark last year was an impressive 30%. Considering the mark required to pass the final exams is 50% I felt this fosters a great deal of confidence in the fact that since most people passed their final exams, there is enough time to do all the revision well between now and the end of February. As a result many of my peers are planning to carry out minimal revision and prepare to perform the happy dance if they succeed in obtaining over 30% in the mock exams (seeing as that would be deemed 'above average').
However, the situation has created within me considerable cognitive dissonance.
In one corner is the Logical Susie. She accepts there really is not enough time for the kind of decent revision between now and next week that would be required for say a 60-70% outcome. Therefore she has decided the best course of action is to instead focus on detailed consolidation and do what she can in the mocks, and not worry if the result is less than encouraging. It is all about experiencing what the exams will be constructed and suchlike.
In the other corner, however, is Competitive Susie. She is thinking that really it would not do to fail the mocks. This is despite the fact that they are entirely insignificant and most people improve greatly from their mock result when they sit the final exam. She is wanting to do all she can to maximise the points she can score, and see exactly how well she COULD do, to provide confidence for the impending final exam revision and at least a small smidgeon of self-satisfaction.
Currently Logical Susie is winning. She has convinced me to sit down and carry out very diligent consolidation activities which, although taking longer than superficial cramming, is providing me with a much better in-depth understanding of the topics and which should put me in good stead come exam-time.
However, notwithstanding this victorious outcome, I fear it is highly unlikely that Logical Susie will be able to convince Competitive Susie not to be too disappointed when she averages 29% in the mock exams...
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Invaluable LPC advice
Last year I reported my puzzlement with outlining.
In academic study this was never appealing to me in any other sense than revision notes. I still maintain it is just revision notes but I can see the as due to the different teaching styles across the pond where revision only becomes similar at a later stage in education when big nasty finals start to rear their ugly head.
In comparison to academic study the LPC is a whole different beast altogether. Gone are the days when you would have a lecture on a topic one week and then a seminar on the same topic the week after. Now everything is all over the place, information strewn across the curriculum left right and centre.
So, I have started outlining.
Ok when I say outlining I really mean that instead of making revision notes by hand I am doing them on my trusty PC. The significant benefit of this being that I can write down all the information from my lectures and seminars, combine pieces of law from enough pieces of paper to annihilate all the forests in Sweden, and then work out what is linked together and move it all around. Obviously with handwritten notes once you've written it down, the whole thing becomes much more confusing if you realised something else was relevant and you didn't put it in!
Potentially, dear readers, you may feel this is one of my less enticing topics. However, there is a point to it. The point is - consolidate. When they say this all the time on the LPC they are not kidding. The contents are bitty, you get lots of pieces of information and it is up to you to make sense of it.
So, boys and girls, do not leave it all until the last minute. No time like the present. You will thank me later.
In academic study this was never appealing to me in any other sense than revision notes. I still maintain it is just revision notes but I can see the as due to the different teaching styles across the pond where revision only becomes similar at a later stage in education when big nasty finals start to rear their ugly head.
In comparison to academic study the LPC is a whole different beast altogether. Gone are the days when you would have a lecture on a topic one week and then a seminar on the same topic the week after. Now everything is all over the place, information strewn across the curriculum left right and centre.
So, I have started outlining.
Ok when I say outlining I really mean that instead of making revision notes by hand I am doing them on my trusty PC. The significant benefit of this being that I can write down all the information from my lectures and seminars, combine pieces of law from enough pieces of paper to annihilate all the forests in Sweden, and then work out what is linked together and move it all around. Obviously with handwritten notes once you've written it down, the whole thing becomes much more confusing if you realised something else was relevant and you didn't put it in!
Potentially, dear readers, you may feel this is one of my less enticing topics. However, there is a point to it. The point is - consolidate. When they say this all the time on the LPC they are not kidding. The contents are bitty, you get lots of pieces of information and it is up to you to make sense of it.
So, boys and girls, do not leave it all until the last minute. No time like the present. You will thank me later.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Interviewing and failing...
My interviewing and advising exam is in the near future*. I am concerned.
Let me give you a short explanation. You go into a room with a client. You have twenty minutes. They tell you their problem. You ask them questions about the bits they have missed out and you need to know. Then you give them some advice, a few options and advantages and disadvantages of each.
In usual LPC style the assessment is highly artificial. You have to say certain things in certain order in a certain way. You have to summarise what the client has said at particular times of the interview. There are about 6-7 points you can ask them questions on. Some of these are crucial - i.e. if you don't get that information, you will fail. This makes sense, as it is information that will change your advice. Others are less important.
As a great surprise to myself I was competent in my mock assessment. This was despite only asking two questions, and forgetting to set out my advantages and disadvantages of my options in the required way. In other words I told the client what they were but I didn't say stuff like "the advantages of Option 1 are..." etc.
I don't normally suffer from nerves. In my previous job I spent hours and hours talking to clients. Daily. A situation where they asked me something and I had to totally wing it is not unknown.
So why is it that this twenty-minute jumping-through-hoops exercise is so difficult to contend with? Bah!
*excessive detail could out me, so try to cope without knowing exactly when it is.
Let me give you a short explanation. You go into a room with a client. You have twenty minutes. They tell you their problem. You ask them questions about the bits they have missed out and you need to know. Then you give them some advice, a few options and advantages and disadvantages of each.
In usual LPC style the assessment is highly artificial. You have to say certain things in certain order in a certain way. You have to summarise what the client has said at particular times of the interview. There are about 6-7 points you can ask them questions on. Some of these are crucial - i.e. if you don't get that information, you will fail. This makes sense, as it is information that will change your advice. Others are less important.
As a great surprise to myself I was competent in my mock assessment. This was despite only asking two questions, and forgetting to set out my advantages and disadvantages of my options in the required way. In other words I told the client what they were but I didn't say stuff like "the advantages of Option 1 are..." etc.
I don't normally suffer from nerves. In my previous job I spent hours and hours talking to clients. Daily. A situation where they asked me something and I had to totally wing it is not unknown.
So why is it that this twenty-minute jumping-through-hoops exercise is so difficult to contend with? Bah!
*excessive detail could out me, so try to cope without knowing exactly when it is.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Work glorious work!
Currently I have a surplus of it. I started consolidation this week and that was actually quite helpful, particularly for property which I was slightly despairing with originally but now am pretty confident it will be fine...
I've just completed a 'to-do'-list for the five remaining weeks of term and it is looking pretty full. To be honest, I prefer it that way as it will motivate to work hard.
Mock exams take place te last week of term - one in property, one in BLP (Business Law and Practice) and one in Civil Litigation. I mused briefly with the idea of just turning up and doing my best without any revision but that thought didn't last long - instead I've decided to attempt a reasonable amount of revision for two reasons:
1) I want to get an idea of what the exams will be like in a more realistic way - my downfall on the conversion was not knowing what to expect in exams!
2) There will be less work to do for the actual exams as I will have already gone through the topics in the mocks and can simply alter or supplement my revision notes.
Organising what work to do is such fun. Doing it is sometimes a rather different matter... wish me luck!
I've just completed a 'to-do'-list for the five remaining weeks of term and it is looking pretty full. To be honest, I prefer it that way as it will motivate to work hard.
Mock exams take place te last week of term - one in property, one in BLP (Business Law and Practice) and one in Civil Litigation. I mused briefly with the idea of just turning up and doing my best without any revision but that thought didn't last long - instead I've decided to attempt a reasonable amount of revision for two reasons:
1) I want to get an idea of what the exams will be like in a more realistic way - my downfall on the conversion was not knowing what to expect in exams!
2) There will be less work to do for the actual exams as I will have already gone through the topics in the mocks and can simply alter or supplement my revision notes.
Organising what work to do is such fun. Doing it is sometimes a rather different matter... wish me luck!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
My Sunday Gripe
Small children running amok in supermarkets.
Should not be allowed.
But it is a lovely sunny day so I will let it go for now.
Should not be allowed.
But it is a lovely sunny day so I will let it go for now.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
LPC - preparing you for practice?
In case anybody hadn't realised, the LPC is essentially pretty artificial. Makes sense really - I mean, you can't really simulate real law firm conditions all the time and by default some of it has to be adapted.
Let's take a Legal Research assessment. You get given a question, you go off an research it. In practice, this is something a trainee solicitor is very likely to do, so it makes perfect sense it is assessed on the LPC.
However, there is something inherently artificial about this situation. In practice, if you have any questions about what is required, you will trot off to your supervisor and ask them kindly to ring up the client for clarification. This is not an option in Law School.
So you could theoretically fail this skill that is required from a lawyer, not because you cannot do the research, but because you don't have a supervisor or client to tell you what it is they really want you to answer.
Way to teach real lawyering skills.
Let's take a Legal Research assessment. You get given a question, you go off an research it. In practice, this is something a trainee solicitor is very likely to do, so it makes perfect sense it is assessed on the LPC.
However, there is something inherently artificial about this situation. In practice, if you have any questions about what is required, you will trot off to your supervisor and ask them kindly to ring up the client for clarification. This is not an option in Law School.
So you could theoretically fail this skill that is required from a lawyer, not because you cannot do the research, but because you don't have a supervisor or client to tell you what it is they really want you to answer.
Way to teach real lawyering skills.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Roll Call
Dear readers
You will be very pleased to hear this week I have been working very hard and am feeling much better about the lack of reading that took place during Reading Week.
Yesterday I spent five hours with Business Accounts and didn't even realise, because I was enjoying it so much! It is a special moment when your Assets minus Liabilities equals your Capital on a balance sheet.
Anyway, during a period of study I was contemplating my blawg. And I was wondering how many people actually read it.
So, here is your challenge dear reader. If you read this on a regular basis (yes, mum, that includes you!) please post a comment and say hi. As you know you can be anonymous. But I would like to know if I actually have any regular readers, or whether I'm just sitting here writing for the benefit of myself and various computer-generated adverts.
Oh and PS. there is a new blogger on my blogroll - the aptly named Law School Blogger.
Now it might just be me, but I think he looks oretty hot! Provided those are actual photos of him and not his better looking older brother.
You will be very pleased to hear this week I have been working very hard and am feeling much better about the lack of reading that took place during Reading Week.
Yesterday I spent five hours with Business Accounts and didn't even realise, because I was enjoying it so much! It is a special moment when your Assets minus Liabilities equals your Capital on a balance sheet.
Anyway, during a period of study I was contemplating my blawg. And I was wondering how many people actually read it.
So, here is your challenge dear reader. If you read this on a regular basis (yes, mum, that includes you!) please post a comment and say hi. As you know you can be anonymous. But I would like to know if I actually have any regular readers, or whether I'm just sitting here writing for the benefit of myself and various computer-generated adverts.
Oh and PS. there is a new blogger on my blogroll - the aptly named Law School Blogger.
Now it might just be me, but I think he looks oretty hot! Provided those are actual photos of him and not his better looking older brother.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
A bit of fun waste of time...
thanks to fellow legally blonde...
1. Name one person who made you laugh last night. Lady I live with.
2. What were you doing at 0800? Getting ready to go to school.
3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Probably facebook...
4. What happened to you in 2006? I went to Law School. Got a Training Contract. Started my blawg. And many other things you need not concern yourselves with.
5. What was the last thing you said out loud? "Oh I don't like her either" to my housemate about the annoying lady in Spooks.
6. How many beverages did you have today? Bottle of water. Two cups of tea. Coke and glass of milk (not together).
7. What color is your hairbrush? Brown.
8. What was the last thing you paid for? Cup of tea this evening in the bar I went to. Yes tea in a bar. Get over it. It's very cosmopolitan.
9. Where were you last night? Dancing, then home.
10. What color is your front door? Brown?
11. Where do you keep your change? In my purse. Where else?
12. What’s the weather like today? Pretty crispy sunny autumn day! Although now it is dark, alas.
13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor? Just one? Phish Food. No Raspberry. No chocolate mint, no... yeah you get the picture....
14. What excites you? Many things. Exactly how lame would it be to say Law?
15. Do you want to cut your hair? No, I prefer someone else to do it... but I don't want it any shorter than it is.
16. Are you over the age of 25? Sadly, yes.
17. Do you talk a lot? Of course.
18. Do you watch the O.C.? Yes, but not anymore because they cancelled it... still haven't seen Season 4 though!
19. Do you know anyone named Steven? I know a Stephen. So technically I guess not.
20. Do you make up your own words? Probably. I tend to combine words a lot...
21. Are you a jealous person? Of men? No. Of people with Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes? Yes.
22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’. Abigail.
23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’. Katy.
24. Who’s the first person on your received call list? My Law School friend I went out with this evening.
25. What does the last text message you received say? "I don't really want to tell you that!!!
26. Do you chew on your straw? No.
27. Do you have curly hair? Not without copious amounts of styling.
28. Where’s the next place you’re going to? Probably to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. I realise this is making it sound like I drink a lot of tea, I don't actually, it's just been a tea day today.
29. Who’s the rudest person in your life? Um... nobody I'm friends with...
30. What was the last thing you ate? Garlic Bread.
31. Will you get married in the future? I hope so but it's not a mandatory experience.
32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks? I haven't seen many films recently. Particularly good ones. Probably Dirty Dancing the other weekend.
33. Is there anyone you like right now? I like lots of people, my friends, family... ok ok I realise I am being facetious and this means romantically... not really, there are some things in the pipeline but I'm too busy to care!
34. When was the last time you did the dishes? The dishwasher does the dishes.
35. Are you currently depressed? No. But asking "currently" sounds like it's a common everyday exper
36. Did you cry today? no.
37. Why did you answer and post this? I was bored waiting for CSI: New York to start.
Back in action
So Reading Week passed with little reading taking place. I pursued some Business Accounts related work on Saturday - so much fun, lots of maths involved! :) However I soon realised where I had gone wrong during Reading Week.
Here's the thing. I did actually do a fair bit of work over the week. I did everything I had to do and a bit extra. Not everything I wanted to do, but enough. Yet I was left feeling a smidgeon guilty about my failure to work hard during the week 'off'.
This was clearly because I had decided to do lots of work, then didn't feel like it and spent some of the time I had set aside to work doing other stuff. Of course relaxation is crucial. And I did have various pre-scheduled social engagements taking place. However this was not the problem.
What I should have done was set aside a couple of days when I wasn't going to do any work and spend those days specifically not doing any work. Scheduled chilling-out time so to speak. Then some other days would have been work days and my studying would have been more concentrated. I probably still would have got the exact same amount of work done, but felt less bad about my time spent not doing work.
So clearly, it's all about how you spin it. And in the spirit of this newfound wisdom, I spent Sunday doing absolutely nothing.
Here's the thing. I did actually do a fair bit of work over the week. I did everything I had to do and a bit extra. Not everything I wanted to do, but enough. Yet I was left feeling a smidgeon guilty about my failure to work hard during the week 'off'.
This was clearly because I had decided to do lots of work, then didn't feel like it and spent some of the time I had set aside to work doing other stuff. Of course relaxation is crucial. And I did have various pre-scheduled social engagements taking place. However this was not the problem.
What I should have done was set aside a couple of days when I wasn't going to do any work and spend those days specifically not doing any work. Scheduled chilling-out time so to speak. Then some other days would have been work days and my studying would have been more concentrated. I probably still would have got the exact same amount of work done, but felt less bad about my time spent not doing work.
So clearly, it's all about how you spin it. And in the spirit of this newfound wisdom, I spent Sunday doing absolutely nothing.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Susie Law School v The Library
Staying at home didn't work out well on Monday. After typing up the first part of my research memo, I pretended to do research on the second part and spent most of the morning chatting to Mummy Law School and most of the afternoon talking to a boy. And then I went out for the evening.
I am in principle against studying at home, because home is for relaxing and I don't want to get it confused with work. The TV doesn't really distract me because I don't watch a lot of TV. The internet, however, does. And everything is fine as long as I don't have to do work on something online. Unfortunately my research had to be done online. You can see where it all went wrong...
Yesterday was better and I completed the research on the second part, decided it leave it in peace and think about it for a couple of days, and do some other work. But turns out stuff I needed was at school. So today I went to school. Only to find out that additional stuff I needed was at home! So I came home and have worked for a couple of hours.
Generally speaking, studying isn't going well at the moment but I have finally worked out the problem.
I don't like the library at this year's law school as much as the last one, or at University. Normally I have easily found a good spot to study, and stayed there like a happy little law student.
No such luck this year. The new library is dark and horrible, with stupid low ceilings. I like to be near a window but that doesn't seem to be an option unless I sit in one of those nasty little cubicle things, which just don't work for me. I need space. But you only get space in the middle where there is no natural light.
Ergo I blame the Law School for my lack of motivation and poor (current and hopefully temporary) work ethic! And will be staying home tomorrow. Sans turning on the computer.
I am in principle against studying at home, because home is for relaxing and I don't want to get it confused with work. The TV doesn't really distract me because I don't watch a lot of TV. The internet, however, does. And everything is fine as long as I don't have to do work on something online. Unfortunately my research had to be done online. You can see where it all went wrong...
Yesterday was better and I completed the research on the second part, decided it leave it in peace and think about it for a couple of days, and do some other work. But turns out stuff I needed was at school. So today I went to school. Only to find out that additional stuff I needed was at home! So I came home and have worked for a couple of hours.
Generally speaking, studying isn't going well at the moment but I have finally worked out the problem.
I don't like the library at this year's law school as much as the last one, or at University. Normally I have easily found a good spot to study, and stayed there like a happy little law student.
No such luck this year. The new library is dark and horrible, with stupid low ceilings. I like to be near a window but that doesn't seem to be an option unless I sit in one of those nasty little cubicle things, which just don't work for me. I need space. But you only get space in the middle where there is no natural light.
Ergo I blame the Law School for my lack of motivation and poor (current and hopefully temporary) work ethic! And will be staying home tomorrow. Sans turning on the computer.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Reading week
It's Reading Week. Or what is otherwise known as "week off doing any work and then having a panic at the end when you realise you should have been doing work"
Of course none of my regular readers will be the bit least surprised that I actually plan on studying a lot this week. Today I will mostly be attacking my Legal Research coursework. Obviously I want it to be good but it seems somewhat frustrating to complete a piece of work and work hard at it, only to be assessed as "competent" or "not yet competent". That basically means that a person who got 90% is as good as a person who only got 51%. This does not bode well for my competitive streak!
However, for one day only I am conducting an experiment and staying home, instead of hitting the library - this may be a mistake.
The pros are that I only just got up, and feel rested and refreshed, there is no transport involved (well I am going out this evening but that's a whole different issue), and I will save money on lunch. The major con is that I am a library bunny at heart, and working at home sometimes poses distraction problems.
Best get on with it, wish me luck!
Of course none of my regular readers will be the bit least surprised that I actually plan on studying a lot this week. Today I will mostly be attacking my Legal Research coursework. Obviously I want it to be good but it seems somewhat frustrating to complete a piece of work and work hard at it, only to be assessed as "competent" or "not yet competent". That basically means that a person who got 90% is as good as a person who only got 51%. This does not bode well for my competitive streak!
However, for one day only I am conducting an experiment and staying home, instead of hitting the library - this may be a mistake.
The pros are that I only just got up, and feel rested and refreshed, there is no transport involved (well I am going out this evening but that's a whole different issue), and I will save money on lunch. The major con is that I am a library bunny at heart, and working at home sometimes poses distraction problems.
Best get on with it, wish me luck!
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Unintentional Hiatus
Hello children,
I have been very sparse in my posting recently, and I apologise. This has by no means been for any other reason that I haven't managed to think of anything of value to write about.
Unfortunately the case is still the same, and I feel bad about letting you down. I'm still enjoying Law School, as I'm sure you would expect. Although Iam still pretty convinced I will fail interviewing because I just cannot think of the right questions to ask quickly enough.
I started Tax Law over the weekend which was very enjoyable, and I'm quite looking forward to accounts which I will be starting in a couple of weeks. It will all be fine apart from interviewing. Hmpf.
I promise I will try my hardest to think of something fun and law school-related to post about soon. Honest.
I have been very sparse in my posting recently, and I apologise. This has by no means been for any other reason that I haven't managed to think of anything of value to write about.
Unfortunately the case is still the same, and I feel bad about letting you down. I'm still enjoying Law School, as I'm sure you would expect. Although Iam still pretty convinced I will fail interviewing because I just cannot think of the right questions to ask quickly enough.
I started Tax Law over the weekend which was very enjoyable, and I'm quite looking forward to accounts which I will be starting in a couple of weeks. It will all be fine apart from interviewing. Hmpf.
I promise I will try my hardest to think of something fun and law school-related to post about soon. Honest.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
What are they actually teaching us?
Here is a little low-down on what I think so far...
Interviewing and advising
I am going to fail this. Ok, hopefully not, but I'm certainly not feeling particularly confident. Basically what happens is that you get a bit of law in advance. Then you go in, meet a "client" for the first time, and interview them and give them advice on a legal problem based on the bit of law.
I have no trouble with the "client rapport" bit. Eye-contact, sympathetic noises, politeness etc. That bit is fine. However - working out the correct questions to ask and giving the right advice is a whole different matter! I so far have managed to get this completely wrong every time, and missed out something important, or downright just got the facts entirely backwards. I don't really see how this will improve, seeing as the problem is different every time so can't exactly prepare that much in advance.
Mock assessments start in October. Watch this space.
Business Law and Practice
I like this so far. Many people don't. Mostly those are the people who don't understand it though I think. Ok, so there is quite of lot of statute which I'm not so keen on, but I have an interest in the subject area, so I am enjoying the course at least until now. I can't wait to get to the juicy bits like share issues and stuff (although possibly I need to wait until the electives to really get into that...)!
Legal Writing
I don't have much to say about this. It's basically learning to write in a lawyer-like way. Evidently that doesn't mean using lots of latin and complex constructions. It's all about brevity and Plain English. Common sense really. You might imagine most people reaching Law School would have some skill in writing, but apparently that would be an incorrect assessment.
Practical Legal Research
Using hardcopy sources in the library find out the name of the defendant's dog in the case involving a border dispute, taking place somewhere in Nottinghamshire between 1567 and 1701. Hours of fun.
Property Law and Practice
I know what you are thinking. And no, apparently it isn't Land Law. It's a whole different kettle of fish it would seem. The lecturer at least is very good, and when she asked how many people hated land law about 90% of arms went up in the air, including her own. Not mine, incidentally. I am ambivalent towards Land Law. We haven't had a Small Group Session yet so the jury's out. I don't think I will love this, I also don't think I will hate it. I imagine I will happily do the work like a good little law student, and mostly enjoy it. But not as much as BLP or some other subjects though.
Civil and Criminal Litigation
This sounds fun. I am not planning on becoming a litigator, but isn't every young to-be-lawyer's dream ultimately based on picturing themselves in a courtroom, cross-examining the hostile witness and making them break down in floods of tears to confess that, yes, in fact they DID kill their husband/wife/lover/annoying postman?
PCFS
That's Professional Conduct and Financial Services. Seems straightforward enough, there isn't much to it. However, I fear I won't spot the professional conduct issues as they will apparently come up in all the different exams secretly. And if you miss one out in interviewing, you will fail. Ugh.
Still to come
Business accounts and solicitors' accounts. These involve numbers. I like numbers. All is well.
Revenue law. Again, numbers. All good.
Probate and administration of estates. Death doesn't appeal to me but I suppose this is the closest I will come to using Equity and Trusts Law on the LPC so I shouldn't complain.
Advocacy. See "Civil and Criminal Litigation". It's all about courtroom etiquette, and conducting fake trials and stuff. Sounds like great fun!
Drafting. A bit like legal writing but not. It's actually writing specific legal documents. This could go either way. I guess it depends on whether I will be any good at it.
I think that is all. So far so good. I hear people aren't supposed to enjoy the LPC and it's supposed to be boring, but so far I don't think so. I guess we'll see in a few months and see if I was wrong...
Interviewing and advising
I am going to fail this. Ok, hopefully not, but I'm certainly not feeling particularly confident. Basically what happens is that you get a bit of law in advance. Then you go in, meet a "client" for the first time, and interview them and give them advice on a legal problem based on the bit of law.
I have no trouble with the "client rapport" bit. Eye-contact, sympathetic noises, politeness etc. That bit is fine. However - working out the correct questions to ask and giving the right advice is a whole different matter! I so far have managed to get this completely wrong every time, and missed out something important, or downright just got the facts entirely backwards. I don't really see how this will improve, seeing as the problem is different every time so can't exactly prepare that much in advance.
Mock assessments start in October. Watch this space.
Business Law and Practice
I like this so far. Many people don't. Mostly those are the people who don't understand it though I think. Ok, so there is quite of lot of statute which I'm not so keen on, but I have an interest in the subject area, so I am enjoying the course at least until now. I can't wait to get to the juicy bits like share issues and stuff (although possibly I need to wait until the electives to really get into that...)!
Legal Writing
I don't have much to say about this. It's basically learning to write in a lawyer-like way. Evidently that doesn't mean using lots of latin and complex constructions. It's all about brevity and Plain English. Common sense really. You might imagine most people reaching Law School would have some skill in writing, but apparently that would be an incorrect assessment.
Practical Legal Research
Using hardcopy sources in the library find out the name of the defendant's dog in the case involving a border dispute, taking place somewhere in Nottinghamshire between 1567 and 1701. Hours of fun.
Property Law and Practice
I know what you are thinking. And no, apparently it isn't Land Law. It's a whole different kettle of fish it would seem. The lecturer at least is very good, and when she asked how many people hated land law about 90% of arms went up in the air, including her own. Not mine, incidentally. I am ambivalent towards Land Law. We haven't had a Small Group Session yet so the jury's out. I don't think I will love this, I also don't think I will hate it. I imagine I will happily do the work like a good little law student, and mostly enjoy it. But not as much as BLP or some other subjects though.
Civil and Criminal Litigation
This sounds fun. I am not planning on becoming a litigator, but isn't every young to-be-lawyer's dream ultimately based on picturing themselves in a courtroom, cross-examining the hostile witness and making them break down in floods of tears to confess that, yes, in fact they DID kill their husband/wife/lover/annoying postman?
PCFS
That's Professional Conduct and Financial Services. Seems straightforward enough, there isn't much to it. However, I fear I won't spot the professional conduct issues as they will apparently come up in all the different exams secretly. And if you miss one out in interviewing, you will fail. Ugh.
Still to come
I think that is all. So far so good. I hear people aren't supposed to enjoy the LPC and it's supposed to be boring, but so far I don't think so. I guess we'll see in a few months and see if I was wrong...
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Whilst in my professional conduct class last week, I had a rather sobering, and terrifying, thought. I believe I have mused along these same lines earlier but it is becoming more and more real. I am actually going to be a lawyer. The professional conduct class in particular helped hammer this point home, as I really cannot imagine that I would have enough integrity to not accidentally reveal my client's secrets to someone or sleep with them by mistake... perhaps I should have gone for a less pressured career with less responsibility. Like a shelf stacker in Tesco's. Maybe they are still hiring.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Early observations
Monday, September 03, 2007
My last first day
The first day on the LPC is really nothing to get too excited about, but I already knew that from last year. There is a pep-talk about taking responsibility for your own learning and suchlike (some poor girl in the back fainted, it wasn't THAT boring), a tour of the building, and a couple of hours with our personal tutor handing in various forms.
This afternoon I spent two hours going through the timetable, which is quite frankly insane. It isn't the same every week, and there is a whole lot of compulsory independent learning to be done, so I am currently trying to decide on the best way to organise my work... I feel it's more important I try to get on top of what I need to do and when first, before I actually start doing it tomorrow.
On that note, I am returning back to my insane timetable.
This afternoon I spent two hours going through the timetable, which is quite frankly insane. It isn't the same every week, and there is a whole lot of compulsory independent learning to be done, so I am currently trying to decide on the best way to organise my work... I feel it's more important I try to get on top of what I need to do and when first, before I actually start doing it tomorrow.
On that note, I am returning back to my insane timetable.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Preparations for my first day on the LPC
So, tomorrow it begins. The Legal Practice Course, or what could be dubbed the Largely Pointless Course, if many more experienced legal minds are to be believed.
I have my multiple choice quiz answers, which I am not particularly convinced are correct, but I believe I've made a sufficiently good effort that they will not be showing me the door as soon as I arrive.
I have my multi-coloured forms, bearing my signature, as evidence that I agree to attend/to let them know if I cannot attend/to not look for porn on the Law School computers etc etc. (Somewhat disturbingly I have also agreed to follow the student regulations, but a copy will only be available after I've handed in the form... something fishy here... if only I knew anything about contract law ;)...)
I have my SRA (Solicitors' Regulation Authority) forms, to say I am enrolled as a student member and they are satisfied I am of good character and have not, in the past, been caught doing anything unsavoury. Such as looking for porn on the Law School computers.
I have my stationery all ready, apart from little page tags, which they didn't have in WHSmith, or Ryman, and a new pencil case and everything. I feel like it truly is, first day of school. Albeit this being my last EVER first day of school. Sniff.
I have my little airhostess suitcase ready to bring home yet another pile of law books, to take the spot of the ones from last year that I just about managed to fit under the bed, out of the way.
But most importantly - I have new shoes. They are possibly the most beautiful shoes I have ever seen, but to describe them to you lovely readers could reveal my secret identity. Suffice to say they are -for once- not pink!
Wish me luck!
I have my multiple choice quiz answers, which I am not particularly convinced are correct, but I believe I've made a sufficiently good effort that they will not be showing me the door as soon as I arrive.
I have my multi-coloured forms, bearing my signature, as evidence that I agree to attend/to let them know if I cannot attend/to not look for porn on the Law School computers etc etc. (Somewhat disturbingly I have also agreed to follow the student regulations, but a copy will only be available after I've handed in the form... something fishy here... if only I knew anything about contract law ;)...)
I have my SRA (Solicitors' Regulation Authority) forms, to say I am enrolled as a student member and they are satisfied I am of good character and have not, in the past, been caught doing anything unsavoury. Such as looking for porn on the Law School computers.
I have my stationery all ready, apart from little page tags, which they didn't have in WHSmith, or Ryman, and a new pencil case and everything. I feel like it truly is, first day of school. Albeit this being my last EVER first day of school. Sniff.
I have my little airhostess suitcase ready to bring home yet another pile of law books, to take the spot of the ones from last year that I just about managed to fit under the bed, out of the way.
But most importantly - I have new shoes. They are possibly the most beautiful shoes I have ever seen, but to describe them to you lovely readers could reveal my secret identity. Suffice to say they are -for once- not pink!
Wish me luck!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Normal service resumes in 3...2...1...
I do solemnly declare that I am finally back for good!
After my six-week shenanigans looking around the US of A, I then spent two weeks visiting Mum and Dad Law School, but now I am back.
So here is the update.
I have yet to receive any correspondence from London Law School regarding enrolment day. I wonder if I should be concerned that the Law Firm hasn't paid my fees, or if this is merely another prime example of the inherent poor administration and bureaucracy that the legal world is somewhat notorious for... I have, of course, received the inane and tedious multiple choice test on substantive law to be completed by the first day. And because I am a good little law student, I already picked up the pre-programme reading for Business Law and Practice. However I have yet to actually commence reading it... watch this space!
Many of you will be disappointed to find that I declined the PC's offer of a date. So, alas, there are no amusing anecdotes on that front. Of course I did later wish he had looked like David Boreanaz (or even David Caruso!) as the story of 'how did you guys meet' would have just been too juicy for words!
There is a new blawger on the block, Reggae Barrister who has just started an LLB via external learning... crazy fool some would say, but I say good luck!! And also, I am flattered to have been a small inspiration to a fellow blawger!
To the person who posted a comment which has not been published, I hope you know who you are, the reason I did not publish your comment was because it referred to you knowing me through an alter ego, and since Susie Law School is and will remain anonymous to most people, I have chosen to keep you kind comments to myself. But please keep reading and glad you like it!!
All hail Lucius Malfoy. Yum.
After my six-week shenanigans looking around the US of A, I then spent two weeks visiting Mum and Dad Law School, but now I am back.
So here is the update.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
My brush with the law
I'm a nice, law-abiding person. Clearly I have in the past crossed the road on a red light or driven slightly above the speed limit, but I would draw the line at saying that burglary or criminal damage are acceptable pastimes.
However, yesterday, I was stopped and searched by the BTP (British Transport Police for those who do not know). On my way to get the underground into town, I was stopped by a perfectly nice policeman who explained that they were doing "random" searches under the Terrorism Act, looking for suspicious materials such as newspaper cuttings, explosives etc. The reason why "random" is in quotemarks will become glaringly obvious shortly... the sharpest of you will have worked it out already, I'm sure.
So he looks in my bag - the most cursory of searches really, and we have a little chat about the Terrorism Act and he wrote down my details and suchlike. As a good little law student I obviously asked what the information was going to be used for and all the answers I received were satisfactory. I got to keep the little pink (yes, PINK!!!) piece of paper and everything, so this was all very exciting.
I can hear you ask - how likely is a little blonde twenty-something to be involved in terrorism? (If you've watched season 2 of 24 you may think it is actually pretty likely). You may think this incident inspires confidence in the police and is evidence that they are carrying out truly random searches where gender or ethnicity are irrelevant.
After the policeman had given me my little piece of paper, he asked me out on a date.
Random search or blatant abuse of power?
I'll let you decide.
However, yesterday, I was stopped and searched by the BTP (British Transport Police for those who do not know). On my way to get the underground into town, I was stopped by a perfectly nice policeman who explained that they were doing "random" searches under the Terrorism Act, looking for suspicious materials such as newspaper cuttings, explosives etc. The reason why "random" is in quotemarks will become glaringly obvious shortly... the sharpest of you will have worked it out already, I'm sure.
So he looks in my bag - the most cursory of searches really, and we have a little chat about the Terrorism Act and he wrote down my details and suchlike. As a good little law student I obviously asked what the information was going to be used for and all the answers I received were satisfactory. I got to keep the little pink (yes, PINK!!!) piece of paper and everything, so this was all very exciting.
I can hear you ask - how likely is a little blonde twenty-something to be involved in terrorism? (If you've watched season 2 of 24 you may think it is actually pretty likely). You may think this incident inspires confidence in the police and is evidence that they are carrying out truly random searches where gender or ethnicity are irrelevant.
After the policeman had given me my little piece of paper, he asked me out on a date.
Random search or blatant abuse of power?
I'll let you decide.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Legally Blonde Returns
So I have finally returned.
To the impatient person who asked why I hadn't posted my results, I suggest you read below where I stated I would be away for six weeks looking at the world. As much as I have a soft spot for my lovely readers, I hate to tell you that updating my blawg was not my top priority when the other choice was sightseeing and shopping.
I did get my results, they weren't as good as I would have liked, I only managed a Commendation which I am not happy about but seeing how badly I felt many of my exams went at the time, I suppose I can't really complain. However it is all over now so there is no need to discuss it any further.
I have just finished Harry Potter and cried. Now I must start actually organising my life having been away from it for so long. I will update you on my journey soon enough. Patience children.
To the impatient person who asked why I hadn't posted my results, I suggest you read below where I stated I would be away for six weeks looking at the world. As much as I have a soft spot for my lovely readers, I hate to tell you that updating my blawg was not my top priority when the other choice was sightseeing and shopping.
I did get my results, they weren't as good as I would have liked, I only managed a Commendation which I am not happy about but seeing how badly I felt many of my exams went at the time, I suppose I can't really complain. However it is all over now so there is no need to discuss it any further.
I have just finished Harry Potter and cried. Now I must start actually organising my life having been away from it for so long. I will update you on my journey soon enough. Patience children.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
San Francisco
I will warn my more legally-minded readers that the next few weeks will be filled with musings of my trip around the States, because it must be documented and this is as good a place as any.
I still have vague memories of dragging myself out of bed at
There is only so much bridge a girl can walk along, thus we proceeded to get another bus back to the centre and after a brief interlude to get changed we headed for a 50s diner across the street – very all-American of us.
We tried to avoid the huge hills – obviously
On Friday we decided to use our hooves again to walk up to Alamo Square Fulton Street
Monday, June 11, 2007
And so it ends...
First year of Law School.
Finished. Complete. Done. Over.
EU Exam today a mere two hours, which felt positively short in comparison to the previous six. It was starting to feel like Groundhog Day. Everyday I would get up, go to the library, and study more. And everytime an exam was complete, there was another one waiting.
Not today.
What an anti-climax. It doesn't feel like it's over. I'm exhausted. Ready to go to sleep for five days.
However, alas, I must now go and make myself look all pretty for the Law School Ball tonight.
I'll get back to you when it actually has hit home that I have finished my exams. Now it just feels like any other day. But then this was how it was always going to be. I think the best thing to do now is to go and party my little socks off and it might feel more like it! ;-)
Finished. Complete. Done. Over.
EU Exam today a mere two hours, which felt positively short in comparison to the previous six. It was starting to feel like Groundhog Day. Everyday I would get up, go to the library, and study more. And everytime an exam was complete, there was another one waiting.
Not today.
What an anti-climax. It doesn't feel like it's over. I'm exhausted. Ready to go to sleep for five days.
However, alas, I must now go and make myself look all pretty for the Law School Ball tonight.
I'll get back to you when it actually has hit home that I have finished my exams. Now it just feels like any other day. But then this was how it was always going to be. I think the best thing to do now is to go and party my little socks off and it might feel more like it! ;-)
Friday, June 08, 2007
BREAKING NEWS: Three-hour crimewave sweeps over Southeast London
LONDON - 8th June 2007
Today, between 10.35 and 1.35 Hall S5 of the ExCeL centre in London's Docklands gripped by a three-hour crime wave.
Two people were brutally murdered in the street by a male reported to be intoxicated, identified only as "John". Incenced by taunts by the first victim about his infertility, he proceeded to kick the first victim to death. The victim's pregnant wife, shocked by the events unfolding before her, attempted to stop the incident by throwing stones at the attacker, however this merely led to him stabbing her in the stomach with the keys he was carrying on his person. The first victim died en route to the hospital, his wife subsequently succumbed to her injuries after refusing treatment due to her distressed state following the tragedy.
It is reported that potentially over 1000 law students advised the offender to rely on intoxication, self-defence, provocation and dimished responsibility as defences, should he be charged.
In scandalous events elsewhere, three stars of a TV reality show, analogous to the X-factor were also found in a number of compromising situations, attempting to steal various objects
varying from airline tickets to a fellow star's guitar.
A lady walking her dog wreaked havoc at a local pub by going on a rampage resulting in criminal damage, burglary, aggravated burglary, robbery and blackmail. The landlord of the pub said "I am truly shocked. In all my years running a fictional public house in law exams have I seen such audacity."
------------
Yes you got it. Today was Criminal Law. It's not my favourite but it was ok. EU left on Monday but that isn't even like a proper exam - it's only two hours!
Today, between 10.35 and 1.35 Hall S5 of the ExCeL centre in London's Docklands gripped by a three-hour crime wave.
Two people were brutally murdered in the street by a male reported to be intoxicated, identified only as "John". Incenced by taunts by the first victim about his infertility, he proceeded to kick the first victim to death. The victim's pregnant wife, shocked by the events unfolding before her, attempted to stop the incident by throwing stones at the attacker, however this merely led to him stabbing her in the stomach with the keys he was carrying on his person. The first victim died en route to the hospital, his wife subsequently succumbed to her injuries after refusing treatment due to her distressed state following the tragedy.
It is reported that potentially over 1000 law students advised the offender to rely on intoxication, self-defence, provocation and dimished responsibility as defences, should he be charged.
In scandalous events elsewhere, three stars of a TV reality show, analogous to the X-factor were also found in a number of compromising situations, attempting to steal various objects
varying from airline tickets to a fellow star's guitar.
A lady walking her dog wreaked havoc at a local pub by going on a rampage resulting in criminal damage, burglary, aggravated burglary, robbery and blackmail. The landlord of the pub said "I am truly shocked. In all my years running a fictional public house in law exams have I seen such audacity."
------------
Yes you got it. Today was Criminal Law. It's not my favourite but it was ok. EU left on Monday but that isn't even like a proper exam - it's only two hours!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
If I had my way...
...every day would be equity day.
Well every exam would be an equity exam.
I love equity. It's my favourite topic.
Contract is my second favourite and it was a disaster so if that was anything to go by, I would be unpleasantly surprised today. But it was just lovely. The first time that I've finished and exam knowing that I put in every single case and every single principle that I wanted to, and used all the facts of the question and didn't feel like I was rushing majorly. A little bit but not hugely.
Whether the writing was of sufficient quality is a whole different matter but I'm actually satisfied with that for once.
I did almost nearly strangle a person sitting nearby my desk who was talking the whole time before the exam and started again as soon as it finished, and was talking to a girl they presumably knew but she could not get a word in edgeways. LEARN SOME SOCIAL SKILLS!!
Please.
I must admit though, I am very juvenile because it made me laugh that Aslan wanted to set up a trust for his beaver.
It was all kinds of fun for a couple of minutes.
I need to go now and get myself one of those life-thingies.
Well every exam would be an equity exam.
I love equity. It's my favourite topic.
Contract is my second favourite and it was a disaster so if that was anything to go by, I would be unpleasantly surprised today. But it was just lovely. The first time that I've finished and exam knowing that I put in every single case and every single principle that I wanted to, and used all the facts of the question and didn't feel like I was rushing majorly. A little bit but not hugely.
Whether the writing was of sufficient quality is a whole different matter but I'm actually satisfied with that for once.
I did almost nearly strangle a person sitting nearby my desk who was talking the whole time before the exam and started again as soon as it finished, and was talking to a girl they presumably knew but she could not get a word in edgeways. LEARN SOME SOCIAL SKILLS!!
Please.
I must admit though, I am very juvenile because it made me laugh that Aslan wanted to set up a trust for his beaver.
It was all kinds of fun for a couple of minutes.
I need to go now and get myself one of those life-thingies.
Monday, June 04, 2007
So Land Law
Is mostly good.
That is all there is to be said about it.
I think I got a few things a bit wrong (mainly severance of co-ownership, I should have been more definite but I only found the 'trick' by reading the statute in great detail) but I actually finished a paper and got all the points down on paper that I wanted to.
And based on what I've heard there were several people very disappointed with the choice of questions.
So all is well.
Equity on Wednesday, it's my favourite topic on the course, so I hope I can perform to my required standard!
That is all there is to be said about it.
I think I got a few things a bit wrong (mainly severance of co-ownership, I should have been more definite but I only found the 'trick' by reading the statute in great detail) but I actually finished a paper and got all the points down on paper that I wanted to.
And based on what I've heard there were several people very disappointed with the choice of questions.
So all is well.
Equity on Wednesday, it's my favourite topic on the course, so I hope I can perform to my required standard!
Monday, May 28, 2007
London Law School v Susie Law School [2007] HC
Facts: The defendant [D] was a student at the Claimant's [C] educational institution [London Law School, 'The Law School']. D wished to study in the London Law School Library ['The Library'] on Sunday 27th May 2007 and Monday 28th May 2007. Counsel for C submitted that they did not want D to perform to her usual high standard and thus due to no sensible reason whatsoever it was necessary to close the Library on Monday 28th May 2007 in the middle of the examination period, despite the fact that this would cause significant hardship to not only D but several other students at the Law School. It was also submitted that closure of the Library on 27th May 2007 was due to 'essential building maintenance'. C sought a revision freezing order to prevent D studying on the above dates.
Counsel for the defence conceded that the Sunday closure was acceptable due to the reasons given above regarding maintenance but contested the closure on Monday 28th May 2007. In an affidavit to the court, D stated that she considers her residence to be restricted to relaxing, and due to rarely working at her residence, she finds it difficult to focus on studying therein. D works particularly well in a library-environment, and at home her concentration levels suffer significantly. Defence counsel submitted that the closure of the Library on the given dates would have a disastrous effect on D's revision plan and subsequently the maximum grades she was likely to obtain in the forthcoming examinations in Land Law, Equity and Trusts Law, Criminal Law and European Union Law. The freezing order on D's revision would be unreasonable, particularly in light of the £8000 annual tuition fee which would be more than sufficient to cover any costs of staffing on the above date.
Held: The court accepted the Claimant's argument and a revision freezing order was granted in the interim to freeze D's revision for the above dates.
Applying the test from Derby & Co v Weldon the court held that (1) Susie had revision to do within the jurisdiction [GDL Exams], (2) there was a good arguable case that if Susie is unable to do revision, her exams will not go very well and (3) keeping the Library open on Bank Holiday Monday would involve a real risk that some revision would actually get done.
The defendant has appealed to the Court of Appeal (Civil Division).
Susie Law School (Law Student)
Counsel for the defence conceded that the Sunday closure was acceptable due to the reasons given above regarding maintenance but contested the closure on Monday 28th May 2007. In an affidavit to the court, D stated that she considers her residence to be restricted to relaxing, and due to rarely working at her residence, she finds it difficult to focus on studying therein. D works particularly well in a library-environment, and at home her concentration levels suffer significantly. Defence counsel submitted that the closure of the Library on the given dates would have a disastrous effect on D's revision plan and subsequently the maximum grades she was likely to obtain in the forthcoming examinations in Land Law, Equity and Trusts Law, Criminal Law and European Union Law. The freezing order on D's revision would be unreasonable, particularly in light of the £8000 annual tuition fee which would be more than sufficient to cover any costs of staffing on the above date.
Held: The court accepted the Claimant's argument and a revision freezing order was granted in the interim to freeze D's revision for the above dates.
Applying the test from Derby & Co v Weldon the court held that (1) Susie had revision to do within the jurisdiction [GDL Exams], (2) there was a good arguable case that if Susie is unable to do revision, her exams will not go very well and (3) keeping the Library open on Bank Holiday Monday would involve a real risk that some revision would actually get done.
The defendant has appealed to the Court of Appeal (Civil Division).
Susie Law School (Law Student)
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Shoulda woulda coulda
A realisation dawned on me yesterday.
I should have gone to Oxford.
Ergo I would have realised I am only average among great minds, rather than going to a good university where I was one of fewer great minds among a greater number of average minds.*
Ergo I could have taken all this academic distress more in my stride and not felt so horrendously disappointed about failing to obtain the distinction that I should have got (and probably would have got had I gone to Oxford) and would have been content with the Pass or low Commendation I am destined for, and could have been happier, rather than feeling like I should have written more concisely so I would have done my knowledge justice so I could have got the elusive Distinction.
Q.E.D.
Now I've come to terms with that, all is well.
The latest installment in the exam saga was ok in comparison to the other two, although my defamation answer was truly shoddy, and I made a significant misstatement of fact in my Occupiers’ Liability question, thus leaving out a crucial chunk of discussion, so that wasn’t so good. But it's done, and Tort was always my worst subject, so as long as I pass I'm actually going to just accept that we were never a match made in heaven.
But tonight I’ll be seeing Jack Sparrow so all is well in the world!
*This is not intended to be in any way disparaging about my University, or the people who study there, it is a rather good University, particularly for my subjects and my friends are all very clever.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Sense of impending doom
So far twice I have sat down at my desk at an exam and felt good because I know all the cases and understand the law and felt like as long as my questions come up, all will be well.
Only to have been proven wrong. Twice.
Tort is tomorrow.
As some of my more regular readers will probably recall, Tort is not good.
It is made slightly worse by the fact that I know all the cases and the structures, which gives me a distinct sense of... yes, you guessed it... impending doom. And general uneasiness. Because so far both exams that were supposed to go well have not. It will be no mean feat if I manage to actually write three complete answers at some point during the exam period!
Good luck to my fellow law-factory produce.
Only to have been proven wrong. Twice.
Tort is tomorrow.
As some of my more regular readers will probably recall, Tort is not good.
It is made slightly worse by the fact that I know all the cases and the structures, which gives me a distinct sense of... yes, you guessed it... impending doom. And general uneasiness. Because so far both exams that were supposed to go well have not. It will be no mean feat if I manage to actually write three complete answers at some point during the exam period!
Good luck to my fellow law-factory produce.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The following takes place between 08:15 and 17:05 on the day of the London Law School Contract Law Exam. Events occur in real time.
08:15 Susie Law School leaves her abode
09:10 Susie arrives at the examination venue
09:15 Susie purchases a bagel, which is not of satisfactory quality as it has too much cheese and not enough sweet pepper
09:30 Susie feels quite confident, she likes contract, she knows it and it should all be ok
10:10 Susie and friends enter examination room (read 'huge aeroplane hangar with 1500 desks)
10:35 'God' (read head of law school type person on a scary PA system) announces that the exam begins
10:36 Susie is excited because the first two questions she wants to do look rather easy.
10:47 Susie debates whether to do the 'Remedies' question or the 'Frustration' question
10:48 Susie selects 'Remedies' and begins to read and highlight with various colours (green for parties, blue for losses, orange for dates and pink for everything else)
10:53 Susie commences her first answer, on 'Offer and Acceptance'
11:43 Susie completes a rather good answer on 'Offer and Acceptance', even though she says so herself, unless she messed up something about acceptance of a unilateral offer but chooses to ignore it
11:44 Susie begins to write about 'Terms and Exemption Clauses'
12:20 Susie is still writing about Terms and hasn't got on to exemption clauses yet
12:23 Susie asks for another answer book and manages to smile at the nice lady who gave her 90% for her mock and feels bad that she is really nowhere near tha
12:25 Susie realises she has not realised that the person in the question is acting 'in course of business' and has to write a whole bunch of stuff again
12:30 Susie finally starts writing about exemption clauses and forgets about Stewart Gill v Horatio Myer, which was such an easy brownie points case
12:45 Susie turns to remedies, slightly panicking that she only has 45 minutes left
12:50 Susie realises, having written half a page on remedies that she has no idea what the question is on about and 40 minutes is not enough to work it out
12:51 Susie crosses out 'Remedies' and turns to 'Frustration'
12:52 Susie starts writing about 'Frustration' having not read the question and having no idea who the parties are and making it up as she goes along.
13:33 Susie stops writing, because she is not adding anything of any value and has NOT applied the law sufficiently and there is no point.
13:34 Susie comforts herself with the thought that she has quoted 44 cases in her Offer and Acceptance answer
14:02 Susie and friends leave the examination hall
15:15 Susie departs the venue on the toy train (as JB calls it)
15:30 Susie decides there is no way in HELL she is getting a distinction
16:04 Susie arrives home
16:15 Susie decides there is no way she is even getting a commendation
16:35 Susie wonders if she will even make a mediocre lawyer since she clearly lacks the ability to write concisely enough
17:05 Susie wonders if she even passed the last question, and whether Strippers-R-Us are hiring.
Please note comments along the lines of "shut up you probably did fine" or "what are you complaining about I'll be happy if i pass" will NOT be published. Yes that refers to YOU Accidental Lawstudent!!! ;-)
08:15 Susie Law School leaves her abode
09:10 Susie arrives at the examination venue
09:15 Susie purchases a bagel, which is not of satisfactory quality as it has too much cheese and not enough sweet pepper
09:30 Susie feels quite confident, she likes contract, she knows it and it should all be ok
10:10 Susie and friends enter examination room (read 'huge aeroplane hangar with 1500 desks)
10:35 'God' (read head of law school type person on a scary PA system) announces that the exam begins
10:36 Susie is excited because the first two questions she wants to do look rather easy.
10:47 Susie debates whether to do the 'Remedies' question or the 'Frustration' question
10:48 Susie selects 'Remedies' and begins to read and highlight with various colours (green for parties, blue for losses, orange for dates and pink for everything else)
10:53 Susie commences her first answer, on 'Offer and Acceptance'
11:43 Susie completes a rather good answer on 'Offer and Acceptance', even though she says so herself, unless she messed up something about acceptance of a unilateral offer but chooses to ignore it
11:44 Susie begins to write about 'Terms and Exemption Clauses'
12:20 Susie is still writing about Terms and hasn't got on to exemption clauses yet
12:23 Susie asks for another answer book and manages to smile at the nice lady who gave her 90% for her mock and feels bad that she is really nowhere near tha
12:25 Susie realises she has not realised that the person in the question is acting 'in course of business' and has to write a whole bunch of stuff again
12:30 Susie finally starts writing about exemption clauses and forgets about Stewart Gill v Horatio Myer, which was such an easy brownie points case
12:45 Susie turns to remedies, slightly panicking that she only has 45 minutes left
12:50 Susie realises, having written half a page on remedies that she has no idea what the question is on about and 40 minutes is not enough to work it out
12:51 Susie crosses out 'Remedies' and turns to 'Frustration'
12:52 Susie starts writing about 'Frustration' having not read the question and having no idea who the parties are and making it up as she goes along.
13:33 Susie stops writing, because she is not adding anything of any value and has NOT applied the law sufficiently and there is no point.
13:34 Susie comforts herself with the thought that she has quoted 44 cases in her Offer and Acceptance answer
14:02 Susie and friends leave the examination hall
15:15 Susie departs the venue on the toy train (as JB calls it)
15:30 Susie decides there is no way in HELL she is getting a distinction
16:04 Susie arrives home
16:15 Susie decides there is no way she is even getting a commendation
16:35 Susie wonders if she will even make a mediocre lawyer since she clearly lacks the ability to write concisely enough
17:05 Susie wonders if she even passed the last question, and whether Strippers-R-Us are hiring.
Please note comments along the lines of "shut up you probably did fine" or "what are you complaining about I'll be happy if i pass" will NOT be published. Yes that refers to YOU Accidental Lawstudent!!! ;-)
Monday, May 21, 2007
1 down, 6 to go
This morning - constitutional and administrative law.
Let me just immediately get it out of the way and tell you it did NOT GO WELL! And before some of the whingier lot attack me for having too high expectations, let me save you the trouble. I worked very hard for this. I knew what the essays were going to be, and I prepared them. I was SO on track for a distinction to attempt to compensate for my dire performance in the coursework.
Not so much now.
First question was good, I think, it was exactly the angle on Public Authorities I was hoping for, but it took me too long to answer, so I only had 45 minutes per question for the other two. Unreasonableness was a DISASTER, I got halfway through and realised I had taken slightly the wrong angle, and not answered the exact question posed, and I had no argument whatsoever keeping the whole thing together. So it was an unmitigated disaster.
By the time I got to Separation of Powers I had lost the will to live! it was a very very short essay and I missed out M v the Home Office, which was such a major case, and I can't believe I didn't include it! Again, I think I was far too narrow and didn't really have an argument.
26 sides and half of it was rubbish.
Contract on Wednesday.
Let me just immediately get it out of the way and tell you it did NOT GO WELL! And before some of the whingier lot attack me for having too high expectations, let me save you the trouble. I worked very hard for this. I knew what the essays were going to be, and I prepared them. I was SO on track for a distinction to attempt to compensate for my dire performance in the coursework.
Not so much now.
First question was good, I think, it was exactly the angle on Public Authorities I was hoping for, but it took me too long to answer, so I only had 45 minutes per question for the other two. Unreasonableness was a DISASTER, I got halfway through and realised I had taken slightly the wrong angle, and not answered the exact question posed, and I had no argument whatsoever keeping the whole thing together. So it was an unmitigated disaster.
By the time I got to Separation of Powers I had lost the will to live! it was a very very short essay and I missed out M v the Home Office, which was such a major case, and I can't believe I didn't include it! Again, I think I was far too narrow and didn't really have an argument.
26 sides and half of it was rubbish.
Contract on Wednesday.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
13th July...
... it's here. I can't wait. I've just watched the trailer and it's beyond exciting! Re-read the book, finished it last week, so it's all fresh in my memory.
And those of you heathens who have absolutely no idea what I am talking about - HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX!!!
It's out in the cinemas on 13th July and you know what that means?
Lucius Malfoy.
And those of you heathens who have absolutely no idea what I am talking about - HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX!!!
It's out in the cinemas on 13th July and you know what that means?
Lucius Malfoy.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
In my revision haze...
...I failed to notice that the other day I made my 100th post! Excellent!
I would like to thank the Academy and of course all my lovely readers, I wouldn't be here without you. Well I probably would but then it wouldn't be called a Blawg as much as just a diary...
Mwah!
I would like to thank the Academy and of course all my lovely readers, I wouldn't be here without you. Well I probably would but then it wouldn't be called a Blawg as much as just a diary...
Mwah!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Tort is evil
This is a fact.
Next week's exams are Constitutional and Administrative Law on Monday (three essays, hopefully should be ok, as long as questions I like come up), Contract on Wednesday (ditto) and Tort on Friday.
Tort I am not looking forward to. If the first two go badly, I will be even less keen on it. An Occupiers' Liability question I can manage, Defamation I can hopefully manage, same for Nuisance. Not going to manage extraordinarily well, but manage all the same. But, if one of said topics is an essay I have to resort to my back-up - Clinical Negligence or Employers' Liability.
Me and negligence just don't mix. There is a mutual love-hate relationship going on, and it's not likely to improve if I have to answer a question on it in the exam.
Bah.
I'm currently doing ok with my revision though, you will be happy to hear, and I am firm believer in the "it will get done" philosophy. There is no problem in understanding the law, or knowing the law, it's just those pesky unseen problem questions that get me down! How dare they... ;-)
Next week's exams are Constitutional and Administrative Law on Monday (three essays, hopefully should be ok, as long as questions I like come up), Contract on Wednesday (ditto) and Tort on Friday.
Tort I am not looking forward to. If the first two go badly, I will be even less keen on it. An Occupiers' Liability question I can manage, Defamation I can hopefully manage, same for Nuisance. Not going to manage extraordinarily well, but manage all the same. But, if one of said topics is an essay I have to resort to my back-up - Clinical Negligence or Employers' Liability.
Me and negligence just don't mix. There is a mutual love-hate relationship going on, and it's not likely to improve if I have to answer a question on it in the exam.
Bah.
I'm currently doing ok with my revision though, you will be happy to hear, and I am firm believer in the "it will get done" philosophy. There is no problem in understanding the law, or knowing the law, it's just those pesky unseen problem questions that get me down! How dare they... ;-)
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Travesty
There are no hot men on the Underground? Why is this? I mean my journey to and from Law School is the only part of the day when I see people other than law students, and there are hundreds of commuters getting the Tube every day, yet I never ever see any hot men. It's just not fair.
The Universe is clearly against me on this.
The Universe is clearly against me on this.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
5 days to go...
Yesterday I finished all my revision notes and sheets and diagrams and stuff and now all that is left is committing it all to memory and doing past questions. I started yesterday afternoon and last night was the first night I got home from the library and felt exhausted! I suppose this is what it will be like from now on until I finish...
But I was glad to notice that I knew a lot more than I thought I did and now need to just get on with the detail and the structures.
I haven't sat an exam in several years, and I don't really remember what it's like... I always liked them at University, so I hope it will be the same now, although perhaps not due to the excessive transport pressures (exam venue is not at the Law School and I am at the mercy of several unpredictable and capricious tubelines) and the fact that I really am not sure I will remember how to actually DO exams! He he...
But 5 days and counting before they start so I better get on with learning something about the law!
But I was glad to notice that I knew a lot more than I thought I did and now need to just get on with the detail and the structures.
I haven't sat an exam in several years, and I don't really remember what it's like... I always liked them at University, so I hope it will be the same now, although perhaps not due to the excessive transport pressures (exam venue is not at the Law School and I am at the mercy of several unpredictable and capricious tubelines) and the fact that I really am not sure I will remember how to actually DO exams! He he...
But 5 days and counting before they start so I better get on with learning something about the law!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
I thought it was about time I wrote about this phenomenon... the inspiration to this came from finding an ex-boyfriend on it today by doing one of those e-maill contact searches. I imagine he is married now and everything but it is still very bizarre.
I have encountered many a person on there whom I never thought would get roped into such a thing, but have also got in touch with many friends whom I never thought I would speak to again. The internet is bizarre - we cannot manage to keep in touch with people in more conventional ways but are quite happy to chat away on each others' walls and suchlike.
A shining example of the horrors of Facebook is the fact that a small rift erupted between some friends of mine, when one of them failed to invite the other to a social event, on the basis that an invite went out on Facebook and the other person is not a member.
Bring back carrier pigeons...
I have encountered many a person on there whom I never thought would get roped into such a thing, but have also got in touch with many friends whom I never thought I would speak to again. The internet is bizarre - we cannot manage to keep in touch with people in more conventional ways but are quite happy to chat away on each others' walls and suchlike.
A shining example of the horrors of Facebook is the fact that a small rift erupted between some friends of mine, when one of them failed to invite the other to a social event, on the basis that an invite went out on Facebook and the other person is not a member.
Bring back carrier pigeons...
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
12 days to go...
...until my first exam.
I don't feel even remotely like I will be ready, but I know it'll get done and it'll all be alright on the night... well morning. I've finished all my reading and notes, now I just have to learn it, which I thought wouldn't be too bad but I possibly may have underestimated quite how much detail there is to know.
Life is on hold now until the 11th of June. Heh!
I don't feel even remotely like I will be ready, but I know it'll get done and it'll all be alright on the night... well morning. I've finished all my reading and notes, now I just have to learn it, which I thought wouldn't be too bad but I possibly may have underestimated quite how much detail there is to know.
Life is on hold now until the 11th of June. Heh!
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Dear Law School
Why do you feel the need to discourage students at such a vital time as in the middle of revision? Why was there any need to briefly destroy my self-confidence - could you not have waited until July when you could have done it in one go? In future please consider students' feeling, particularly geeky overachievers like me, when releasing coursework marks in the middle of the revision period.
Kind regards
Susie Law School.
Yes, the coursework marks came out yesterday. No mine was not good. In fact it was the lowest mark I have EVER EVER got in ANYTHING academic. This is highly upsetting since I know I can do better and my mock assessments prove it. It doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things and a distinction is still highly possible, however I am SO ANGRY at myself for doing such a bad job. Hmpf.
Kind regards
Susie Law School.
Yes, the coursework marks came out yesterday. No mine was not good. In fact it was the lowest mark I have EVER EVER got in ANYTHING academic. This is highly upsetting since I know I can do better and my mock assessments prove it. It doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things and a distinction is still highly possible, however I am SO ANGRY at myself for doing such a bad job. Hmpf.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Panic setting in...
... I don't tend to panic about exams. I like them. I like revision and knowing stuff.
But today I feel impending doom.
A little bit like maybe a distinction isn't going to come my way. I have no benchmark, no idea how good an answer will have to be, but until now I've at least felt like it was attainable.
Today I'm not so sure.
I'm hoping this is just a blip. Coursework marks are out on Friday, I guess I'll have a better idea then.
I'm going back to Employers' Liability now.
But today I feel impending doom.
A little bit like maybe a distinction isn't going to come my way. I have no benchmark, no idea how good an answer will have to be, but until now I've at least felt like it was attainable.
Today I'm not so sure.
I'm hoping this is just a blip. Coursework marks are out on Friday, I guess I'll have a better idea then.
I'm going back to Employers' Liability now.
Ok, it's gone...
...All I did was post what was on a number of other blawgs and people got so PISSY! I wasn't accusing anyone, just repeating what I heard, not saying it was fact, was I!?! Nobody else got abuse!*
So calm down people, it's gone. I can't be bothered with it anymore.
*Please note that some people did post politely that they thought I was wrong, this is not aimed at you, this is aimed at the people who were just unnecessarily mean and bitchy.
So calm down people, it's gone. I can't be bothered with it anymore.
*Please note that some people did post politely that they thought I was wrong, this is not aimed at you, this is aimed at the people who were just unnecessarily mean and bitchy.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
There's a new kid on the Blawg...
*drumroll*
Welcome, Accidental Lawstudent a fellow Law Conversion enthusiast/victim (delete as appropriate) who by the looks of it discovered the joys of blawgging as a useful procrastination tool in the countdown to exams.
Welcome, Accidental Lawstudent a fellow Law Conversion enthusiast/victim (delete as appropriate) who by the looks of it discovered the joys of blawgging as a useful procrastination tool in the countdown to exams.
Speaking of which, I tend to link to people who comment on my blawg but if anyone would like their link to be added to my blawg please let me know as I'm always happy to oblige :)
I shall now return to learn about legal things. Toodles!Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Dear presumptuous person...
... who left a comment that I chose to delete because it upset me.
You don't know me, please don't pretend you do. You are more than welcome to have an opinion as after all, I don't write much about my personal life and this blawg is really only about Law School. But please do not make presumptions about the rest of my life based on it. My life is absolutely fine thank you very much. Just because I only write about studying does not mean I haven't got a perfectly vibrant social life, as many will testify.
I realise I do not have to justify myself to you, but people who make generalisations based on incomplete information annoy me.
Thank you very much.
You don't know me, please don't pretend you do. You are more than welcome to have an opinion as after all, I don't write much about my personal life and this blawg is really only about Law School. But please do not make presumptions about the rest of my life based on it. My life is absolutely fine thank you very much. Just because I only write about studying does not mean I haven't got a perfectly vibrant social life, as many will testify.
I realise I do not have to justify myself to you, but people who make generalisations based on incomplete information annoy me.
Thank you very much.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Welcome to the world of revision
So Mummy and Daddy Law School's visit is over and revision has officially started. My social life is officially on hold until the 11th of June, apart from a few carefully selected engagements to break up the studying. It's quite exciting, albeit a little bit stressful but I have never been one to shy away from a challenge. If I didn't thrive on a little stress there really wouldn't be any point in becoming a lawyer.
This week I will be mostly finishing off all the reading I should have done during the year but didn't have time to/couldn't be bothered to do and highlighting and tagging all the relevant provisions from my statute books, ready for the exam.
My carefully selected social engagements are drinks with the girls tomorrow and a friend's birthday on Friday. But there will be no excessive drinking or suchlike, as the rest of the time will involve military-style precision for getting to the library and taking regularly scheduled breaks.
I hear many of you saying that it all sounds a bit too structured and organised, but that's how I function. Deal with it. It works and who am I to mess with a working formula?
Oh and Legally Blonde is on TV on Wednesday so obviously I will be watching that!
This week I will be mostly finishing off all the reading I should have done during the year but didn't have time to/couldn't be bothered to do and highlighting and tagging all the relevant provisions from my statute books, ready for the exam.
My carefully selected social engagements are drinks with the girls tomorrow and a friend's birthday on Friday. But there will be no excessive drinking or suchlike, as the rest of the time will involve military-style precision for getting to the library and taking regularly scheduled breaks.
I hear many of you saying that it all sounds a bit too structured and organised, but that's how I function. Deal with it. It works and who am I to mess with a working formula?
Oh and Legally Blonde is on TV on Wednesday so obviously I will be watching that!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Brief update
Dear Readers
I am pleased so many of you have asked me where I've been recently. Mum and Dad Law School are visiting at the moment but regular service will resume next week!
Mwah!
xxx
I am pleased so many of you have asked me where I've been recently. Mum and Dad Law School are visiting at the moment but regular service will resume next week!
Mwah!
xxx
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Men vs Shopping
Me and Miss S. had a discussion a while back about whether a person's attitude to shopping is in any way related to their attitude to men. We decided it is. Here are some examples to exemplify the theory...
(Please note me and Miss S reserve copyright or IP rights for this, or whatever... so if the theory becomes famous, you heard it here first!)
Miss Fussy
Although she loves shopping and buying new things, Miss Fussy goes to a shop and if she doesn't immediately see something that catches her eye, she will leave. She will go to expensive shops she can't afford, looking at gorgeous things she loves the look of but has no chance of buying. She doesn't really like a lot of the cheap stuff she sees either though and often ends up buying nothing. But once she finds something she likes she will wear it to death... until she gets bored of course.
Miss Diligent
She takes a more structured approach, searching through all the rails, trying on a variety of styles until she finds one that is just right. A little bit like Miss Fussy but more likely to give something an chance that doesn't look quite right straight away.
Miss Bargainhunter
She goes straight for the 'Sale' rack and either come out with something really cheap and tacky, or something you never thought would look good but somehow just fits. It's really a skill in itself and there is no method to her madness.
Miss 'Can't Be Bothered'
She hates shopping and really cannot be bothered with it. She will go into a shop, pick up the first thing that fits, and pay for it, just to have something to wear. More often than not, it really doesn't look very good or is completely out of fashion.
Miss Fashionista
She is obsessed with the current trends, and will buy anything as long as it was featured in this month's Vogue. Regardless of how badly it suits her, whatever is flavour of the month must be had. Unfortunately for her, it will go out of fashion in a few months and get discarded along with all the other old stuff...
Miss Designer
A bit like Miss Fashionista, but not one for trends as much as price and Big Names. She will buy gorgeous pieces from expensive stores and show them off to all her friends. Unfortunately many of her gorgeous, expensive pieces often lack personality and substance.
I will leave it to your imagination to make the connection to men... and work out which one I am!
(Please note me and Miss S reserve copyright or IP rights for this, or whatever... so if the theory becomes famous, you heard it here first!)
Miss Fussy
Although she loves shopping and buying new things, Miss Fussy goes to a shop and if she doesn't immediately see something that catches her eye, she will leave. She will go to expensive shops she can't afford, looking at gorgeous things she loves the look of but has no chance of buying. She doesn't really like a lot of the cheap stuff she sees either though and often ends up buying nothing. But once she finds something she likes she will wear it to death... until she gets bored of course.
Miss Diligent
She takes a more structured approach, searching through all the rails, trying on a variety of styles until she finds one that is just right. A little bit like Miss Fussy but more likely to give something an chance that doesn't look quite right straight away.
Miss Bargainhunter
She goes straight for the 'Sale' rack and either come out with something really cheap and tacky, or something you never thought would look good but somehow just fits. It's really a skill in itself and there is no method to her madness.
Miss 'Can't Be Bothered'
She hates shopping and really cannot be bothered with it. She will go into a shop, pick up the first thing that fits, and pay for it, just to have something to wear. More often than not, it really doesn't look very good or is completely out of fashion.
Miss Fashionista
She is obsessed with the current trends, and will buy anything as long as it was featured in this month's Vogue. Regardless of how badly it suits her, whatever is flavour of the month must be had. Unfortunately for her, it will go out of fashion in a few months and get discarded along with all the other old stuff...
Miss Designer
A bit like Miss Fashionista, but not one for trends as much as price and Big Names. She will buy gorgeous pieces from expensive stores and show them off to all her friends. Unfortunately many of her gorgeous, expensive pieces often lack personality and substance.
I will leave it to your imagination to make the connection to men... and work out which one I am!
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