What’s special about law at Cambridge?




At Cambridge we are lucky enough to be taught by the very best legal minds
– You will be lectured and supervised by the writers of your textbooks!
A modern and impressive faculty building which is home to the Squire Law
Library; one of the largest university law libraries in the UK and Nadia’s;
arguably one of the best patisseries!
The Law Society – The society organises speeches and lectures from the most
eminent lawyers; social events, including the renowned Law Ball; mooting
competitions. It also provides careers advise and numerous networking
opportunities.
Amazing employment opportunities.
Law at Downing:
How law is taught:
In the first year you will take four compulsory modules: Civil Law, Constitutional
Law, Criminal Law and the Law of Tort. As well as lectures, you will have fortnightly
supervisions for each module. This works out at two supervisions per week.
Supervisors normally request two essays per term for each module.
Pros:
 Brilliant supervisors – You will have Professor Virgo as your Director of
Studies and supervisor for criminal law to the envy of lawyers from the other
colleges.
 Well-equipped law library.
 Cranworth Law Society – a really good college law society that organises
speaker events, inter-college mooting competitions, formals and various other
socials.
 Excellent contacts and reputation with law firms and chambers.
 Free dinners! Lawyers at Downing are frequently wined and dined by law
firms.
Cons:
 Not the closest of colleges to the Faculty – probably about a 20 minute walk;
much quicker by bike though!
 In the first year you will be taught in the same supervision group (usually of
three or four people) for all subjects and for the whole year. This isn’t
necessarily a bad thing but some other colleges swap the groups around, and it
can be useful to hear different opinions on the issues.
Useful links:
http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/law/index.html
http://www.camlawsoc.com/
Reading:
 We were advised to read Glanville Williams’ ‘Learning the Law’. I wouldn’t
recommend this book – frankly its dull and a far cry from light bedtime
reading.


A number of the Cambridge lecturers and supervisors have contributed to a
recent book entitled ‘What about Law?’, co-edited by Professor Virgo. Each
chapter provides an introduction to a core area of law. I imagine that this book
has been recommended. On all accounts it is a very useful and entertaining
read.
Above all, there is no need to rush out and buy and read any textbooks! You
will not be expected to have any detailed legal knowledge when you arrive.