Subjects

Law

What makes the Cambridge Law course so special?

The Law course at Cambridge is intended to give a deeper appreciation and understanding of the working of legal rules and institutions than is obtainable from vocational training. It provides an opportunity to see Law in its historical and social context and to examine its general principles and techniques. The problems studied involve questions of interpretation, logical reasoning, ethical judgment, civil and political liberties and social control. So the course is interesting, challenging, and sharply relevant to a whole range of situations which arise in our society.

Why choose Newnham for Law?

Newnham is particularly well suited for those considering Law at Cambridge. The striking Faculty building, just across the road on the Sidgwick site, houses the Law Library and all of the lecture rooms. There is an active Law Society in Newnham, and various activities are arranged for students, including mooting. There is a strong network of former Newnham lawyers, who help provde support, advice and opportunities for current students.

How many students take Law at Newnham and what options do they choose?

Typically there are around eight students in each year of Tripos, plus the graduate students. Civil Law is taken by all first year students, and almost all undergraduates will take the seven foundation subjects (Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Tort, Contract, Land Law, Equity, EU Law). Beyond this, students will choose freely. There are a wide range of choices in the third year, in particular, where the half papers and seminars are popular options.

2008 Law graduands with Dr Catherine Seville - recreating a photo from the Newnham archives.

Can you tell me more about the Law Fellows?

Dr Catherine Seville is Director of Studies in Law, and University Lecturer in Law. She is currently Vice-Principal of Newnham. Her first degree was in music. She then became an undergraduate at Newnham, where she read English. Having worked in management consultancy and systems design for a few years, she returned to Newnham where she then read Law. She has an LL.M and a Ph.D, and is now happily settled in Law, although she continues to do as much interdisciplinary work as she can. Her main research interest is Intellectual Property Law, particularly the history of copyright law. She teaches Tort Law, Contract Law, and Intellectual Property Law. Further details of her publications may be found by clicking here.

Dr Kimberley Trapp is College Lecturer in Law. She graduated from McGill University (Canada). She worked in the Corporate practice of a US law firm in New York and Hong Kong, then moved to Cambridge (Girton) where she took the LLM, focusing on international law. Her PhD, which she is currently turning into a book, is on the subject of state responsibility for acts of international terrorism. She intermitted for a year during her PhD studies to clerk at the International Court of Justice in the Hague. She teaches Constitutional Law and International Law for Newnham.

What jobs do Newnham Law students go on to do?

As might be expected, many Newnham Law students enter the legal profession, in all its myriad forms, both public and private, all over the world. But a Law degree offers an excellent starting point for a wide range of jobs in business and industry, and it remains popular with employers. A number of Newnham Law graduates go on to some form of higher education in law, or related spheres. A biennial Newnham Law Lunch allows Newnham students to catch up with what everyone has been doing.

Are there any A-Level subjects that are particularly useful?

A student who intends study Law at Cambridge need not have taken any particular subject at school. Some knowledge of history and current affairs is desirable, particularly in relation to the study of constitutional and international law. A Law student must be able to think clearly and write well, so any subjects which enhance these skills are useful.

Can I take a gap year?

Yes. We have no preference about this. However, if you do take a gap year we would like it to be a well-structured and constructive use of your time – though this certainly does not mean that we expect it to be focused on legal experience.

How should I prepare for interview at Newnham?

Read as much legally-related material as you can, in any books that interest you, in newspapers, or on the web - especially about cases or legal issues that are of current interest. Exploring these materials will help you decide whether you enjoy this sort of study, and whether you really do want to read law. You might like to visit law courts, or to seek some work experience. Placements may be available in a solicitor’s office or barristers’ chambers, or in legal departments in any industrial or commercial sector, including local government. This is not essential, however. Try to think how you can demonstrate your motivation and enthusiasm for reading law. Most important at interview is to be yourself.

Where can I find out more?

Lots more information about the Law course is to be found on the Law Faculty website.

Take a look at the profiles of a Law undergraduate and a former student.

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