A Mature Student's Path Into Law

Written by Samara Gupta

Here’s what I’ve learned as a 23-year-old mature law student — and why you shouldn’t let timing stop you from applying.

Some people arrive at law school straight after graduating high school, bright-eyed, extremely organised and living independently for the first time, with all the freedom in the world. Others – like me – arrive slightly later.

At 23, I am what is considered a ‘mature’ student (despite still having instant noodles as my main food group). Although amusing, and slightly confusing, the reality is completely different. Starting your law degree later doesn’t actually hold you back. In fact, it pushes you forward.

Before beginning my LLB in September 2024, I completed my BA in Politics and International Relations in the UK. Doing another degree before jumping into the chaotic world of law helped my thinking and writing skills, and turned out to be a blessing rather than a curse. In fact, in a lot of countries (like India, for example!) it’s considered normal to study law as a second degree. It means that a ‘mature’ entry into law isn’t an exception, but the norm. It’s the standard route into the profession. So, if you’re thinking of starting law after the age of 21, you’re not unusual! I really do believe it will only help you.

At the ripe age of 23, or 33, or even 43, you’ve experienced life a little more than someone straight out of sixth form. You’ve made choices that have shaped you into the person you are today. That maturity will help you in your path into this profession.

Taking the LNAT:

If you’re applying to universities that require the LNAT, the test may make you question your sanity at times. But in all honesty, it’s easy to prepare for once you know how to prepare.

The LNAT doesn’t actually test your legal knowledge. Rather, it tests your comprehension, critical reasoning, analytical skills and your argument structure. Improvement in these tests comes from repeating past paper exams daily. Practice under timed conditions. Write introductions, arguments, and strong conclusions for the essay questions. As a mature student, you’re likely to have read lengthy articles, and dense information before. This will help you break through the density of the material.

Most importantly, don’t stress and please don’t panic. If you haven’t done an exam in years and are scared of sitting one again, try and keep a clear mind. Read the questions with patience, and you will be just fine.

Once you start Law School

The rumours are true: we have an insane amount of reading each week for each module. I won’t lie to you, in the beginning, it seems like a lot and can be quite overwhelming. But, again, as a mature student, your time management skills are a lot more developed, and

slotting in a solid two hours each week for each module gives you plenty time to finish the required reading. Law is cumulative. The work tends to pile up to monstrous levels if you procrastinate. But, again, we have an advantage here. You know how much work you need to put in to truly make the most out of the three short years you have at school.

Scared about fitting in?

Honestly, I was too.

My first day at orientation, I was worried about finding and relating to the rest of my cohort. I can honestly tell you, all the fear was just in my head. You belong and you will be just fine. It’s scary thinking of how you will integrate into a system where the majority of students are younger than you. But everyone is nervous, figuring out things as they go and looking to make friends. There is no one type of law student and you belong by just showing up to lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Don’t be scared to strike up a conversation! The KCL Pro Bono Society itself is a great opportunity to connect with other students.

Why Starting later can be a strength (If you choose to make it one)

Mature students often tend to fit in quicker (or so I’ve heard) because they’ve chosen to be here. They have built their skills – whether that be through travelling in your gap year, working as an apprentice or trainee, or doing an entirely different degree previously. You are never too old for law. Your experience and the diversity of it is what makes your law experience even better.