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150 Years of Legal Education: Then and Now

To celebrate 150 years of legal education we’ve reached out to our students, past and present, and asked them to share their stories and memories from their time with us.

In this piece we hear from Helen Glass, a former student who studied with us in the 1970s, and Mariana Drinkwater, one of our current students. Read on to discover how legal education has evolved over time, in what way student support has changed and how, at the centre of it all, hard work and dedication remain key factors in success.

Edited by Grant Longstaff. Published 1 May 2026.

<果冻传媒视频直播>About Helen and Mariana

In 1976 Helen Glass studied Part I of the Qualifying Examination (qualifying assessments were carried out by The Law Society at the time) at The College of Law at Lancaster Gate in London. Her course was condensed from a year to six months and covered five key subjects, Contract Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law, Criminal Law, Land Law and Tort. Helen then studied Part II following two years Articled Clerkship. The Course covered Accounts, Commercial Law, Company, Equity and Trusts, Family Law, Probate and Tax Law.

Mariana Drinkwater is currently working as a Paralegal and working towards qualifying as a solicitor. She began the online SQE1 Preparation Course with us in January 2025, completing it June 2025 and passed the SQE1 Assessment in January 2026. She is due to start the SQE2 Preparation Course with us in June this year. She is also a legal mentor to fellow law students.

<果冻传媒视频直播>Describe a typical lecture

Helen: “The lecturer taught the subject matter which included origins, current law and case law in a dictatorial manner. Students had to transcribe the lecture almost verbatim as one listened. It was expected that one had read the comprehensive, up to date textbook and accompanying case law compilation prior to lectures. Lecturers were highly knowledgeable, sometimes amusing, but there was no time for discussion. We were examined on the material every two weeks in the classroom and papers were strictly marked.

The course was intensive. Covering a lot of subjects within six months was demanding. The final examinations were not spaced out, in fact they were crammed together, so it was quite tough”

Mariana: “As an online, part-time student a typical lecture would last an hour and focused on a dedicated legal practice area. Before each lecture, we were expected to prepare by studying the materials in the practice unit and the corresponding black-letter law using materials supplied in both textbooks and the University’s Prepare, Engage and Consolidate framework.

During the lecture, we would be guided through the substantive law and practice questions we were asked to complete would be reviewed weekly. We would also have the opportunity to ask questions to clarify legal concepts and to better understand the best approach to answer each question. I found this approach highly effective as it combined structured preparation with interactive learning and practical application.”

<果冻传媒视频直播>Were there any lectures you found particularly inspiring?

Helen: “I found the Part I lectures very inspiring as I was new to law and the lecturers were very good. The verbatim manuscript transcription was an old-fashioned method of learning, but the notes were surprisingly helpful for committing information to memory which we had to do.”

Mariana: “Lectures on Ethics were particularly inspiring, as the principles I learned from the outset influenced and underpinned all of the other legal practice areas throughout the course. It provided a strong foundation for understanding the role of solicitors within society and highlighted the responsibilities and impact of the profession. This unit deepened my understanding of ethical principles in law and motivated me to think about the broader purpose and influence of the work of solicitors.”

<果冻传媒视频直播>Did technology play a role in your education?

Whilst Helen remarked that her time with us was before the use of computers, Mariana highlights how integral technology has become.

Mariana: “One feature that stood out was the University’s multiple-choice question bank. Working through these each week gave me a clear sense of my progress in terms of percentages, indicating which subject areas I needed to focus more on. I found this pivotal in passing my exams. I also used AI tools to create study plans and schedules tailored to my commitments, breaking down tasks so I could fit studying around work and other responsibilities. The combination of the University’s resources and planning schedules created using AI helped me stay consistent and more confident throughout the course.”

<果冻传媒视频直播>Did you receive any support during your time with the University?

Helen: “Only to the extent that the lectures and examinations were very tailored to the knowledge necessary to become a solicitor.”

In contrast, Mariana highlights how much more student support there is available these days.

Mariana: “The best support I received came from my personal academic tutor, Liz Roddis. Liz dedicated time to help me structure my study schedule effectively and provided the encouragement I needed to stay motivated and determined throughout the course and in the months leading up to my exams.”

<果冻传媒视频直播>How did you study for exams? What strategies did you use?

Helen: “I Read textbooks and case law both in advance, and after, lectures. I also learned the lecture notes and studied the comments on the practice exam papers. A lot of memory work was required. There was a heavy workload, so I studied seven days a week and long hours. This became surprisingly very useful for my career as a lawyer.”

Mariana: “My main focus was on practicing as many questions as I could from the University’s question bank. I found it most effective to approach each topic by reviewing the theory briefly, attempting related practice questions and then analysing my answers to identify gaps in my understanding. Repeating this cycle helped me build my confidence and gradually made the exam format feel much more manageable. The online student community was also incredibly valuable, as we were able to exchange experiences, discuss strategies and encourage one another through the more difficult parts of the course.”

<果冻传媒视频直播>How was life as a student with other commitments?

Helen and Mariana both studied around their jobs. Mariana is working as a paralegal and Helen’s course made up the final six months of her Articled Clerkship.

Helen: “The courses were like professional release courses, so not really an undergraduate experience. Full morning and afternoon lectures meant no time for relaxation or getting to know your fellow students. My weeks consisted of studying, understanding legal principles, memorising and preparing for examinations. I recovered from the unrelenting pace of study by relaxing at home. I also cycled, played tennis and walked in parks.”

Mariana: “Having the University’s resources online and easily accessible made balancing work, study and my personal life much more manageable. I was able to plan my studies around my work schedule and other commitments, using lectures and practice tools flexibly. Although most of my time was taken up with work and studying, I made sure to attend legal networking events whenever I could. This gave me the opportunity to meet legal professionals, other students and gain valuable insights into the profession. I also tried to make sure to relax and recharge each week to help maintain a healthy balance.”

<果冻传媒视频直播>What inspired you to study law?

Helen: “I worked as a volunteer in a domestic violence refuge and met very interesting lawyers. I also saw the ability for law to change lives.”

Mariana: “Upholding justice and helping people navigate complex situations has always been a driving motivation in my ambitions to study and practice law.”

<果冻传媒视频直播>What’s the best careers advice you’ve ever received?

Helen: “The best careers advice I’ve ever received? That there is rarely a dull moment working as a lawyer and it is continuously challenging. It isn’t for the faint hearted. That is very true.”

Mariana: “Stay determined and persistent. Progress in law can take time, so it’s important to take things step by step, learn from setbacks and keep moving forward. This mindset has helped me stay focused throughout my studies and legal work, reminding me that patience and consistent effort does make a difference.”

<果冻传媒视频直播>What advice would you offer to students considering The University of Law?

Helen: “It is hard work, but it will be worth it. Try to work in a firm as a volunteer to see if it’s for you before committing to the course.”

Mariana: “Engage with the University’s resources and support as much as possible from the very start of your course. Don’t hesitate to reach out to tutors or peers when in need of guidance. Stay consistent and plan study time each week. It makes a difference. Above all, stay inquisitive and engaged. This will help you get the most out of your time at the University and makes the learning experience more rewarding.”

 

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