Work Experience

I've noticed that some people seem concerned over the amount of work experience that they should have when they make their application. Speaking from my personal knowledge, I had only one two-week stretch (I was acting more as a glorified secretary than anything else) at a local solicitors' firm to mention.

I think the key is to emphasize that any experience you have had has reaffirmed your interest in law, as well as mentioning any other activities you are hoping to arrange, or already have lined up for the future.

If you are involved in any other roles which can be classed as 'legal', such as volunteering as part of the Witness Service, or at your CAB, then these are equally good things to include.

To date I have had the aforementioned placement, two mini-pupillages at two Birmingham chambers, and a vacation-scheme at a global firm. I also have a two week placement arranged at the legal department of my local hospital later on this month.

Preparation

Although I haven't explicitly been told to read or not to read anything before the course, I don't think it can hurt just to get a general idea of the British legal system before I go, seeing as I've never done any study of law before.

At the minute I've looked at:
Learning the Law, Glanville Williams
The Law Machine, Berlins & Dyer
SWOT: A-level Law, Johnson et al, and
A-level Law, Dugdale et al

Out of these, I'd say that the second and fourth ones are the most accessible for 'casual' reading, whilst the first one seems like a useful reference text as to how to approach legal study.