Law with Politics LLB

1. Sussex Law Clinics

The Sussex Law Clinics provide students with the opportunity to engage in pro bono legal work, offering free legal assistance to individuals and community groups. This initiative allows students to gain practical experience in legal research, client interaction, and case preparation. Students are assigned client enquiries to research and prepare for in advance for a client interview, followed by drafting a letter of formal legal advice. All of this is done in accordance with professional processes and in collaboration with clinic leads and supervisors. Some clinics are involved in the preparation of research briefings and notes, document preparation for external organisations, and delivering public legal education sessions beyond Sussex. While the clinics provide advice, they do not offer to represent clients in court or at tribunals, but students may become involved in the preparation of paperwork to pass an enquiry on to another organisation. Students can get involved in the law clinics through the Clinical Legal Education option module, which features on the Law LLBs. This module gives students practical experience that can’t be replicated in a classroom setting.​

2. Professional Skills: Law in Action Module

The Professional Skills: Law in Action module is approximately 150 hours of work, breaking down into about 22 hours of contact time and about 128 hours of independent study. This module provides students with the opportunity to develop practical legal skills through hands-on experience.​

3. Legal Competitions

The University of Sussex has links with leading law firms, which sponsor student competitions and training in areas such as mooting, criminal advocacy, client interviewing, negotiation, mediation, and legal debating. These competitions provide students with the opportunity to develop legal practice skills, boosting employability and networking with law firms.​

4. Pro Bono and Volunteering Opportunities

Students are encouraged to volunteer with organisations such as Citizens Advice and participate in pro bono initiatives. These opportunities allow students to gain practical experience and contribute to the community.

⚖️ Legal Career Pathways:

• Solicitor: Graduates can pursue the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to qualify as solicitors. Sussex's offers SQE-aligned support and practical legal training.

• Barrister: Those aiming for the Bar can undertake a Bar Training Course (BTC) and apply for pupillage.

• Other roles include paralegal, legal executive, advocate, or tribunal officer.

📚 Further Study & Specialisation:

• LLM (Master of Laws) in areas like Criminal Justice, Human Rights, or International Law

• Postgraduate diplomas in legal practice, dispute resolution, or compliance

• PhD or MPhil for research or academic careers

💼 Careers Outside the Traditional Legal Route:

• Public sector and civil service roles, including local government and policy-making

• Regulatory and compliance roles in finance, healthcare, and corporations

• Charity, advocacy, and NGO work, especially in legal aid, immigration, or social justice

• Careers in education, human resources, and corporate governance

🧠 Transferable Skills Developed:

• Legal analysis and reasoning

• Oral and written advocacy

• Negotiation and mediation

• Problem-solving and strategic thinking