Muse about the news: Philpott case and the 'Craig's List' Killer

In the light of recent news I know a lot of people will be asking the same question: Does life mean life?

After the devastating case of the death of 6 children in a house fire in Derby due to the actions of their parents and a family friend and over in the States the 'Craig's list killer', it's not surprising that people would ask such a question.
The treatment of these two cases have been very different. In the UK, the father was sentenced to life with a minimum of 15 years to be served, and two 17 year sentences for the mother and family friend of which half must be served. In contrast to this the 'Craig's list' killer received the death penalty.
Now, it is important to point out that in the UK the sentence was that of manslaughter and in the US it was of aggravated murder.
But the treatment of these two cases separated by the 'big pond' in between got me thinking. Do people in the UK know what a life sentence entails? In the UK, life does actually mean life. You serve your minimum term and if you are no longer a risk to the public you are released on a PERMANENT licence. If you commit another crime then you go straight back to prison. If you are deemed to still be a risk then you stay in prison until it is decided otherwise.
In the US it's very different, they have death row and the death penalty after all.
I would NEVER advocate the death penalty, I do not believe that anyone has the right to take another life but in light of the news in the UK I can sympathise with why people would think such a sentence would be appropriate for this heinous act.
The presiding judge noted that this was a case with no precedent in law. From this comment we can adduce that this was a VERY unique case.

Our thoughts are with the family of the Philpott children and with the families of the victims of the 'Craig's list' killer.

In house lawyers... Another new frontier?

I love when I hear about new routes into the profession. Granted, I am not a traditionalist, I believe it is the traditionalist system that protects the elite and hinders diversity within the profession. But in house lawyers, now that is intriguing.
As much as this came as a surprise to me on reflection it shouldn't have. Apple have in house lawyers, football clubs have them, even Tesco has them! But is this an option many people will take... Let's explore it!

In house lawyers take care of the legal needs to their company. This can vary from a day to day basis depending on the companies needs.
Training contracts are available in house, to find out more check out the Law Society website, but most lawyers train in private practice before moving in house. GLS (Government Legal Services), CPS (which is currently undergoing a re-launch) and local authorities also do the same. Now, this may not be the corporate dream that you've always wished for but in this current climate where finding a TC is like panning for gold I believe all options should be explored.
The best place to find additional information would be your careers service, I must say that the Arts & Law career service at the University of Birmingham is AMAZING!
Aside from this, the best way to find an in house opportunity would be during a secondment but obviously this will only apply if you have already got a TC. Secondments will also help you to become 'commercially aware' to the needs of business clients and give you a firm grounding in the practice of commercial law.
The skills needed to be an in house lawyer would include everything you already do at your firm but with a flash of business acumen. You need to 'talk the language' of the business, understand their commercial needs and be tuned into the team you work with. Communication is paramount.
The pay might not be that great, the teams are smaller and the opportunities for progression might decrease compared to private practice but this could be a great stepping stone for those that want a career in law but don;t want to take the traditional route.

Is the LPC on its last legs?

Well, isn't this intriguing! Last week Oxford Brookes decided to discontinue their LPC putting part time students and those who were offered places in a very difficult situation. There is a requirement that all modules be completed at the same establishment putting part time students in particular in a position best know as limbo.

According to reports, the decision to discontinue the LPC came after 'consultation' but not with the actual students themselves. I find this worrying. LPC's aren't cheap, one of the MANY reasons that students such as myself and others try for the elusive training contract (TC). But where does this leave the students? They are yet to find out!
Arguably the close of Oxford Brookes could have been due to the same reason a lot of other LPC providers have ceased to continue, a slump in numbers. In my own opinion I think this is due to high course fees and low chance of success at finding a TC.
It's sad to see something like the LPC on it's way out. As someone who would LOVE to undertake an LPC (with the support of a training contract) it feels like the end of an era: doing your LLB, the joy of getting a TC, starting your LPC, qualifying into the working world..... But that's just for the lucky ones.
But it is always important to remember that there are other alternatives to the LPC of which I am also exploring such as the ILEX.
There have been recent developments concerning routes into the legal profession. From my observations there has been a lot of input into catching people at the pre- degree stage. As amazing as I think this is as an opportunity it does not help people like myself who have done their degree and now want to progress to the next level. 
I guess we'll see how this all pans out. From my perspective I think it's been a long time coming and the whole way in which people are trained to become lawyers/ barristers needs to be re-evaluated in the current climate of Tesco law and the likes. Hopefully the big guys in charge will take note of these prestigious institutes cutting their LPC's loose and look to reform the system in a way that is sustainable and fit for purpose.

Revision... Isn't it a pain?!

As all you law students (and just students in general) know the exam period is looming so I thought I'd drop by between doing my own exam prep to give out a few tips. They've worked for me in the past and hopefully they'll work for me in the future as well (I live in hope LOL!)

So here's my TOP TIPS for exam revision success:

1. Start early: now this may be a given but I know from a lot of my friends this doesn't always happen. Try to start your revision now so when the time comes and you open that paper it's not like someone has just ripped your heart out and stamped on it
2. Make a revision time table: sit down and work out where you have pockets of time, an hour here a half hour there and dedicate these to your revision. You know what your weakest and strongest subjects are so you should (hopefully) be able to dedicate your time appropriately. It is your degree after all!
3. Make portable revision cards: this is something that has worked and continues to work for me. Despite thinking you never have any free time you actually do. Between waiting for the bus, waiting outside a lecture room or just waiting for a friend there is ALWAYS some free time to get revising. I recommend record cards, you can get them from Rymans, Wilkinsons or any other stationary shop.
4.  Don't write too much on the revision cards: for me I know trigger words work a treat especially for cases. Just take the main points and stick to them (case name, fact, decision)
5. Stay dedicated: it's not enough to just make the cards and then let them sit on your desk until the fateful exam period begins. Be proactive, it will MORE than pay off in the long run!

I hope these tips have helped! I know they've helped me and although they seem obvious when thinking about exams all norms and common sense go out of the window!!