Commencing Law Students' Interests and Expectations: Comparing Undergraduate and Graduate Cohorts

Abstract

This paper presents findings from a survey of interests and expectations conducted in 2007 with commencing LLB students, and repeated in 2008 with commencing JD students at the University of Melbourne. The ‘Studying Law’ survey was designed to elicit information regarding:

• Students’ interests in studying law, including their intended use of the degree • Students’ expectations of academic study, success and support • Students’ learning strategies and academic readiness for study in law

Differences in the interests and expectations of the undergraduate and graduate cohorts are discussed. The findings have implications for selection processes, for language and academic skills support programs, and for first year teaching in law.

Keywords: student expectations, academic readiness, law students, empirical research

JEL Classification: K00