1.     What did you expect the Law programme at Taylor’s to be like, and how did it compare to reality?

I expected the programme to be overwhelming, with a heavy workload and back-to-back assignment deadlines that would leave little to no room for anything else. But as I progressed, I realised that with good time management, it was possible to balance studies with other commitments. The assignment deadlines are thoughtfully structured, with no two falling in the same week. That schedule gave me sufficient time to focus on each module without feeling rushed, making the workload far more manageable than I had first imagined.

2.     Did you have any misconceptions about studying law that were cleared up once you started?

Yes—I assumed studying law was mostly memorisation, but that misconception was quickly cleared up. Exams usually provide the relevant statutes and a list of cases, so success depends on understanding the law and knowing how to apply it to specific scenarios. Memorisation alone doesn’t get you far; comprehension, critical thinking, and application are the skills that matter most.

3.     What do you wish you’d known about the workload before starting the programme?

I wish I’d known that even with thoughtfully structured assignment deadlines, the real challenge lies in preparing for tutorials. Each session requires much more than reviewing the lecture slides; it involves reading textbook chapters/ extracts and full case judgments. The reading load is heavy, and it caught me off guard at first. But once I learned to prepare properly, tutorials became far more rewarding: I could follow discussions, contribute meaningfully, and develop a deeper understanding of the law.

4.     Which modules during your studies did you find most engaging, and why?

I found the Criminal Law and Mooting modules, taught by Mr Lai, the most engaging during my second year. Criminal Law stood out because it helped me develop a clear understanding of the Malaysian Penal Code, showed me how the law has evolved in Malaysia, and offered insight into the sentencing process. This knowledge also made following news about criminal offences far more interesting.

Mooting was equally engaging, as it provided me with practical experience participating in a mock trial, where I defended a client before a panel of practising lawyers who were also our Law alumni. After the trial, we had the opportunity to connect with them and learn from their feedback. The highlight was visiting the Court of Appeal of Malaysia, where I witnessed a real trial unfold, bringing the classroom lessons to life.

5.     How supportive is the academic environment at Taylor’s—from both lecturers and peers?

I found the academic environment at Taylor’s highly supportive. The same lecturer usually conducts both lectures and tutorials, fostering closer relationships with students and creating a comfortable space to ask questions and engage in discussions. Lecturers were responsive to emails and always provided extra guidance whenever needed, making it easy to seek help. Similarly, peers were equally supportive, sharing notes, forming study groups, and helping each other prepare for tutorials and exams.

6.     What resources at Taylor’s did you find most useful for your studies?

The library was one of the most useful resources during my studies. Its wide and diverse collection of law books helped me save significantly on study materials. Beyond physical resources, the library’s online database provides access to e-textbooks, journal articles, and case law databases, which were essential for conducting research and completing assignments.

The university’s online learning system, Taylor’s Integrated e-Learning System (myTIMeS), was also invaluable. It houses lecture materials, course announcements, and a repository of past exam papers, which were extremely helpful for practising exam questions, testing my understanding, and familiarising myself with exam formats and expectations.

7.     How has the wider law community at Taylor’s supported your academic and professional growth?

The wider law community at Taylor’s supported me in ways that went beyond what textbooks could offer. Through my involvement with Taylor’s Mooting Society, I attended written submission and advocacy workshops that greatly boosted my confidence and thoroughly prepared me for the Mooting module. These experiences helped me develop practical skills essential for legal practice.

As part of Taylor’s Law Society, I visited a leading law firm in Malaysia, where my friends and I networked with practising lawyers and pupils, gaining insights into the work culture and the broader legal industry. The Society also arranged a one-month internship with partner law firms during the semester break, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge while gaining early exposure to the legal profession.

8.     How has the programme helped shape your career goals?

One aspect I truly appreciated about the programme is the flexibility to take a second major, minor, or electives. I opted for electives, which allowed me to explore modules from other Schools and broaden my perspective beyond law. One elective was a finance module, through which I discovered a genuine interest in the field. This exposure helped me realise that I might want to pursue a legal career that intersects with finance, such as corporate or financial law.

The programme also includes the Internship module, which offers hands-on learning, reinforcing my understanding of the legal profession and helping solidify my career direction. 

9.     Which personal skills did the programme help you develop?

During my time in the programme, I developed several key personal skills. Analysing cases, evaluating arguments, and applying legal principles to hypothetical scenarios in tutorials honed my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Participating in tutorials, presentations, and mootings has also polished my public speaking, helping me articulate ideas clearly and persuasively. Time management was another skill I mastered, as managing multiple readings and assignments—and meeting their deadlines—taught me to plan effectively and work efficiently under pressure. 

10.     What advice would you give to students starting their first year in the programme?

My advice is to engage proactively in tutorials and never hesitate to approach lecturers whenever you’re unsure about anything—whether by speaking to them after class or scheduling an appointment during office hours. After receiving your assignment grades or exam results, booking a follow-up session with the lecturer to review mistakes and learn how to improve is also highly beneficial. Beyond lecture slides, make full use of textbooks, journal articles, and supplementary readings to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

I also recommend getting involved in the wider law community, such as the Legal Aid Centre and Taylor’s Lexicon Editorial Board, in addition to the societies mentioned earlier. Participating in these initiatives helps you build connections with both juniors and seniors, while providing exposure to different areas of law and enriching your learning experience beyond the classroom.