Applying To Law School: A Step-By-Step Guide

Applying for law college can be a challenging process, and the Sri Lanka Law College is no exception. Founded in 1874, the Sri Lanka Law College is the country's foremost educational institution for legal studies and has produced numerous distinguished alumni in both local and international legal spheres. The college offers a wide range of opportunities for students during their time there and after graduation, as well as several scholarships to support deserving students. Each year, the college conducts an entrance examination for prospective students, with the minimum qualification to sit for the exam being two credit passes and one simple pass at the GCE Advanced Level Examination. The exam is highly competitive, and successful candidates will need to sit for three examinations at the end of the first three years at the college, followed by practical training.

Minimum qualifications

To be eligible to apply for the Sri Lanka Law College Entrance Examination, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Two credit passes and one simple pass at the GCE Advanced Level Examination. Previously, the minimum qualification was three simple passes at the GCE A/Ls.
• Credit passes in English Language and Sinhala/Tamil Language at the G.C.E. (O/L) or N.C.G.E. Examination.
• Applicants should have completed 17 years of age by the date on which the submission of applications closes.

In addition to the above, there are other qualifications that are accepted for the Entrance Examination. These include:

• Passing the Intermediate Examination in Arts, Science, Law, Economics, or Engineering of the University of London, or the Intermediate Examination in Public and Business Administration of the Vidyodaya University of Sri Lanka.
• Passing the First Examination in Arts, Science, Law, or Economics of any recognised University in the British Commonwealth.
• Obtaining the Higher School Certificate Examination of Sri Lanka.
• Passing the General Qualifying Examination in Arts or Science of a University of Sri Lanka.
• Holding a Bachelor of Labour Education degree from the University of Colombo.
• Holding an Executive Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Colombo.
• Holding a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree from the University of Peradeniya.
• Holding a National Diploma in Technology from the University of Ceylon Katubadde Campus.
• Achieving a First Division in the Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree examination at the North Western Frontier Province Agricultural University, Peshawar.
• Holding a National Certificate in Business Studies conducted by the Polytechnical Institute Galle.
• Holding a Diploma from Fox Chapel Area High School in Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
• Holding a Diploma from the I.T.C. (International Institute for Aerial Survey and Earth Science) in the Netherlands.
• Holding a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
• Passing the First Examination in Commerce of any University in the Commonwealth recognised for this purpose.
• Passing the VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) Examination of the Victorian University of Technology, Australia.
• Passing the Higher School Certificate Examination of the Board of Secondary Education, New South Wales.
• Holding a Diploma in Management from the Open University of Sri Lanka.
• Holding a Diploma in Public Management from the University of Sri Jayawardenapura.
• Holding a Diploma in Commerce or Accountancy.
• Holding a National Diploma in Technology.
• Passing the General Arts/Science Qualifying Examinations.
• Holding a Degree in Science, Commerce, or Arts (Local or foreign).
• Holding a Diploma in Law from the University of London.
• Passing three subjects at one and the same sitting at the Sri Lanka General Certificate of Education (A/L) Examination under the new scheme (i.e. August 2000 Examination and thereafter).

It is important to note that the Sri Lanka Law College does not offer any courses to prepare students for the Entrance Examination.

Application process

The Sri Lanka Law College is the sole institution in Sri Lanka authorized to permit students as qualified for admittance to the legal profession. The college offers a wide range of opportunities for students during their time there and after graduation, enabling them to broaden their knowledge and stay up-to-date with current developments in the legal field.

To apply for the Sri Lanka Law College, you must first meet the minimum qualifications to sit for the Law Entrance Examination. The requirements have been amended over the years. As of 2021, the minimum qualification is two credit passes and one simple pass at the GCE Advanced Level Examination. Previously, the minimum requirement was three simple passes at the GCE A/Ls.

The Sri Lanka Law College Entrance Examination is held annually, and the application process is usually opened a few months before the exam. For example, in 2020, applications were open from July 9 to August 10 for the 2021 academic year.

The entrance exam is highly competitive, and only a limited number of students are admitted based on their performance. The exam consists of two papers:

• Language Paper: Candidates must choose to answer in Sinhala Language, Tamil Language, or English Language. The syllabus for this paper includes an essay, precise writing and paraphrasing, syntax, vocabulary, synonyms and antonyms, and figurative and idiomatic usage.
• General Knowledge and General Intelligence: Candidates can choose to answer this paper in Sinhala, Tamil, or English.

In addition to the entrance exam, there are two other channels of admission to the Sri Lanka Law College:

• Law Graduates from Other Universities: LL.B (Bachelor of Laws) degree holders from the University of Colombo, Peradeniya, Jaffna, or the Open University of Sri Lanka can enter without sitting for the entrance exam and are exempted from the first and second-year examinations. They only need to take the final examination at the Law College. Graduates from foreign universities, such as LL.B degree holders from the University of London, can also enter through this route.
• Members of the legal profession of commonwealth countries: A British barrister, for example, can sit for the final examination of Sri Lanka Law College and enter the legal profession after completing practical training and taking their oaths.

It is important to note that the Sri Lanka Law College does not offer any courses to prepare students for the Entrance Examination. However, there are private institutes that conduct classes to help students prepare.

Exam subjects

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardised test that serves as a requirement for admission to most law schools in the United States. The LSAT consists of five sections: logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, an unscored variable section, and a writing sample. The test is scored on a scale ranging from 120 to 180, with 120 being the lowest and 180 being the highest possible score.

The LSAT is designed to assess your reading comprehension, writing skills, and analytical and reasoning abilities. It costs an average of $500 to take the test. The LSAT is offered multiple times a year, and most law schools require applicants to take the test no later than December of the year before the application deadline.

In addition to the LSAT, some law schools in the United States also accept scores from the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) for admission. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) administers the LSAT, and you can register and find test dates on its website. LSAC also offers a service called the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which allows you to centralise and organise your application materials, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation, and send them to all the law schools you apply to. Some law schools require CAS registration as part of their application process.

In India, there are several popular law entrance exams for undergraduate admissions, including CLAT, AILET, and TS PGLCET. CLAT is accepted by 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) and 65 other participating institutions across India for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programmes. AILET is accepted by the National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi) for its UG and PG law programmes. NLU Meghalaya conducts its own separate entrance exam.

For postgraduate admissions in India, popular law entrance exams include CLAT PG and LSAT PG. CLAT PG is accepted by NLUs and other participating institutions, while LSAT PG is accepted by law schools that are typically approved by the American Bar Association.

Alternative routes

There are three main routes to gain admission to the Sri Lanka Law College. The first is the Law Entrance Examination, which is a highly competitive exam that admits around 1050 students to Law College each year. The second route is for LL.B (Bachelor of Laws) degree holders from the University of Colombo, Peradeniya, Jaffna, or the Open University of Sri Lanka. These graduates are exempt from the entrance exam and the first and second-year examinations at the Law College. The third route is for members of the legal profession of Commonwealth countries, who can sit the final examination of Sri Lanka Law College and enter the legal profession after completing practical training and taking their oaths.

In addition to these routes, there are a few other ways to gain admission to the Sri Lanka Law College. For example, graduates from foreign universities, such as LL.B degree holders from the University of London, can enter Law College and become lawyers. Another way is to complete a Higher National Diploma by Edexel International- HND in law, which is approved by the Law College Sri Lanka, and then enter the final year of the LLB degree. After obtaining the LLB degree, one can enter the final year of the Sri Lanka Law College directly.

Apprenticeship

Law apprenticeships are a great way to gain hands-on experience and qualifications in the legal sector without having to go to university. Apprenticeships allow you to combine work with an employer and academic study at a law school. You will gain valuable experience and insights into the legal world, and develop essential skills such as negotiation and communication with clients and stakeholders.

Types of Law Apprenticeships

There are three main types of law apprenticeships:

• Paralegal Apprenticeship (Level 3 - Advanced)
• Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship (Level 4/5 - Higher)
• Solicitor Apprenticeship (Level 6/7 - Degree)

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements vary depending on the apprenticeship level and the employer. For the Paralegal Apprenticeship, you will need:

• GCSEs in English and maths
• A-Levels in relevant subjects such as English, history, or law

For the Solicitor Apprenticeship, you will need:

• GCSEs in English and maths
• A-Levels in relevant subjects
• A Level 3 advanced apprenticeship in a relevant role

How to Apply

• Determine your area of interest: The first step is to decide what type of law you want to pursue. This could be family law, entertainment law, or criminal law. Knowing your area of interest will help you find the right apprenticeship opportunities.
• Research apprenticeship opportunities: Look for apprenticeship programmes that align with your area of interest. You can search for vacancies on websites like RateMyApprenticeship.co.uk, National Apprenticeship Service, or specific law firm websites.
• Prepare your application materials: Create a resume and cover letter that highlights your skills and interest in the legal field. Showcase any relevant work experience or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your abilities.
• Apply for apprenticeships: Start applying for the apprenticeship opportunities you have found. You may need to submit your application directly to the law firm or through an online platform.
• Interview process: If your application is successful, you will be invited for an interview. Prepare for common interview questions and dress appropriately. You may also be required to attend an assessment centre and take psychometric tests.

Benefits of Law Apprenticeships

Law apprenticeships offer several advantages:

• Gain hands-on experience: You will get to work alongside experienced lawyers and gain practical skills that will be valuable in your future career.
• Earn a wage: Apprenticeships allow you to earn a wage while you study, helping you avoid student debt.
• Develop essential skills: You will develop a range of transferable skills, such as communication, research, and organisational skills.
• Build a professional network: During your apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to connect with legal experts and build a professional network that can benefit your future career.

Frequently asked questions