How do I choose a good law school?

Choosing a law school involves balancing academic quality, student support, practical experience, and career outcomes. Here's our advice for prospective students and parents on things to consider when choosing a good Law School in North West England and beyond. 

What should I look for in teaching quality and academic support?

One way to assess teaching quality is by looking at independent student feedback, such as the National Student Survey (NSS). This survey captures students’ views on areas including academic support, assessment and feedback, and teaching on their course.

Recent NSS results show that some universities in the North West perform particularly strongly in these areas. For example, in the 2025 NSS, law students at the University of Chester ranked their course:

• 1st in the North West for academic support
• 1st in the UK for assessment and feedback

These indicators can be useful when comparing how supported students feel during their studies.

How important is practical legal experience during a law degree?

Many students benefit from courses that combine academic study with practical application. This might include simulated legal exercises, client-based assessments, mooting, or opportunities to observe legal practice.

Some universities, such as Chester, are located close to working courts and offer access to mock courtrooms, legal advice centres, and community law projects, allowing students to develop confidence and practical skills alongside their academic studies.

Does the professional background of lecturers matter?

Teaching teams that combine academic expertise with professional legal experience can offer a broader learning experience. Research-active academics help students develop critical thinking and legal analysis, while former or practising solicitors and barristers can provide insight into how law operates in practice.

At Chester, for instance, the teaching team includes solicitors, barristers, legal executives, and research-active academics working across areas such as human rights, family law, EU law, and social welfare.

How can rankings and student surveys help my decision?

National surveys and awards can provide useful indicators of student satisfaction, teaching quality, and support. While they shouldn’t be the sole factor in decision-making, subject-level rankings often reflect student satisfaction, teaching quality, and graduate prospects.

For example:

• The Complete University Guide 2026 ranked Law at Chester as Top 5 in the North West for Graduate Prospects – On Track
• The WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025, based entirely on student reviews, ranked Chester 1st in the North West for Lecturers and Teaching Quality
• Chester was also a finalist for the Educate North “Law School of the Year” award

These measures can help applicants understand how students rate their experience at different institutions.

What ultimately matters most when choosing a law school? Ultimately, many students prioritise feeling supported, developing strong academic foundations, gaining practical experience, and graduating with a clear career direction. Reviewing course structure, teaching approaches, student feedback, and independent survey data can help identify a law school that aligns with those priorities.