Law

What is a society without law? Wrongdoers need to be punished for their offences and sometimes they require to be rehabilitated. The law sets out the guidelines on how a society should operate in a peaceful manner. Imagine a nation with no regulations at all, it would be chaotic and havoc would wreak everywhere. A lawyer’s job is to help those who have been wronged attain a remedy.

Studying law involves understanding, interpreting, and knowing where to find the law. Law is divided into many branches such as: criminal law, property law, children law, human rights law, environmental law, sports law, education law, health law, international law, law of the sea among many others. The law governs each and every aspect of life; this then means that when one studies law they open themselves up to many opportunities.

What is required for one to study law?

After passing your KCSE examinations with grades that enables you to get into University, most Universities (both public and private) require a person to have attained either a B or a B+ and above in English as the minimum requirement for studying law. The course takes 4 years after which you will graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Law (LLB). In order to become an advocate (a qualified lawyer who can present cases in court) one needs to further get admitted to the Kenya School of Law, study for 1 and ½ years (18 months) and attain an advocate’s diploma.

Where can I work?

• As a Lawyer one can open their own firm (have your own office) and carry out cases for their clients in whichever branch of the law she/he would like to specialize in.
• Work as a Corporate Lawyer for a business company.
• Be a Judge. For one to be a judge, you have to have practiced as a lawyer for a number of years.
• If you so wish, you could get into diplomacy. A Diplomat is a representative of a
  country who carries out negotiations for their nation with other nations.
• In most government institutions there are legal departments therefore one can work in any legal department they would like.
• Law Lecturer. One can decide to teach other students law at the university.
• The United Nations have branches each of which has legal departments where one can practice the law.