Bellybelly legal eagles - help please!

[CKJ]

I'm hoping to speak to some BB members who work in the legal domain (so to speak) and possibly get some advice and direction?

I was studying a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice through OUA in 2008/2009 but after finding out that my DD was a type 1 diabetic and required extra care I stopped studying. I also found out afterwards that it was a broad ranged arts degree and wouldn't necessarily get me any headstart in the legal field.

So I applied to study a Bachelor of Law (via distance commencing this year) and have completed 1 unit so far (deferred this semester after being left quite deflated by the convenor who told me to just defer and wouldn't help with questions I had)

I'm now contemplating transferring to the uni closer to home and completing on campus. However they appear to only do it as part of a double degree - and none of the options "float my boat". I'm also rethinking whether law is the right degree for me.

So basically im hoping to speak to people that work in the field to see if I should continue with this path or not.

Thanks heaps in advance ladies

[Amity]

I'm a barrister in Victoria. What are your questions?

[CKJ]

Wow!!!

Basically - I was told we had to choose an area to major in rather soon. So this is something weighing on my mind.
I've been through a bitter custody battle so not sure I'd want to work in the family law area, and my DD's father was in court on assault charges and got "off" using the mental health aspect which frustrated me as he knew what to say to get that and basically didn't get the penalty he should have (so I guess that's criminal law)

Also I have a huge interest in the criminal mindset and basic psychology as to why people commit crimes as well as forensic side of things (which I don't see a law degree would cover)

I was left extremely deflated by my convenor when I broached him with some of the above and asked for advice so now I'm wondering "why bother".

I've always had a keen interest in law etc so that's also why I decided to do my degree but now I'm stuck as to what other areas there are, is there anything that covers what my interests are or whether I should go back to the criminology degree

[Phteven]

Sounds like you would be more passionate about a psychology or science degree than law

[CKJ]

Sounds like you would be more passionate about a psychology or science degree than law

That's exactly what my mum just said to me!!!

[surprised]

I agree with onyx. A law degree is a massive undertaking and from what you've said your heart doesn't seem in it? But I could be wrong! The job after the degree is even more full-on.

If you go back to criminology make sure you know what it is actually qualifying you for. You might find it doesn't really give you any job prospects.

Follow your dreams hun!