Learning about the legal profession doesn’t have to stop when the books are closed. Opportunities to experience the legal world first-hand can provide a valuable insight into the environment, traditions and people behind the profession.
In this Q&A, ILSPA Member Jackie shares her experience of attending the Tour of the Royal Courts of Justice. Having completed her Legal Secretaries Diploma, Jackie explains how the visit helped bring her studies to life, what she enjoyed most about the historic building and why she would recommend the experience to fellow ILSPA Members and Students.
1. What interested you in attending the Tour of the Royal Courts of Justice?
Having completed my Legal Secretaries Diploma, I was keen to gain a better understanding of the legal profession beyond what I had learned through my studies. The Royal Courts of Justice is such an iconic and historic building, so the opportunity to visit and learn more about its history and its role within the legal system was particularly appealing.
I was also interested in experiencing the court environment first-hand and learning more about the people, history and traditions connected with such an important part of the English legal system.
2. Can you tell us a bit about how the day was structured and what someone attending the tour can expect?
The tour was very informative and well organised. We were taken around different areas of the Royal Courts of Justice and learned about the history of the building, its architecture and its role within the legal system.
There were interesting facts throughout the tour, which made it very engaging. One of the things I particularly enjoyed learning about was the work of the stone masons and the craftsmanship involved in creating and maintaining such an impressive historic building. It was fascinating to discover details that you might not notice simply by visiting the building yourself.
Our tour guide was excellent. He was extremely knowledgeable and informative, but what really stood out was his passion for what he was doing. His enthusiasm and genuine interest in the Royal Courts of Justice made the tour much more enjoyable, and he shared the information in a way that kept everyone interested.
3. What was your favourite part of the day?
My favourite part was learning about the history and fascinating details behind the Royal Courts of Justice. Having completed my Legal Secretaries Diploma, I particularly enjoyed being able to see the environment for myself and relate it to what I had learned during my studies.
I also found the information about the stone masons and the incredible craftsmanship of the building very interesting. There were lots of little facts and stories throughout the tour that I wouldn't have known otherwise.
The tour guide was also a highlight. He was very knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic, and you could tell that he genuinely enjoyed sharing his knowledge with visitors. His approach really brought the history of the building to life.
4. Do you feel it was beneficial to you, either to complement your studies or your career?
Yes, definitely. Completing my Legal Secretaries Diploma gave me a good foundation of legal knowledge, and the tour helped me to put some of that knowledge into a real-world context.
It was valuable to learn more about the Royal Courts of Justice and its importance within the legal system, while also gaining an appreciation of the history and traditions associated with it. I believe experiences like this complement formal studies because they allow you to learn in a different environment and develop a broader understanding of the legal profession.
5. Would you recommend the tour to other ILSPA Members and Students?
Absolutely. I would highly recommend the Tour of the Royal Courts of Justice to other ILSPA Members and Students, particularly those who are studying or have completed a legal qualification.
It is an interesting and worthwhile experience, with lots of fascinating information and history throughout the tour. The information about the building and the stone masons was particularly memorable, and our tour guide's knowledge and passion made the experience even more enjoyable.
For me, it was a great opportunity to build on the knowledge I gained through my Legal Secretaries Diploma and learn more about the legal environment in an interesting and engaging way. I would definitely encourage other ILSPA Members and Students to take advantage of the opportunity.
The Royal Courts of Justice has offered ILSPA's Students and Members a 30% discount on its tours. Visting the RCJ is a wonderful experience where Students’ course material comes to life and they can get an inside look at a real-life working courtroom. Students and Members will also have the opportunity to join the RCJ’s new Half-Day Legal London tour when places are available. This is a legal walking tour which combines a tour of inside the fabulous Royal Courts of Justice with a walkthrough some of London’s beautiful Inns of Court.
You can find further information, including on how to claim the discount, in our Student Discount section of ILSPA’s Student and Member area.
