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The legal industry is known for being a highly specialized field which requires lawyers to have an in-depth understanding of relevantaspects of law. Appointed as a Music Performance Scholar at my university, I have struggled to find a balance between my musical interests and preparations for a career in law.
Though the legal profession has been regarded as valuing intricate knowledge, I am concerned that whenI pursue musical performance during my legal degree, it may lessen my concentration on and strenuousness within my legal studies. The question therefore arises: can aspiring lawyers effectively balance specialized expertise with a more diverse skill set, including skills honed through artistic pursuits, to enhance their career prospects and create a compelling and well-rounded professional profile?
Author: Rachel Fung, Summer Intern
Striking the Chord: Law and Musical Artistry
In my opinion, lawyers could greatly benefit from the skills developed in musical pursuits. The artistic process can enhance aspiring lawyers to achieve problem-solving capabilities through creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication. Forgeard et al.’s research has revealed that musical education improves cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and pattern recognition — skills vital for a triumph in law. Currently, there is a high demand for lawyers who possess both legal expertise and creative interdisciplinary imagination. According to a 2019 survey by the American Bar Association Business Law Section, up to 85 percent of legal employers consider “innovation or creativity” as highly valuable or essential qualities in their new workers.
In my opinion, lawyers could greatly benefit from the skills developed in musical pursuits.
The legal industry has undergone dramatic transformations in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic further accelerating this pace of change. Businesses now seek out lawyers who can nimbly adapt to new virtual work environments and rapidly evolve their strategies to better accommodate client needs. In this dynamic legal environment, attorneys who can approach complex cases from novel, unusual angles are highly sought-after. Aspiring lawyers may find themselves in a unique position to succeed if they can exhibit a combination of innovative problem-solving skills honed via musical education and technical legal understanding.
However, the legal profession is renowned for its emphasis on deep subject matter expertise, and there is a genuine concern that maintaining a significant artistic pursuit alongside the rigors of legal study and practice could dilute an individual's focus and preparation. The curriculum and demanding workload of law schools usually require unwavering dedication to master the intricate doctrines, procedures, and analytical frameworks that form the law's foundation.
Navigating the demands of law school while maintaining a parallel passion for music production has certainly been a significant challenge. I find myself dedicating 20-25 hours per week to lectures, seminars, and related project studies as a law student. Alongside these rigorous academic requirements, I am also committed to 2-3 music-related activities per week, including rehearsals, and a weekly 1-hour vocal lesson.
Engaging in a parallel music performance career may be perceived as a distraction, a "jack of all trades, master of none", potentially hindering academic performance and limiting the aspiring lawyer's ability to excel in core legal competencies. According to the Best Practices for Legal Education report, nearly 60% of law school faculty and administrators report concerns about students’ ability to balance extracurricular activities with their legal studies. Christmas, Easter, and the May – June period are the busiest months of the academic year, and these are also the peak seasons for due assignments and performances. As deadlines loom and performances at venues like the Canterbury Cathedral or the Colyer-Fergusson Music Hall approach, the strain of balancing these responsibilities becomes most acute.
There were occasions where I have felt stretched thin and struggled to keep pace with the relentless demands of law school, while also devoting the necessary time and energy to my music performances. The discipline and focus required for legal studies can sometimes feel at odds with the more free-flowing, expressive nature of music production.
Blending Passions, Not Sacrificing Them, en Route to Law
Rather than viewing my music and law pursuits as mutually exclusive, during my time as a Music Scholar, I have seen them as complementary skill sets that could set me apart in an increasingly competitive job market. The discipline and collaborative abilities fostered through my music performance experience enhance my capabilities as a legal professional, allowing me to approach problems from unique angles and engage with clients in a more well-rounded manner .
Far too often, the conventional path to a prestigious career is portrayed as one that demands the complete abandonment of personal interests and creative outlets. However, by continuing to cultivate our parallel passions alongside rigorous training in our chosen fields, we can develop a versatile skill set that combines analytical reasoning, strategic planning, and innovative problem-solving.
The ability to think creatively and to communicate effectively - skills honed through musical training - can be invaluable assets for a legal professional
The ability to think creatively and to communicate effectively - skills honed through musical training - can be invaluable assets for a legal professional navigating complex disputes and crafting persuasive arguments. A background that combines legal training with a music performance degree can demonstrate a breadth of knowledge, a commitment to personal growth, and a willingness to think outside the box. Showcasing such versatility can help open the door to more diverse and fulfilling career opportunities. These are important assets to progressive law firms and legal organizations thanks to the smooth mix these assets produce for innovative, interdisciplinary thinking with an analytical rigor.
The journey of blending my professional pursuits and passions may not have always been straightforward, but it is one that I believe is worth embracing. This conviction was further strengthened through my recent internship at Ravenscroft & Schmierer, from working closely with the administrative team on compliance, refurbishing internal policies and manuals, to legal drafting and preparing for trial exhibits for a diverse range of legal matters. I am grateful that I joined for a two-month internship, which allowed me to familiarize myself with the daily procedures and experiences of working at a law firm. Engaging in this hands-on experience allowed me to see firsthand how the skills and mindset I've developed as both a musician and aspiring lawyer can complement one another.
Lastly, take into account the importance of speaking with people already working with the firm. Campus Ambassadors are available to talk to and give advice, and their advice is reflective of their knowledge of the firm's standards for successful applications.
If you have any questions or need further insights, feel free to connect with me or the current Campus Ambassadors on LinkedIn.
One area that particularly stood out to me during my internship was the development of my communication and presentation skills at the firm’s Campus Ambassador Open House event. As a seasoned performer, I've developed a strong comfort and confidence in public speaking - standing before large audiences in recital halls has made me adept at clearly articulating complex ideas and responding thoughtfully to questions. This proven ability to engage with and persuade like-minded individuals translated seamlessly to my interactions with the firm's potential candidates for its Campus Ambassador Programme.
...wearing a Cambridge hoodie doesn’t necessarily imply one is a Cambridge student
One litigation case I assisted in involved three domestic helpers accused of breaching their conditions of stay. This experience not only prompted me to reflect on the complex immigration challenges and vulnerable working conditions they face, but also allowed me to showcase my attention to detail and creative critical thinking. For instance, when the prosecution argued that the helpers’ wearing of t-shirts normally worn by staff of a restaurant where immigration officers encountered them, indicated employment at that restaurant, thereby violating their conditions of stay, I countered by pointing out that wearing a Cambridge hoodie doesn’t necessarily imply one is a Cambridge student. The lead counsel on our team found my perspective valuable, which ultimately helped us effectively challenge the prosecution’s claims.
Looking Ahead: Bridging the gap between Music & Law
Reflecting on the internship, I'm struck by the unique value that my combined passions for music and law can bring to a legal career. By thoughtfully blending these two disciplines, I'm confident that I can offer clients and colleagues a heightened level of creativity, empathy, and innovative problem-solving that sets me apart. This internship was just the beginning of my legal career, and I'm deeply excited to continue exploring the rich intersections between these two fields that I care so deeply about. The path may not have always been straightforward, but I remain steadfast in my conviction that embracing our diverse talents and interests is a journey well worth taking.
I also produced a video, showing a day in the life of a Summer Intern with Ravenscroft & Schmierer, please have a view and give it a like!
Rachel Fung is a rising LLB finalist from the University of Kent. She completed her 2-month internship with Ravenscroft & Schmierer during the summer in 2024 and is striving to build her professional career as a solicitor.
Rachel Fung
Summer Intern
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