Legal Skills Tutor 

Disabled Students Allowance

Legal Skills Tutor 

A City Law Tutor Legal Skills Tutor can be a valuable form of support funded through the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) for law students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties. This type of support is tailored to help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in their legal studies, such as legal research, writing, analysis, and exam preparation.

How a Legal Skills Tutor Can Help:

  1. Legal Research Skills

    • Guidance on how to effectively use legal databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis).

    • Assistance with finding and interpreting case law, statutes, and legal commentary.

  2. Legal Writing

    • Help with structuring essays, problem questions, and dissertations.

    • Support with legal referencing and citation (e.g., OSCOLA).

  3. Exam Preparation

    • Techniques for answering problem questions and essay questions under timed conditions.

    • Strategies for memorizing and applying legal principles.

  4. Study Skills

    • Time management and organization for balancing coursework, exams, and extracurricular activities.

    • Note-taking strategies tailored to your needs.

  5. Understanding Complex Legal Concepts

    • Breaking down difficult topics into manageable parts.

    • Providing alternative explanations or examples to aid understanding.

How to Access a Legal Skills Tutor Through DSA

  1. Apply for DSA

    • Submit your DSA application to your funding body (e.g., Student Finance England) and provide evidence of your disability or condition.

  2. Needs Assessment

    • Attend a needs assessment at an approved assessment centre.

    • During the assessment, explain how a Legal Skills Tutor could help you with your law studies.

    • The assessor will recommend the appropriate support, including the number of hours of tutoring you may need.

  3. Approval and Arrangements

    • Once your DSA application is approved, your funding body will confirm the support you are entitled to.

    • Your university’s disability support team or the DSA assessment centre can help you find an approved Legal Skills Tutor.

  4. Working with Your Legal Skills Tutor

    • Sessions are usually one-on-one and tailored to your specific needs.

    • The tutor will focus on areas where you need the most support, helping you build confidence and independence in your studies.

Funding for a Legal Skills Tutor

  • The cost of the tutor is covered by the DSA, so you do not need to pay out of pocket.

  • The number of hours allocated will depend on your individual needs as determined during the needs assessment.

Tips for Maximizing Support

  • Be clear during your needs assessment about the challenges you face in your law studies.

  • Communicate regularly with your tutor to ensure the sessions are meeting your needs.

  • Use the support proactively to stay on top of your coursework and prepare for exams.

If you’re a law student with a disability or specific learning difficulty, a Legal Skills Tutor can be a game-changer in helping you achieve your academic goals. Make sure to explore this option during your DSA application and needs assessment process.