Struggling with law assignments? Discover the 7 biggest mistakes UK students make — and how to fix them using legal writing strategies and assignment support.

7 Most Common Mistakes Law Students Make in Assignments (And How to Avoid Them)

Daniel Brown

Writing strong law assignments isn't just about understanding legal theory. For many UK students, the difference between a 2:2 and a 1st often lies in how they 

 their case — not just the facts they include.

Whether you're in your first year or preparing for finals, here are the 

seven most common mistakes law students make

 in assignments, and how you can avoid them to boost your academic performance.

Students often start writing without fully understanding what the question actually asks — leading to off-topic answers or wasted word count.

 Before you start writing, rewrite the question in your own words to clarify it.

2. Overloading with Case Law — Without Analysis

Listing a long string of cases without actually discussing how they apply or differ. Examiners call this the “case dump.”

Jumping from topic to topic without transitions, using long blocks of text, or having unclear paragraphs.

A clear structure keeps markers engaged and improves readability — even with average content.

Footnotes missing, inconsistent formatting, or confusion between primary and secondary sources.

 Tools like Zotero can automate OSCOLA referencing — or use 

 editors to check your citations for accuracy.

5. Writing Like a Novelist — Not a Lawyer

Overly descriptive writing, emotional language, or vague generalisations.

Legal writing is about argument, not storytelling.

Making a one-sided argument without showing awareness of alternative views.

This demonstrates critical thinking — a key to scoring a 2:1 or above.

Rushing assignments, leading to poor grammar, weak arguments, and missed references.

Assignments are 50% thinking, 50% presentation. Give yourself the time to do both.

Bonus: When to Get Help — and What Kind Is Ethical

Needing support doesn’t mean you’re failing. Many top-performing students use academic assistance services to improve structure, referencing, and clarity — not to outsource learning.

Even strong students make avoidable mistakes that cost marks. Whether you're in your first year or preparing for your dissertation, awareness of these common pitfalls — and how to fix them — is essential to excelling in law school.

Stay organised, plan early, write clearly, and seek guidance when needed. Remember, your goal is not just to pass — but to think like a lawyer from the start.

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