Sample Statement of Purpose to the University of Oxford

At University of [university] I have demonstrated excellent analytical and organisational skills in all my assignments. I wrote a dissertation on the academic discourse on the fusion of common law and equity which required me to interpret, analyse and evaluate conflicting academic perspectives and apply my good judgment to arrive at a critical conclusion. At [law firm] , I have demonstrated outstanding attention to detail and problem-solving skills when working to tight deadlines across different time zones. I was always forthcoming with ideas and demonstrated leadership skills in exceptionally difficult situations. Whilst at [law firm], I attended a Board of Directors EGM in Amsterdam as part of a shareholder dispute in a joint venture vehicle. I was requested to act as an interpreter between the clients and solicitors from multiple jurisdictions. This was a major challenge for me because I had to adapt my communication to different audiences and operate in a fast-paced environment and think on my feet to solve commercial problems. At the EGM, I applied a sharp analytical mind to explain complex issues in a simple language and made sense of a complicated situation. I maintained a very commercial focus and demonstrated physical and mental stamina coupled with unabating enthusiasm.

I have decided to apply for MSc in Law and Finance because it will provide me with a unique analytical toolkit for addressing new problems at the intersection of law and finance which will accelerate my career trajectory in professional practice in corporate law. I am attracted by the aspect that this course provides a highly analytic core with tailor-made practical applications derived from continuing collaboration with professional and regulatory organisations. This combined knowledge will give me a broader perspective on corporate and commercial matters which will enhance my ability to appreciate and readily respond to most complex and imminent problems facing corporate entities. I have developed a keen interest in finance at [law firm]  whilst dealing with the financial elements of the case such as expert valuation reports and company accounts because it allowed me to make direct correlations between the legal and financial issues at work which in turn helped me to understand the greater implications of the case and enabled me to think more laterally. I hope to build on practical and academic experience by undertaking an MSc in Law and Finance which will help me to realise my ambition of becoming a successful legal practitioner.

I am especially interested in corporate and business taxation because tax law is central to all businesses and of significance to many business transactions and it helps to shape business law and many commercial decisions. I am also very interested in corporate finance law because I am interested in the “money matters” which are at the heart of corporate law, and an understanding of the ways in which companies can raise money, and the manner in which their money-raising activities are regulated, is central to an understanding of how companies function. It is this understanding that will allow me to make decisions that will enable a business vehicle to raise business finance and diversify financial risk.