From Non-Law Graduate to FE1 Prize Winner
Moving into law without a background in the subject can feel like a huge leap. For many students, the FE1 exams are one of the biggest hurdles on the path to qualification, especially when starting from scratch.
For Oscar Ó Sé, that journey led not only to passing his exams, but to winning the Law Society FE1 Company Law Prize in 2025.
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“I went from having no background in the subject to winning this prize”
“I truly couldn’t recommend these FE1 Prep courses more. It brought me from having no background in the subject to winning this prize, and I am very grateful to my lecturer, Conor and City College Dublin for the role they played in that.”
Oscar completed the FE1 Prep Course with City College Dublin for the October 2025 sitting, achieving 76% in Company Law. This was an exceptional result, particularly for someone new to the subject.
Starting from scratch
Coming from a non-law background meant that Oscar had to build his understanding from the ground up.
“I didn’t study law in college so I was really starting from square one, but that was a very easy hurdle to get over with his lectures.”
A key part of that transition was the clarity of teaching and the structure of the course.
“Conor’s notes and materials were extremely detailed and very exam-focused, and he was excellent at explaining difficult concepts in a way that made them easy to understand.”
A practical, exam-focused approach
What stood out most to Oscar was how closely the course aligned with the reality of the FE1 exams.
“I found it really useful that he went through past questions in class and explained the kinds of answers the examiner would be looking for.”
This practical approach helped him move beyond theory and focus on what actually matters in the exam.
He also highlighted the importance of examiner reports:
“They give a very clear indication of what the examiner wants to see in a strong answer. Combining those reports with Conor’s notes and guidance left me feeling very well prepared.”
Building a study routine that works
Preparation wasn’t just about content. It was also about consistency and balance.
“Earlier in the course I focused on setting weekly study goals and making sure I got them done. It didn’t matter to me when I got them done, as long as they were finished by the end of the week.”
As exams approached, his structure became more focused, but maintaining balance was still key.
“I think it’s essential when doing FE1 exams to not completely lose everything about yourself. Keeping up your hobbies and maintaining some normality is important if you want to stay sane throughout the process.”
Exam strategy and approach
On the day of the exam, Oscar followed a clear and disciplined strategy:
“I spend the first 20 minutes reading all of the questions carefully and making brief notes on the issues raised and what I think the examiner wants to be discussed. I then choose the five questions I feel most comfortable with. From there, I aim to spend about 5 minutes planning and 30 minutes writing each answer, which leaves me with time at the end to review everything”.
A result that speaks for itself.
Oscar’s journey is a strong example of what’s possible with the right preparation, structure, and support.
From starting with no legal background to achieving a prize-winning result, his experience highlights the impact of:
- expert-led tuition
- exam-focused materials
- structured preparation
- and consistent study habits
Thinking about starting your FE1 journey?
Whether you’re coming from a law or non-law background, having the right preparation can make all the difference.
Explore the FE1 Prep Course at City College Dublin and take the first step towards your FE1 exams.
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