Starting a PhD in law at Aberdeen

I'm starting a 3 year PhD program in law this October.  I'm waiting to hear about studentships so I won't have to go even further into debt.  I'm just wondering if there are any lawyers who could talk about what practicing is like in the UK.  I hear the hours and quality of life are much better in the UK.  Also, are there any Americans who have decided to enter academia in the UK in law, the humanities, or anything?  I'm just wondering how the higher ed system in the UK compares to the US.

I'm doing a PhD in art history (actually graphic design and typography history). I had no luck with studentships but that's probably more to do with my field than anything. One of our members, Britwife, did some law... she's offline right now due to a move but she'll be back on soon. You might PM her about what she did (she's British).

There are a couple threads on here already about US vs UK higher ed... I think in general you'll find that UK programmes much more driven by yourself whereas the US ones tend to be pretty regimented.

I am entering an Undergrad Law programme at the University of Manchester in the fall.  The only thing I've done so far is get started on my "summer reading."   

Scots law is different from England.  A solicitor qualified in Scotland is qualified to practice in Scotland, not necessarily UK wide - this is important to consider if you are considering settling.  From what I understand, the process in Scotland is the same no matter level of degree:  one year 'diploma' course followed by two years traineeship upon completion of the degree.  The diploma course costs about £7000.  Funding is available for 'home' students, however, who demonstrate academic excellence.  The traineeship pays about £10,000/pa.  Both the diploma course and traineeship are full-time. 

Hours.  Well, that depends.  Everyone in the employment department of the major firm I worked in in Edinburgh worked the same kind of hours I did working legal in the US.  I suppose it might be different in smaller firms, but everyone goes into realising it's NOT a 9-5 job.  Some associates don't put in the time partners do, others are compelled to to become partners.  Assistants - newly qualified solicitors - put in a lot of time, as do trainees (aka 'slave labour').

I'm starting an undergrad degree (my second) in Scots law in Autumn at Strathclyde and preparing for the long haul, as I wish to practice.  Prior to moving here, I was a legal secretary in the US for 9 years.