I keep hearing/reading that "law is different" when it comes to research degrees. I can understand that, insofar as the LLB is essentially a vocational degree, and PhDs in the field are relatively rare. However, it does make me nervous about what to expect when I start my law PhD in January.

My husband and most of my family members have PhDs, but all in the sciences, so while I'm not unfamiliar with the concept, I do worry that, in a way, I'm starting not just with no knowledge, but perhaps with unreasonable expectations. I am aware that I am likely to be very isolated (which is not a concern for me, as I currently work from home) as I will be entirely home- and library-based, but surely that is not peculiar to law?

Is there anything else that I should be aware of, about what makes law PhDs "different". Any insight or words of advice and experience would be much appreciated! Thanks.:-)

I would just phone them, to be honest. My husband had to ring them a couple of times during his PhD, and each time they were so incredibly helpful and nice, and really went out of their way to help him as much as possible.