So You Want to Go to Law School?
Posted On: October 27th, 2009 @ 10:23AM
Brian K. Bokor
If America is a melting pot, law school is the stew. Law school students come from every walk of life and for good reason: there is a not a set path that law school admission offices seem to prefer when considering an application. However, most law school students have a background in history, English, political science or business. If you are majoring in one of these, you likely have already considered law school. If you are not majoring in one of these, don’t fret - you are just as likely a candidate for a career in law.
When is the best time to go?
Many students go straight to law school after completing their undergraduate studies, while some work for several years before returning to school. If you already know that law school is the next step in your life, you will need to take the LSAT and get your application ready well in advance. The LSAT is the standardized test that law schools require as part of admission.
There are numerous review courses and study guides that can help you prepare for the LSAT. Check with the law schools that you are interested in to determine the deadline that you must complete the test to be eligible for admission.
Law school admission offices vary in what they require during the application process. You can likely find and download the school’s application online. The application is the only correspondence that you will have with the admission office, so make sure that it is in perfect shape before submitting it. You will need your college transcript to send with your application.
If you are unsure if law is the right career choice for you, work in a law firm or in the legal field for a year or two. This will give you a good understanding of what attorneys do on a day to day basis. This type of work experience will help to confirm whether you want to proceed with law school.
What could I be doing now?
If you are contemplating law school, meet with your advisor to discuss your interest. Your advisor can help you determine what law school(s) could fit your background and skill set. Also, many schools have a pre-law society. If your school offers such a group, attend several meetings or events and join the society if you feel it will be beneficial.
Can I get an internship at a law firm?
Law firms typically do not offer summer internships for college students. If you are able to find a firm that does offer then, having experience working within a law firm could be a wonderful resume builder. Chances are, however, a great portion of your summer will be filled with filing and copying. Law firms usually hire current law students to work during the summer. This work is often substantive and complex, (and under the supervision of a practicing attorney). Often, these “summer associates” are offered full time positions to return to the firm after completing law school.
What classes should I try to take moving forward?
Obviously you need to take all the classes that are required for graduation. In addition, take courses in political science, pre-law, government, and business.
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, its affiliates, or its employees.
I am an attorney and agree with most of Brian’s blog. But, I would not downplay the significance of having an internship in a law firm that involves filing, scanning, answering the phone, serving as a messenger and other chores. If you agree to this, you may also find yourself accompanying attorneys to court proceedings, learning about cases, interacting with clients and being exposed to the day to day experience of being in a law firm. My firm as well as many others, would welcome the opportunity to have a college student intern both during the school year and during he summer.
I used to work with my uncle in their law firm. As a law student, it’s nice to have a summer internship to improve to expose us in this field of choice.