Law schools base their decisions on the exams, GPA, LSAT, recommendation letters, personal statement law school essays and recommendation letters to assess an applicants worth. The undergraduate courses that you have tackled can help drive you on the path toward a legal career. Extracurriculars tell more about the applicant, and they can be good topics for writing the personal statement law school essay as well. Law schools look for applicants exhibiting the potential to be a lawyer, and they look at the extracurriculars for the skills needed to be one.
Extracurricular Activities
Participation in community or non-government organizations
Active participation in non-government or community organizations championing various causes can help you get into law school. If you have a strong belief in a certain cause, it can even help shape your career towards a specialization like environmental law, gender and equality law, or even taxation law. However, join these organizations not because you want to put something on your resume, but because you share the same beliefs that they uphold.
Positions held
The ability to throttle an organization or at least play a part in its major planning can make one a viable candidate for a slot in law school. Law schools look for people who have strong leadership and organizational qualities.
Writing stints
Contributing to the local or school paper or journal can also be of value when applying for law school. Having exemplary writing skills can help one draft an impressive personal statement law school essay – skills that many law schools would like to see honed for the next few years.
Debaters
Communication skills harnessed by experience in debate and speech are also what law schools like to see in applicants. A lawyer needs to be able to communicate ideas clearly in his or her trade. Work experience as broadcast media practitioners can also fare favorably with admission panels of law schools.
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Passion for a certain profession drives a lot of people in getting a graduate course as many a personal statement law school points out. Although this may also mean advancing your career by adding bullets to your curriculum vitae and adding degree titles to your name, graduate school means one thing – burning the midnight oil. One graduate course may be suffice to put a dent in one’s normal routine, so how about taking up two? Why not go for a joint MBA and a law degree?
Law and Management
A Juris Doctor degree is essential and is the first ticket to the practice of jurisprudence. After passing the state bar exam, one can be proclaimed a lawyer and get into either private or public practice.
Garnering an MBA on the other hand is one of the more chosen pathways taken by those in the management field. An MBA is better suited for young professionals who are looking to advance in the corporate ladder by getting experience and educational training on administration, finance and accounting, consultancy, and other fundamentals necessary for the management of a particular business.
MBA-JD Program
As unrelated as they may seem, these two post-graduate degrees can now be taken under one program. Applicants can send off their personal statement law school essays and other requirements to reputable schools such as Harvard, Stanford and The University of Memphis among other academic institutions that offer the JD/MBA degree.
Benefits
So how does having a degree in two of the heaviest subject matters help an individual?
The MBA-JD program is beneficial for those who go corporate, or as in-house legal counsel of top reputable firms. Having a knowledge of how the business side works and having a client-oriented perspective opens up new areas of opportunity. This dual degree definitely raises your viability many notches up, as companies go for individuals who are multi-specialized and individuals who have an awareness aside from their work experience.
However, law firms have a different view as they see JD/MBAs as ‘tainted’ or more oriented toward the business side rather than jurisprudence. A JD/MBA degree could, however, help a lawyer effectively make a career shift – from a legal to a corporate one.
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Whether it’s for a summertime or school-year internship (the latter done part-time of course), law students are clamoring to get into the best law firms in the country. Here are a few tips to score that dream internship:
Consult with your law school’s career services office
Start with what you have closest to you. Look into the career services offered by your school. Submit your resume and other qualifications to your career counselor before summer internship season. Most schools have strong links to alumni and other reputable law firms who are on the look out for interns and potential employees.
Make an impressive resume
List all the qualities that you think your targeted legal employer might look for such as organizational skills, flexibility, and even aptitude in certain computer applications. Make your resume easy to breeze through so that interviewers can easily see what they’re looking for. Likewise, make a strong cover letter to go with your resume.
Pre-internship
If possible, even before internship at a law firm is required, apply for apprenticeship or intern programs in other related fields. Smaller law firms may not offer you the pay or the prestige that top law firms can. However, a treasure trove of experience can be earned as you can be able to understand how a firm works. Apprenticeships and experience can also be gathered from government agencies such as the DA’s office or even that of the Federal Defender. Private companies and organizations championing causes such as environmental or human rights may also be good training grounds and impressive bullets in your resume.
Make a good impression on the interview
When you do get a call back from a law firm for an interview, do make a good impression. Be sure to dress right and convey body language that is just appropriate for the occasion. Make sure to bring your credentials such as a resume or anything that the employer might ask for.
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Most law schools have their own financial assistance programs for students in need of a help when it comes to funding their studies.
Merit-based assistance
Scholarships and study grants are available for that deserving applicant who is in need of financial assistance to continue legal studies. Some scholarships can be given by academic institutions such as Duke University for entering law students. External scholarships, though, are fairly common and can be given by organizations, companies, foundations, and even private individuals who champion certain causes. However, merit-based assistance for law students will require maintaining a certain GPA or grade.
Need-based assistance
Most academic institutions and law schools can offer support to any student who will require a level of financial assistance to further legal studies. Some may have prescribed amounts to dole out while others employ special computations that can be based on the student’s income, parental support if still applicable, and even the nationality (as international students can be eligible for financial assistance as well). Some law schools offer succinct breakdowns of the allowance for easy management of the students.
Student loans
Students in need of financial assistance can also avail of loans from federal providers. Private institutions, companies, and organizations may also offer loans in the guise of scholarships. Private banks and financial institutions can also help out with their own plans and packages for student loans.
Payment options
Harvard Law School has just recently announced that it will take care of the tuition of students in their third year of study as long as these students promise to devote five years of their careers to public service after graduation. Other law schools also have their own terms of payment of the loans given out to students. However, before embarking on a student loan, make sure to read and understand the terms and payment options offered by a law school or a private banking institution.
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You’ve heard the stories and you may have been experiencing what seems to be the start of every law student’s nightmare: not having a “life.” Though it’s to be expected that one has to let go of some or most of the privileges that he or she enjoyed prior to law school, that doesn’t mean that the law student has to give them all up. Here are some tips on how to be able to juggle a life and law school effectively.
Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize
Learn how to gauge the level of priority for each subject or task that you need to do. Set up a schedule or calendar of activities. Be careful though in placing activities too close together. If a certain big exam comes right after a paper, try studying for the exam days prior to it. Or you could try writing your paper and finishing it before studying for the exam.
Set a social calendar
Setting a schedule should not only revolve around your academics, but should also include hours for non-academic stuff. Visits to family or a lunch out with friends are also important items that you need to schedule.
Learn how to say “no”
Yes, having a little recreation can do wonders for your well-being. But if you’re having lunch with a group of friends and it seems that it would extend up to your usual hour of study before your litigation class, learn to say “I have to go now” so you can still read up a little. A little sacrifice can be worth it especially if you do well in the class.
Determine when your best studying times are
If you’re more of an all-nighter, try to take advantage of this trait by studying in those hours. Though other research suggests that studying in daytime may be more effective, it is also advisable to adjust your studying periods to your current schedule. This way, you can do less-important tasks during the time of the day when you’re least productive.
Get enough rest and nourishment
One can avoid feeling lethargic or out of sorts when he or she gets enough sleep and rest. Add to that a healthy diet, then you’re all set to conquer any exam or recitation in class.
Have fun doing it
Don’t look at studying for law school as a heavy cross to bear. Remember that you are doing this to achieve a goal that you believe in.
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In the first year, almost all ABA-accredited law schools offer the same curricula to their students. It is not until students reach their second year of law where more choices can be offered, depending on their area of interest or which track of specialization they would want to pursue. To get one started on the right path toward a specialization, look for electives that can get one closer to the goal. However, the options for electives and course offerings differ in each law school.
Prior to getting in, one could determine which law school would offer the best curriculum. Check out online curriculum guides of each law school for a heads up on what each law school can offer. Below is an overview of a few of the course offerings from reputable law schools in the US.
Georgetown University
Georgetown University has a comprehensive package of electives, seminars, and courses that span a variety of specializations. Georgetown University can also boast of courses that teach on the latest in legal matters and jurisprudence updates such as Law and Cyberspace or Bioethics and the Law.
The New York Law School – International and Comparative Law
The New York Law School also offers an interesting course lineup for students who want to pursue a legal career in a transnational setting. An international and comparative law curriculum spans many disciplines of thought and legal procedure. Advanced courses on Business law, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Human Rights, just to name a few, are offered in this institution.
Yale Law School
Though the Yale Law School by far has one of the smallest admission numbers throughout the US (admitting under 200 students per year), it has established itself as a purveyor of legal studies. The curriculum offers a wide array of courses, seminars, and lectures for the study of business law.
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Many law school applicants have to worry not only about their personal statement law school, but also about how they’re going to pay for their tuition fee. Fortunately, there are various institutions offering law school scholarships to those who are in need of financial aid. Some institutions only give scholarships to law school students in a particular area. If you need help when it comes to funding your law school education, below are some law school scholarships that are definitely worth checking out.
ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund
The American Bar Association awards legal opportunity scholarships to deserving students of ABA-accredited law schools. Scholarship recipients each receive $5,000 annually, which can be renewed for an additional two years if the student’s academic performance is satisfactory.
American Counsel Association Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to third year law school students based on their academic status and financial need. Every year, the ACA scholarship committee reviews nominations submitted by deans of various law schools.
Cabaniss, Johnston Scholarship
Awarded by the Alabama Law Foundation, the Cabaniss, Johnston Scholarship is awarded to law school students who are Alabama residents and are in their second year of studying law at an ABA-accredited law school. Beyond those requirements, students must also demonstrate conscientiousness, civic involvement, dedication, dependability, and financial need.
Erie County Bar Association Scholarship
Law school students who need financial assistance and are studying in accredited law schools who are also residents of Erie County, Pennsylvania can apply for the Erie County Bar Association Scholarship. Interested applicants can fill out the online application form or request for an application form from the association.
Samuel Krugliak Legal Scholarship
Awarded by the Krugliak Wilkings Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A., the Samuel Krugliak Legal Scholarship requires applicants to be currently enrolled at ABA-accredited law schools, have formerly resided or resides in Wayne, Carroll, Holmes, Tuscarawas, Mahoning, Summit, Columbiana, or Stark counties, and intend to practice law within the Stark county region.
Carl A. Vergari Scholarship
This scholarship is just one of the seven scholarships awarded by the Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County, Inc. Applicants should reside in Westchester County, be enrolled in an accredited law school, and rank among the upper half of their class to qualify.
Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship
Sponsored by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association, the Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr. scholarship is awarded to entering law students who are U.S. citizens and from disadvantaged backgrounds. Applicants must show academic promise, leadership, interest in diversity, community service, and need financial assistance.
Wally Davis Scholarship
The Orange County Hispanic Bar Association awards the Wally Davis Scholarship to Hispanic law students from Orange County, California. Current law students should rank at the upper half of their class while entering law students must possess at least a 3.0 GPA to be eligible.
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If you want to get accepted into a law school, then you have to craft a very good personal statement. A personal statement law school gives you the chance to distinguish yourself from the other candidates. It is very important that you cite excellent reasons for wanting to attend law school. Below are 5 of the best reasons why people want to get a degree in law. See if these reasons apply to you and then use them in your personal statement if you feel that such reasons are going to help make your personal statement stand out:
I’ve done some research on both legal and non-legal careers and have decided that a law degree is right for me.
When you’ve already done research regarding your options, then this means that you have more or less a good idea of what you’re entering into. Deciding to go into law school after you have considered other alternatives is good because this means that you’ve probably seen that going into law fits your interests and skills better than other programs.
I’ve worked in a legal organization and loved what I had to do.
This is an excellent reason for wanting to go into law school. When you’ve already worked at a legal organization, then you have observed the work of lawyers and have liked what they do. Getting an internship at a law firm while in college or after you graduate is a good way for you to prepare for law school.
I attended some law school classes and doing so made me more interested in becoming a lawyer.
If you’ve already seen what happens inside law school classes and you liked what you saw, chances are, you really want to go to law school. This is better than just reading books about law because you have experienced being part of the classroom and have seen what going to law school entails.
I’ve interviewed different lawyers and I think I would love doing what they do.
Getting the real deal from attorneys is great because this means that the information you have about the profession comes from someone credible. It would be good for you to ask many lawyers about what they do and their experiences, both the good and the bad.
I’ve always read what I can about law and I want to help people resolve their legal problems.
Reading books about law and knowing what you can about the profession makes you aware of what being a lawyer requires. If you’ve dealt with case studies and had a few law courses during college and the experience only increased your desire to be a lawyer, then it’s a good sign that you may be right for the profession.
Aside from these top five reasons for wanting to get a law degree and becoming an attorney, there are other possible reasons you can cite in your personal statement. The key here is to include genuine reasons that can help convince the readers about you deserving a slot at their law school.
Although being a lawyer offers better employment opportunities in the public and private sectors and higher compensation packages, stating that these are your reasons to go to law school may be in bad taste. The admissions committee members may not look at your application favorably. Perhaps, you can mention that these reasons did come to your mind in your decision to go to law school but that these are only secondary and merely represent the add-ons to being a lawyer.
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Many people or online tips might tell you that mainly through a kick-ass personal statement law
school applications will be easy to pass. Though at a certain aspect it is true, an important reminder is: it’s NOT just through a kick-ass personal statement law school applications may be aced. You
have to prepare for the many requirements–not to mention deciding on which specialization you’ll
enter. So, before you sit down to work on your personal statement, read the following tips. These
may help you pass the law school applications
Tip 1: Prepare for the LSAT before you make the personal statement law school applications require
The LSAT is not just any standardized entrance test. It’s a three-hour (or more) long test that you
can pass with flying colors if you’ve worked very hard to get ready. So, while you’re taking a break after leaving work or after graduating from college, set several months to study. And if you want professional training, undertake a prep course.
Tip 2: Set your priorities before you work on the personal statement law school applications require
Determine which city you want to work in as a lawyer and what specialization you’ll take. Then,
apply to the schools in the city you want to work in and to the ones you really want. Applying to the
law schools in the city of your choice can help you make a more appealing resume.
Tip 3: Prepare to answer the application forms and references before you brainstorm for the personal statement law school applications require
Get application forms from the law schools you want but don’t answer the forms yet. Make
photocopies of the forms and answer those to practice and to avoid erasures on the official forms.
Then, inform the professors you’ll ask referral letters from about your need. So this a few months in
advance. Remind them occasionally and tell them when you need the referral letters. Plus, provide the necessary information and documents and present them neatly.
Tip 4: Finally, sit down and work on the personal statement law school applications require
Here are what you should remember to make an excellent personal statement law school expert
readers will appreciate:
- Personal statement law school entries should be well-thought of and be very personal. Focus on a
certain experience and say what you’ve learned from it. Explain, too, how that experience has led you to apply to a law school.
- Personal statement law school entries should be unique. Many of the experts reading the personal statement law school entries dislike clichés and tend to skip the entries with boring starting lines.
- Personal statement law school entries should be well-presented and well-written. They are examples of how you will write your academic papers so you should impress the readers.
- Personal statement law school entries should be devoid of achievement and grade run-downs. Your transcript of records and resume already state such information and readers want to know more about the personality, motivations and principles of applicants instead.
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Getting into law school is no easy task. But as in other endeavors, you can always have a head start. So if you’re planning to get into law school, better start warming up now. Get set, and we’ll start gearing you up for the challenge.
Here are a few tips on how to have what it takes to get into a good law school:
1. Plan. Prepare a law school application timetable. As soon as you realize that you want to go to law school, plan your next moves.
2. Check out different law schools and try to choose where you want to study. Find out what the requirements are and prepare for them right away. Schools have different sets of requirements, but there are “generic” ones such as personal statement, recommendation letters, and application letters. In choosing a law school, just keep these things in mind:
-A school’s reputation can affect your opportunities when you graduate. Check the school’s background and alumni.
-Go for a school where you will be comfortable.
-Consider your budget. Public schools charge lower fees than private ones.
-Consider your preferred field of expertise. Choose the school that could give you the best quality of education in relation to it.
-Consider your own qualifications in relation to the schools’ requirements.
3. Invest in your experiences to strengthen your academic and working background.
–Do your best in school. Participate in extra-curricular activities, especially in community services. Involve yourself in activities that would develop your leadership, reasoning and communication skills. Excel in academics. Do your best to get high marks. High grades will always have an edge in law school applications.
–Get subjects that may be relevant to you when you get into law school.
–Get an internship or part-time job that is related to law.
–Do your best at work. Stand out in your career. Grab every opportunity to improve and shine.
Your college and working experiences and records will count a lot in your law school application. Doing well in both endeavors would make it easy for you to ask your professors or employers to write recommendation letters for you.
4. Establish connections.
5. Prepare for law school examinations. Research and read. Study well in school.
6. Explore. Know more about law school admissions. Ask around. Browse the Net. Know the stakes. There are people who are posting tips about law school application online.
For law school admissions committees, an applicant’s eagerness, preparedness and commitment to law, matter significantly. That an applicant bothers to get as much knowledge and experiences related to law speaks a lot of the applicant’s dedication. That alone, could serve as one important edge in getting accepted.
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