Personal statement law school

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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After passing the bar and getting that much coveted title, a lawyer can choose between various paths in which to practice his or her profession. First is the decision to make between going into private practice or into public service.

Public practice

Duties
A lawyer can opt to be employed by the state or government. As a public attorney, one can be tasked to provide legal counsel to individuals or entities who do not have access to private lawyers. Most of the cases handled by public defenders are criminal in nature, but other cases of quasi-criminal nature may arise. Clients also tend to vacillate toward those who are financially strapped and are often part of the indigent strata.

Wages
A public attorney’s wages is shouldered by the county or state government. At times, one can be compelled to render services pro bono. One can go into the Federal Public Defenders and receive salaries that are at par with lawyers employed in the US Attorney’s Office. Though not as impressive as the pay a lawyer in a large law firm can get, the benefits and civil protection that public practice brings are sometimes attractive packages that can lure newly appointed lawyers to government service.

Private practice

Duties
The duties of a lawyer in private practice differ depending on the type of employment or association one forms. Lawyers can go into the large law firms that are hired by companies and other big-time clients. Competition can be fierce as politics, which can be strongly felt in these institutions. A lawyer can also work closely with clients as in-house corporate legal counsels. As lawyers also have areas of specialization, services can also be rendered to companies of the same nature. A lawyer can also opt to operate his or her own small law firm.

Wages
Undoubtedly, the higher the position one attains in a large law firm or corporate setting, the higher the pay. For those who operate their own small firms, income may vary depending on the case load or frequency of clients.

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Not all lawyers can be good politicians and not all politicians are required to have a law degree to be able to lead a district or a nation. However, the traits of a good lawyer or law-degree holder can also be good makings of a good politician. A better understanding of the law can help a politician make better legislations. Leadership may be an inborn or developed talent, but a thorough knowledge of the law can only be acquired through its intensive study in law school.

A law school does not necessarily teach an individual to be a good politician, but promising politicians can be products of law school. A lawyer can choose to exercise the skills that he learned and honed in law school and in the courtroom in a larger setting such as the legislature.

Some skills that may help in securing a position in public office

Analytical skills

Law school harnessed lawyers and law degreeholders to devour large volumes of texts on policies and make sense of these. In the face of impending issues, new legislations can be formed out of the good analysis of the situation and the existing rules regarding the issues. If a certain lawyer-turned politician harnesses this analytical skill to constantly produce legislations that benefit the people, he or she may rise up in the political ladder.

The capability for logical thinking

Making sense of the issues at hand requires a lot of logical thinking. Lawyers have been trained to employ logical thinking in their cases at court and may well employ this ability in the political arena. This trait would serve a politician well as after effectively correlating a number of issues can help in the legislative process.

Good communication skills

Lawyers are adept at listening to people and getting message across as well. Good communication skills can work well for politicians. Having exemplary debating skills also make a lawyer a good politician as one may need to lobby against other legislators for certain stipulations to be enforced.

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Lawyers, by training and profession, are experts in the judiciary or execution of the laws, edicts and rights as prescribed by the Constitution. Lawyers and law graduates bring to the legislative table skills that can make a good public servant if they choose to do so.

Lawyers on policy-making

Ideally, experience in upholding the law can make lawyers and law degree holders suitable for public office. Policy-making can be improved as lawyers should have deeper understanding of all the rights and limitations as stated in the Constitution. Policies, laws, and acts can be formulated in accordance to or as improved versions of the basic principles of the Constitution.

To be able to formulate effective laws, a politician should be able to go through large amounts of written material. Law school and the practice of law have prepared the lawyer to face such texts and devour the information in these. Having attention to detail can also be a qualifier for lawyers to become effective politicians as well.

Policy-making also entails that the person be able to make sense of issues and matters at hand. Making logical arguments to defend a cause or a new bill is just second nature for lawyers who do it for a living. The ability to negotiate well also comes in handy as politicians banter and parry for the enactment of certain laws – tasks that a lawyer is well-acquainted with in the courtroom.

Lawyers on good governance

Though the ability to exhibit good governance does not really require a law degree, the holistic approach that lawyers employ in most of their cases can be of use in the arena of politics. Excellent communication skills are exhibited by lawyers and law degreeholders, necessary for addressing fellow legislators and great audiences when they get into office. Lawyers often look at the legislature as a larger courtroom and in a sense, it really is. It would just depend on how these lawyers turned politicians can fight their case well, for the benefit of a greater client – the people.

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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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Whether you’re a college senior slaving away on writing your personal statement law school, or a law student, or just someone interested in law, then watching movies featuring law students and the law school experience may just be your thing. If you’re planning to enter law school, these movies can give you insights on how it is to be in law school and what law students usually have to go through. Below are five movies fit for anyone who’s interested in law.

Paper Chase

Directed by James Bridges, Paper Chase is a 1973 film based on the novel with the same title written by John Jay Osborn, Jr. The movie focuses on the life of Hart (played by Timothy Bottoms), who is a first year student in Harvard Law School. Hart soon becomes the adversary of his Contract Law professor, Charles Kingsfield, Jr. (played by John Houseman). Adding to the dilemma of Hart is his discovery that he’s dating his professor’s daughter. Often cited as one of the best movies that provide an accurate depiction of life in law school, the movie has also gained glowing reviews as it has an emotionally gripping plot.

The Pelican Brief

Based on the novel written by John Grisham, The Pelican Brief stars Julia Roberts as Darby Shaw, a law school student who stumbles upon some very interesting details while doing some research on the death of two Supreme Court Justices. Darby finds out that these details involve several men in high places. Darby shows her research and theories, which then becomes known as the Pelican Brief, to her law professor, Thomas Callahan, who then shows it to his friend, Gavin Verheek. Both men are killed soon after and Darby goes on the run as she fears that her life will be the next target.

The Trials of Law School

An 87-minute film, The Trials of Law School follows the life of several law students at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. They come from very different backgrounds, each with his or her own expectations, hopes, and dreams. This film deals largely with how law students manage their studies and their personal lives, making it a definite must-watch film for all law school students.

Legally Blonde

Bubbly and perky Elle Woods, the president of her sorority famous for its good-looking members, is the last person you would imagine to enter the “serious” world of law school. When Elle Woods’s boyfriend, Warner Huntington III, breaks up with her, she becomes determined to get him back. She sets out for Harvard Law School, finding herself in a place that is such a far cry from the comforts she’s used to. At Harvard, Elle is met with skepticism and hostility, and she sets out to do everything she can in her studies, and becomes one of the notable students in her class. Despite garnering mixed reviews from movie critics, this movie became a surprise box office hit. It eventually led to a sequel, which was a far cry in terms of box office sales and reviews from the original.

Reversal of Fortune

In this movie, Claus von Bulow is convicted for the attempted murder of his wife, so he seeks the help of Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz. Unlike other legal thrillers, this movie does not focus on the trial, but rather on the preparatory work that Dershowitz does along with his students so that they can disprove the case and achieve acquittal for von Bulow.

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Getting accepted into law schools may be tough, but when you write an impressive personal statement, you increase your admissions chances. A personal statement law school gives you the chance to let admission officers know what makes you different from the other candidates. Your personal statement contains information regarding your activities outside of school and gives readers an insight into your personal life, background, and inner voice that exam scores and grade point averages just can’t convey.

Give yourself enough time to write.

Don’t cram when it comes to writing your personal statement. Take the time to write down the things you want to say. You might find yourself wanting to say something more or deleting some sentences out as you go on, and this is one of the reasons why you must give yourself adequate time to write.

Think about yourself and your life.

When you sit down to write, just jot down your thoughts as they come. You can edit your personal statement later on. Think about your life and what’s happened to you so far. You have to give readers a glimpse into your academic and personal experiences, especially those that make you different from other people. Are you part of a minority? Are you an immigrant? What are your special skills and abilities? Writing about these things establishes you as a unique individual.

State your reasons for going into law school.

When you write about your life experiences, you also need to write about how these experiences led you to decide to go into law school. You should also be able to articulate what it is about the law that appeals to you as well as what you already know about law and law school. Having taken some law courses before or having work experience in a law firm or as an assistant to a lawyer or law professor may be some of the things you’ve done that can convince admission officers to accept you into the school.

Organize your thoughts and ideas.

Nothing turns away readers from a written piece than an article that just goes around in circles. Especially if you’re writing a persuasive essay, wherein the aim is for you to convince the reader to make him or her believe you or approve of your proposal, grabbing the reader’s attention at the first sentence and sustaining it until the very last sentence are critical. Write an outline of all your ideas and your points. Bear in mind that some people may contradict some of the points you will be raising. If you cannot think of any good justifications on some of these, don’t elaborate on them anymore.

Organizing your thoughts and ideas in an outline is also important because you have to make each word and sentence count. You cannot afford to add clutter to your personal statement. Some law schools usually prescribe a maximum number of words for the personal statement. So, it’s essential that you make the maximum use of your words. You can do away with useless platitudes and general statements. Doing so will result in tighter and more focused writing.

Edit and revise.

Make sure that your law school personal statement essay is clear and concise. Don’t turn it into a resume that’s written in paragraph form. Your essay should show admission officers who you are and why they should choose you. Write about your goals, dreams, and aspirations. Make your essay personal, make it uniquely yours. After you’ve written down your ideas, don’t forget to go over it again and revise. You can also ask a trusted friend or teacher to read it and give you some opinions. This way, you can get constructive criticism that can help you polish your essay to be the best it can be.

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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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