Studying Law: Who Can Pursue Legal Education?

Studying law opens doors to many career paths, including politics, diplomacy, economics, business, and education. It is a competitive field, and aspiring law students should be prepared for a challenging academic journey. While there are no specific qualifications required to study law, proficiency in the language of instruction is crucial, as well as strong reading, analytical, and critical thinking skills. International students interested in studying law in the US should first obtain an undergraduate degree and focus on maintaining a high GPA, as this, along with LSAT scores, plays a significant role in the admissions process for law schools.

Law school prerequisites

Academic Prerequisites:

• Bachelor's Degree: Most law schools require applicants to have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While there is no specific major required, some law schools may prefer applicants with degrees in fields like political science, philosophy, history, English, business, economics, or traditional pre-law fields. Law schools value diverse educational backgrounds, so don't feel limited to these majors. Choose a field of study that interests you and that you believe you will excel in.
• Undergraduate GPA: Your undergraduate grade point average (GPA) is a significant factor in the law school admissions process. Law schools will scrutinize your GPA, and a higher GPA can enhance your application. However, the trend of your academic performance is also important. Law schools may view a trajectory of improvement positively.
• Law School Admission Test (LSAT): The LSAT is a critical component of your law school application. It is a standardized test that assesses reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and writing skills. The LSAT is designed to test competencies relevant to future legal work. While it used to be a requirement, some law schools are now accepting Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores instead of LSAT scores.

Other Important Considerations:

• Letters of Recommendation: Most law schools require at least two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities, work ethic, and character. Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide thoughtful and detailed letters.
• Personal Statement: A well-crafted personal statement is essential. This statement should showcase your unique qualities, explain your motivation for pursuing a law degree, and demonstrate your writing skills.
• Extracurricular Activities and Experience: While not strictly academic prerequisites, law schools value applicants with diverse experiences. Consider activities and internships that demonstrate your interest in law, public service, and the promotion of justice.
• School Reputation and Accreditation: Consider the reputation and accreditation status of the law schools you're applying to. The legal field is status-oriented, and ABA-accredited schools will provide more options for taking the bar exam in various jurisdictions.
• Curriculum and Course Structure: Familiarize yourself with the curriculum and teaching methods of the law schools you're considering. The first year of law school is notoriously challenging, with a highly structured curriculum that may include courses like Civil Procedure, Property Law, and Torts.

Law school experience

Law school can be an intense and competitive environment, but it is also a rewarding experience. The first year of law school is often the most challenging, as students are introduced to the case method approach, which involves the detailed examination of judicial opinions and learning to relate them to other cases. This method is designed to encourage critical thinking and analytical skills, which are highly valued in the legal profession.

In the first year, students can expect a highly structured curriculum, with designated courses covering subjects such as civil procedure, property law, and torts. Legal writing is also a critical component, where students learn legal research and writing skills by researching and writing memoranda on various legal problems. Most professors give little feedback and course grades are primarily determined by end-of-semester or end-of-year exams. Students are expected to arrive at every class thoroughly prepared, and participation is often encouraged through assigned seating and professors' use of seating charts.

After the first year, students will have more opportunities to select from a broader range of courses and specialized programs. These can include judicial clerkships, legal externships, clinical programs, moot court exercises, and involvement with public interest and governmental agencies. Students can also expect to continue developing their legal writing skills and gaining practical experience through internships or other hands-on opportunities.

Outside of the classroom, law school students are encouraged to join study groups to help understand complicated concepts and prepare for exams. Additionally, extracurricular activities, such as student organizations and events, can provide a well-rounded law school experience and allow students to connect with their peers.

Overall, the law school experience is designed to not only impart legal knowledge but also to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and maturity, preparing students for the challenges and rewards of a career in law.

Career prospects

A law degree is a gateway to a career as a solicitor or barrister, but it is important to note that there are many other career paths beyond the legal profession that you can choose from. The legal field is very status-oriented, so the reputation of the school you attend is a factor to consider when choosing a law degree program. Some schools have more name recognition than others, which can impact your career prospects. Additionally, certain schools may be known for their expertise in specific fields of law, which can also influence your career choices.

If you intend to practise law after graduation, you must complete some form of vocational training to be able to apply your skills in a real-world setting. The specific requirements may vary depending on your location. For example, in England and Wales, aspiring solicitors must complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), while those aiming to become barristers need to undertake a Bar course followed by a one-year training period called a pupillage. In the UK, if you become a barrister, you will likely be self-employed and work as a tenant in a set of chambers. On the other hand, solicitors can find employment in various types of legal practices, including high street solicitors' practices, which offer a wide range of caseloads covering criminal, family, probate, and business law.

Law graduates in many jurisdictions are required to continuously update their knowledge and skills by taking legal education courses to maintain their licenses. These courses can cover various legal fields, such as mental health law, land law, labour law, and insurance law. This ongoing education ensures that lawyers stay up-to-date with the latest changes and developments in the legal field.

There are also alternative paths to explore before or after law school. Prospective law students can benefit from gaining work experience, even on a part-time or unpaid basis, to strengthen their applications and develop valuable skills. Working as a paralegal, for instance, provides a firsthand understanding of legal work. Additionally, assisting vulnerable populations through political, civic, or faith-based organizations can showcase an applicant's ability to serve others, which is an important quality in the legal profession. These experiences can enhance your resume and demonstrate your commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for law school or future legal employment.

Law school selection

Another factor to consider is the school's teaching methodology. Law professors often employ the Socratic Method, which involves asking questions to help students learn to analyze case law. This method can be unnerving for some students, so it is worth finding out if this is used at your chosen school. The structure of the curriculum is also important, with most law schools having a highly structured first year. This includes designated courses in civil procedure, property law, and torts, among others.

The cost of law school is also a significant consideration, with tuition ranging from a few thousand to over $50,000 per year. Including living expenses, the total cost of a law degree can exceed $150,000, so having a financial strategy and considering future income is vital. Additionally, some applicants may need to stay in a particular geographic area, and the school's size, religious affiliation, and stand-alone or university-affiliated status are also factors that can influence the decision.

To make an informed decision, it is beneficial to utilize resources such as LSAC LawHub's Law School Wizard, which provides personalized information on employment outcomes, student debt projections, and more. Sitting in on a real law school course, attending recruitment forums, and connecting with other applicants through platforms like LSD.Law can also provide valuable insights into the law school experience. Ultimately, choosing the best-fit law school depends on individual needs, goals, and preferences.

Law as a profession

Law is a fascinating field of study that can open many doors for graduates. Law school teaches students about the practice of law and the general legal system, as well as providing them with the skills to practice as attorneys or develop careers in other fields. These include politics, diplomacy, economics, business, and education.

The legal field is very status-oriented, and competition for entry-level jobs at big firms is high. It is therefore important to choose a law school with care. Prospective students should look at school rankings, but also visit campuses, talk to current students and graduates, and consider the specialisms of each school. It is generally recommended that students attend law school in the area where they intend to practice. In the US, law is a graduate field, and students must first obtain an undergraduate degree in any subject. They must also take the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test), which assesses their skills in logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and writing. A high GPA and LSAT score will increase a student's chances of acceptance, as will extracurricular activities such as internships, work experience, and leadership positions.

The first year of law school is generally considered the most difficult. Students can expect a highly structured curriculum, with assigned seating and professors using a seating chart. Law professors tend not to lecture but instead ask questions to help students learn to analyse case law. The first year of law school covers subjects such as civil procedure, property law, and torts. Students are also introduced to legal writing, which involves researching and writing memoranda dealing with various legal problems. In the second year, students focus on extracurricular activities and begin to look for legal internships. In their third year, students take electives and begin to study for the bar exam, which they must pass to practice law in their jurisdiction.

After graduation, law professionals can pursue career opportunities in government, corporate, private, and international organisations. They can also open their own law firms or advance their educational qualifications by obtaining master's and doctoral degrees.

Frequently asked questions