Becoming A Law Student: A Guide To Success

Becoming a law student is no easy feat. It requires a series of steps, from completing undergraduate degrees to passing entrance exams and interviews. Prospective law students must also consider the rigorous academic requirements and intense competition in law school.

The first step is to complete a bachelor's degree. While there is no specific major requirement, maintaining a high grade point average is crucial. The next step is to pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which assesses reading comprehension, writing skills, and analytical and reasoning abilities. Other requirements include writing a compelling personal statement, obtaining letters of recommendation, and submitting official transcripts.

It is also essential to research and choose the right law school that aligns with your career goals and interests. The application process may involve interviews, and it is beneficial to prepare thoroughly for these.

Becoming a law student is just the beginning of a challenging but rewarding journey towards a career in law.

Research the legal profession and legal jobs

Researching the legal profession and legal jobs is an important step on the path to becoming a law student. It is recommended that aspiring law students explore law and legal careers before pursuing law school. This can help you gain a more realistic view of the legal profession, the skills you will need, and the job market after graduation.

• Understand the diverse nature of legal careers: Lawyers work in various settings, including corporate, private, government, and international settings. They can specialise in different areas of law, such as aviation law, sports and entertainment law, corporate law, real estate law, immigration law, criminal law, civil rights law, health law, intellectual property law, and tax law.
• Explore the daily tasks and responsibilities of lawyers: Lawyers provide legal advice, perform research, gather information, draft legal documents, and represent clients in court. They work with individuals and companies in civil and criminal matters, often finding themselves at the forefront of political and social debates. Their work can involve reading legal cases and spending time in law libraries, preparing contracts and other legal documents, conducting depositions and evidence discovery, meeting with clients in jails or prisons, delivering important news to clients, and appearing in court.
• Learn about the educational requirements: To become a lawyer, you will typically need to complete an undergraduate degree, pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or a equivalent graduate exam, earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school, and pass the bar examination in the state where you intend to practice. The educational journey can be rigorous and time-consuming, so it is important to be well-informed about the requirements before embarking on this path.
• Research law schools and application requirements: When choosing a law school, consider factors such as faculty, areas of study, tuition, curriculum, and accreditation. Look into the Law School Admission Council's "Discover Law" portal, which provides valuable information about becoming a lawyer and preparing for law school. Additionally, consider reaching out to lawyers in your community to gain insights into their career paths and diverse specialisations.
• Understand the job market and employment opportunities: Research the job prospects for lawyers in your desired location. Consider factors such as salary, competition, and the demand for legal services in different specialisations. This will help you make informed decisions about your career path and the areas of law you may want to pursue.
• Network and seek mentorship: Building connections with legal professionals is invaluable. Consider reaching out to lawyers, legal researchers, paralegals, and legal assistants to learn about their career paths and daily work lives. They can provide mentorship and guidance, as well as insights into the challenges and rewards of the legal profession.

By thoroughly researching the legal profession and legal jobs, you will be better equipped to make informed decisions about your law school journey and future career path.

Develop communication, reasoning skills and a strong work ethic

Developing strong communication and reasoning skills, as well as a robust work ethic, is crucial for aspiring law students. Here are some ways to achieve that:

Communication Skills:

• Seek opportunities to improve your oral communication and listening abilities. Engage in debates, make formal presentations, or speak before groups to enhance your public speaking skills.
• Develop excellent writing skills by seeking experiences that require rigorous and analytical writing. Prepare original pieces and revise them based on constructive feedback.
• Enhance your ability to express yourself clearly and concisely, as language is a lawyer's most important tool.

Reasoning Skills:

• Take courses or have experiences that challenge your critical thinking and improve your tolerance for uncertainty and criticism.
• Engage in close reading and critical analysis of complex textual material. This can include literature, political or economic theory, philosophy, or history.
• Develop analytical and problem-solving abilities by enrolling in upper-level humanities, social science, or analytical courses (philosophy, STEM).

Work Ethic:

• Prioritize work over play to avoid all-nighters. Plan ahead and stay organized to make the workload more manageable.
• Focus on the end goal of applying your legal knowledge correctly during exams.
• Develop personal discipline and collaboration skills through extracurricular activities such as sports, writing for a school newspaper, or volunteer work.
• Seek out internships or law-related employment to gain practical experience and make informed decisions about your law career.

Study for the LSAT or GRE

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the traditional law school entrance exam, and the one that most prospective law students take to qualify for law school. The Graduate Record Examinations General Test (GRE) is also accepted by some law schools. The LSAT assesses reading comprehension, writing skills, and analytical and reasoning skills. The average cost of the LSAT is $500, and students often start studying a year in advance. The higher the LSAT score, the more competitive a law school applicant usually is. However, even if you end up with average scores, remember that admissions committees also consider other components of your application.

• Consider how you learn best. Your approach may be a combination of self-directed and friend-supported study, or you might benefit from an online course to keep you focused. As you progress, refine your study strategies based on your performance.
• Create a study schedule. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and allocate time each week to focus on different sections and completing practice tests. It's important to stay consistent.
• Enrol in an LSAT course. There are numerous online resources dedicated to helping you prepare for the LSAT. A well-structured prep course can help you learn the various components of the LSAT. Some options are free, while others can be quite expensive, depending on the quality and quantity of the material.
• Consider a private tutor. You may be able to find recommendations from your school's law department or another college or university in your community for any law professors or advanced law students who can offer private tutoring. You might also be able to find private legal tutors online.

While the LSAT is the most common law school entrance exam, some law schools may also accept the GRE. The GRE is a standardised test that assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. It is often taken by students applying to graduate programmes outside of law, such as business or engineering. If you are considering taking the GRE instead of the LSAT, be sure to check with your desired law schools to ensure they accept this exam.

Gain admission to law school

Gaining admission to law school is a complex, multi-step process. Here are the requirements you will generally need to meet to get into law school in the United States:

• Complete a bachelor's degree: You will need to have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. There is no specific major recommended by the American Bar Association (ABA) at this level, and students gain admission to law school from a wide range of academic backgrounds. However, it is important to maintain a high grade point average.
• Pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT): The LSAT is a standardised test that assesses reading comprehension, writing skills, and analytical and reasoning skills. It is the most important metric in determining your admission into law school.
• Write a personal statement: This is your opportunity to showcase why you are a good fit for the law school programme. Discuss your background, reasons for pursuing a law degree, experiences and goals.
• Obtain letters of recommendation: Law schools generally require at least two letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or others who can speak to your academic achievements and character.
• Request official transcripts: You will need to gather official transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs to evaluate your academic performance and verify your GPA.
• Prepare and submit your application: Carefully review the requirements of each school and verify the deadlines. Most schools will require an application fee.
• Choose the right school: Research law schools to find those that align with your career goals, interests, and qualifications. Consider the location and the cost of living.
• Research the total financial cost: Factor in the cost of law school and research your options for educational loans carefully.
• Tailor your application: Customise your application to reflect the specific law school you are applying to. Mention why you are interested in that particular school and how it aligns with your goals.
• Apply early: Submit your applications by the end of November at the latest, as law schools follow a rolling admissions process.
• Study for the LSAT: Prepare for the LSAT well in advance. Consider how you learn best, create a study schedule, enrol in an LSAT course, or seek a private tutor.

What to expect from law school

Law school is known for being rigorous and demanding, with a heavy workload. Here are some things to expect and tips for success:

• There will be a lot of reading: Be prepared to spend long hours studying and reading cases.
• Work hard and work smart: Focus on working efficiently and stay organised. Prioritise your work and plan ahead to avoid all-nighters.
• Tutorials and seminars are key: Smaller group teaching sessions are opportunities to test your understanding and give structure to your learning.
• Law school is intense and competitive: You will be competing against your fellow students for the best grades, and some schools use a bell curve marking system.
• Law books are expensive: Be prepared for the high cost of essential textbooks.
• The workload is demanding: The jump from undergraduate studies to law school can be challenging, and you may need to adjust your expectations for grades.
• Social stereotypes of law students exist: Be prepared for comments and questions about your choice of degree.

Tips for success in law school:

• Do all the assigned reading and stay on top of it.
• Take notes while reading and brief the cases.
• Review your notes before each class to follow the discussion better.
• Attend all classes and pay attention.
• Participate in class and engage actively in the learning process.
• Take class notes but also engage in the class discussion.
• Prepare an outline for each class to help you master the subject matter.
• Consider forming a study group to increase understanding and retention.
• Review the material regularly throughout the semester.
• Attend review sessions conducted by professors and take advantage of their feedback.
• Take practice exams to familiarise yourself with the exam format.
• Create a study plan to manage your time effectively.
• Start working on your papers as soon as possible.
• Review your exams with professors to determine areas for improvement.
• Minimise stress by making time for exercise, healthy eating, sleep, and outside activities.
• Don't get too caught up in the competitive aspect of law school. Focus on doing your best and being supportive of your classmates.
• Seek help if you need it – it's normal to have questions, especially during the first year.

Pass the bar examination

Passing the bar exam is the basic requirement to practice law in the US. While the exam differs from state to state, it is usually a two-day process. On the first day, you will take the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), and on the second day, you will focus on writing examinations covering various legal matters. The state board of bar examiners will also consider your educational background, competence, character, and ability to represent others in legal matters before offering full legal licensure.

• Start preparing early: Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the bar exam. Create a study schedule and be consistent with it. Some students start studying a year in advance.
• Understand the exam format: Familiarise yourself with the format of the bar exam, including the types of questions asked and the topics covered. This will help you tailor your preparation accordingly.
• Seek resources and support: Utilise resources such as bar exam prep courses, study guides, and practice exams. Additionally, don't hesitate to seek support from professors, mentors, or peers who have successfully passed the bar exam.
• Develop strong critical reading and analytical skills: The bar exam will require you to analyse complex legal texts and extract pertinent information. Practice reading and analysing case law, statutes, and other legal materials.
• Improve your writing skills: The writing portion of the bar exam is crucial. Develop your legal writing skills by practising with sample essay questions and seeking feedback from mentors or peers.
• Manage your time effectively: The bar exam will cover a vast amount of material, so it's important to allocate your time wisely. Create a study plan that covers all the relevant topics and stick to it.
• Take care of yourself: Studying for the bar exam can be stressful and demanding. Make sure to take breaks, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to stay focused and energised during your preparation.

Frequently asked questions