Becoming A Man Of Law: A Guide

The path to becoming a lawyer is a challenging one, requiring years of rigorous academic study and training. In the US, the first step is to conduct research on the legal profession and the various job options within the field, such as aviation law, sports and entertainment law, corporate law, and criminal law.

The next step is to develop essential skills such as communication and reasoning, as well as a strong work ethic. This can be achieved through academic courses and extracurricular activities like joining a speech and debate team or getting involved with drama.

To be admitted to law school, prospective students typically need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations General Test (GRE). A good score on these exams, along with other components of the application, will determine an applicant's competitiveness for law school.

Once admitted, law students will need to complete their legal studies and gain practical experience through internships or other work placements. Finally, to practice law, aspiring attorneys must pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction where they intend to work.

Take 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. However, an increasing number of law schools are now accepting the Graduate Record Examinations General Test (GRE) as an alternative.

The LSAT is accepted at all US law schools, but the GRE is only accepted by a minority of J.D. programs. As of 2024, many law schools still don't accept the GRE at all, but this number is growing each year.

The LSAT is a powerful component of law school rankings and is a better indication of how a student will perform at law school. It is also a better predictor of success than the GRE. This is because there is good data showing that a good LSAT score accurately predicts success in law school. The GRE is a newer option, so there isn't yet a similar body of evidence linking GRE scores to law school success.

However, the GRE might be the better option for non-traditional candidates who can submit an impressive application without an LSAT score. The GRE is also a good option for those who are already in a graduate program and have taken the GRE, those from an underrepresented demographic, or those with a background in a technical, STEM-based field.

The LSAT and GRE have different structures and formats. The LSAT includes sections on analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension, and takes approximately 3 hours, with one 10-minute intermission. The GRE, on the other hand, includes sections on analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. The entire exam is computer-adaptive and is administered throughout the year via a computer at a designated test centre.

The LSAT is offered at specified time periods, while the GRE is offered year-round, with many location options, including at home. The LSAT costs $220, while the GRE costs $215 (plus a $195 subscription to the CAS).

The best way to decide between the LSAT and GRE is to take a practice test of each and determine which feels more comfortable.

Develop communication and reasoning skills

Aspiring lawyers should seek out academic and extracurricular experiences that will help them develop the skills necessary to excel in the legal profession.

Critical Thinking and Reading

Many law students believe that exam writing is the most important skill needed for success in law school. However, before you can write like a lawyer, you must be able to think like one. Critical thinking is essential to effective communication as a lawyer. Law students must learn to question and analyse what they hear, see, read, feel, and think. First impressions are often wrong and can change after more thoughtful analysis.

The Socratic method, which involves questioning students about the cases they have read, is commonly used in law school classes. This process, known as "active learning," is designed to engage students in analysing the facts and law presented in the case rather than having the professor lecture while students passively listen. The Socratic method requires students to think critically about the facts and law and then explain whether a court's decision is well-reasoned.

In addition, critical reading is an important skill for law students and lawyers. As a law student and lawyer, you must consider why certain language was used and whether a common dictionary definition or a specific legal definition should be applied.

Deductive and Inductive Reasoning

Critical thinking often includes deductive reasoning, which is reasoning from a general rule to a specific conclusion. Most law school exams require students to identify issues, state the applicable general legal rules, and then analyse the facts in light of those rules to formulate conclusions. Applying a general rule to a specific set of facts is an example of deductive reasoning.

On the other hand, reasoning from the specific to the general is called inductive reasoning. Lawyers and judges often use inductive reasoning when they analyse a series of specific cases to develop a general legal rule.

Communication Skills

Communication skills are essential for lawyers, and these skills can be further categorised into spoken or verbal communication, non-verbal communication, written communication, and visualisations.

Spoken or verbal communication includes face-to-face conversations, telephone calls, and other media such as radio or television. Non-verbal communication covers body language, gestures, dress, and even scent—all of which can subtly convey messages to others.

Written communication includes letters, emails, social media, books, magazines, and other forms of media. In today's world, anyone can easily publish their ideas online, leading to an explosion of information and communication possibilities.

Visualisations, such as graphs, charts, maps, and logos, can also convey messages and be used effectively to communicate ideas.

Collaboration and Leadership

In addition to strong communication and reasoning skills, lawyers need to be able to collaborate and lead effectively. This involves social and emotional intelligence skills, also known as "people skills." These include emotional self-awareness, adaptability, a positive outlook, empathy, organisational awareness, conflict management, and influence.

Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

Presentation skills are essential for lawyers, as they often need to communicate ideas, sell their services, or pitch proposals. A law degree programme will help you build confidence and develop techniques for oral presentations.

Conflict Resolution

Lawyers must be able to understand the perspectives of others and take a neutral standpoint. This skill is crucial for resolving conflicts fairly and quickly, which is especially important for those in management and leadership positions.

Analytical and Research Skills

Throughout a law degree programme, students are required to gather data, analyse information, form conclusions, and make recommendations. This involves recognising reliable data, performing complex analysis, and producing solid recommendations—skills that are highly valued in senior business roles.

Negotiation Skills

Negotiation skills are a key part of a law degree, and students must learn to argue a point or challenge a decision effectively. This ability is not only limited to verbal negotiation but also extends to written communication as part of assignments and projects.

Work Ethic

In addition to developing strong communication and reasoning skills, aspiring lawyers should cultivate a strong work ethic. This includes personal discipline, collaboration, and the ability to handle challenging situations.

Extracurricular Activities

Participating in extracurricular activities such as a speech and debate team, mock trial team, or drama club can help students develop their communication and reasoning skills. Even activities that may not seem directly related to the practice of law, such as sports, writing for a school newspaper, or volunteer work, can contribute to the development of important skills like discipline and collaboration.

Study for a law degree

Studying for a law degree is a challenging but rewarding endeavour that will provide you with a broad set of transferable skills and a deeper understanding of the world we live in. Here are some key considerations and strategies to help you effectively study for a law degree:

Choosing a Law Degree Programme

Before embarking on your law degree, it is essential to research different universities and colleges to find the best fit for your needs and interests. Consider factors such as the reputation of the institution, the curriculum offered, and the employability record of their law programmes. Additionally, look into the specific entry requirements for your desired programme, as they may vary between institutions. While there are no essential subjects required for a law degree, choosing subjects that involve research, analysis, and communication can demonstrate your aptitude for law.

Developing Essential Skills

To excel in your law studies, focus on developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Law school will challenge you to think critically, interpret complex information, and draw conclusions. Effective written and verbal communication skills are also crucial, as you will need to articulate your arguments clearly and persuasively. Additionally, cultivate your initiative and bonding abilities, which will be valuable when working with clients and colleagues.

Time Management and Study Strategies

Prioritise your time effectively by allocating your efforts towards maximising your success in classes and positioning yourself for future career opportunities. Stay on top of your assigned readings and take notes to identify legal issues and analyse court decisions. Actively participate in classroom discussions to enhance your understanding and retention. Develop outlines for each class to master the course material and understand the relationships between different rules of law. Form study groups to benefit from diverse insights and perspectives, but keep them focused and limited to a small number of well-prepared students.

Exam Preparation and Performance

Avoid procrastination and cramming—instead, review your notes and course material regularly throughout the semester. Take advantage of review sessions and practice exams to improve your exam performance. After receiving your grades, review your exam performance with your professor to identify areas for improvement.

Extracurricular Activities

Enhance your law school experience by participating in extracurricular activities such as moot court competitions, legal clinics, or internships. These opportunities will allow you to apply your knowledge in practical settings and develop valuable skills such as legal research, drafting, and client interaction. They also demonstrate your passion for law and can make your job applications more competitive.

Gain legal work experience

Gaining legal work experience is an important step in your journey to becoming a lawyer. Here are some ways to gain that valuable experience:

Speculative Applications

Sending speculative applications to high-street law firms can be a great way to gain some legal work experience. While many aspiring lawyers focus on getting a place in a larger firm, smaller high-street law firms can offer valuable experience. Research firms in your area, put together a spreadsheet with their contact details, and send out emails requesting work experience with your CV attached. You may need to send out several applications before you're successful, and be sure to follow up if you don't hear back.

Voluntary Work

Doing pro bono work is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience with real legal cases while helping people in need. You can develop practical legal skills such as interviewing clients and drafting letters, demonstrate legal research skills, expand your professional network, and explore different areas of law. Check if your university has a pro bono centre, or look into organisations like the Citizens Advice Bureau, Free Representation Unit, and the Prisoner's Advice Service. Alternatively, consider volunteering at a court, where you can provide reassurance and support to clients.

Paralegal Work

Working as a paralegal is a great way to gain legal work experience and bolster your CV. Paralegals provide administrative support to solicitors and only require a law degree or that you are pursuing one. As a paralegal, you may be interviewing new clients, taking witness statements, preparing and drafting legal documents, and providing legal advice. There are paralegal opportunities within both high-street and larger city firms.

Vacation Schemes

Vacation schemes, sometimes referred to as 'vac schemes', are a direct route to gaining valuable legal work experience and are often a path to securing a training contract. These schemes are offered by law firms and are targeted at recent graduates. They vary in structure but typically last between one to four weeks, are usually paid, and allow you to experience solicitor life in different practice areas. During a vacation scheme, you will meet trainees, associates, solicitors, and partners, and improve your legal knowledge and understanding of your career path.

Mini-Pupillages

Mini-pupillages are short work experience placements designed for aspiring barristers, giving them a taste of the Bar. These applications are usually open to second or final-year undergraduates, but first-year students may also be considered. Applicants are typically current law students, but non-law students may be able to apply once they begin their GDL. To apply, send a copy of your CV and a cover letter to the chambers you're interested in.

Marshalling

Marshalling a judge is another way to gain valuable legal work experience. This involves shadowing a judge, usually for one day to one week, giving you a bird's-eye view of the legal system. While marshalling is particularly relevant for those aspiring to the Bar, it complements any mini-pupillage experiences and stands out on your CV. Contact your Inn of Court or your local Crown or county court to gain marshalling experience.

Pass the bar exam

Passing the bar exam is challenging and requires significant effort. Here are some strategies to help increase your chances of passing:

Study Broadly, Not Deeply

In law school, students who know a lot about a specific subject tend to get the highest grades on their final exams. However, this approach can be detrimental when studying for the bar exam. Instead, focus on gaining a broad understanding of various areas of the law rather than aiming for deep expertise in a narrow field. You don't need to become an authority on any particular subject; you just need to know enough about a wide range of legal topics to pass the exam.

Measure Your Performance

While the bar exam is graded as a pass/fail, don't let that fool you into thinking that you can afford to underperform in certain areas. Aim to be at the 40th percentile or above in each subject. Track your progress by comparing your performance on practice questions with other bar exam takers. This will give you a percentile rank and help you identify areas that need improvement. Remember, breadth of knowledge is more important than depth.

Approach the MBE Systematically

The Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) consists of 200 multiple-choice questions divided into two 3-hour sessions. To excel in this section, you should develop a systematic problem-solving methodology. Here's a suggested approach:

• Cover the answer choices to avoid distractions.
• Read the call of the question to understand the subject and issue being tested.
• If necessary, read the sentence above the call for more context.
• Read the entire question, considering the facts and associated laws, and mentally formulate your answer.
• Predict the correct answer, then uncover the choices and select the best match.

Develop Your Bar Exam Writing Skills

Don't neglect your writing skills. The written portion of the bar exam is crucial, and in some states, it carries more weight than the MBE. Essay writing for the bar exam is different from law school finals. There's often a "right" answer, and you must provide your answer in the format expected by the bar examiners. Strengthen your essay-writing skills during your bar prep, and make sure to submit practice essays for feedback.

Use the MPT to Your Advantage

The Multistate Performance Test (MPT) is included in most bar exams and assesses your fundamental lawyering skills. You may be asked to draft documents such as a persuasive brief, legal memo, or client letter. Familiarize yourself with the types of tasks beginning lawyers might encounter and practice completing them within the time limit. The MPT is an excellent opportunity to pick up valuable points, so don't neglect this section of the exam.

Tackle Hard MBE Questions Head-On

During the MBE, you might encounter challenging questions that take up a lot of time. Don't skip them and plan to come back later. Instead, tackle them as they come. Use a systematic approach, make an educated guess, and mark the question if you have time to revisit it. Typically, the correct answer will be a familiar option, and very obscure choices are often incorrect.

Frequently asked questions