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STEPPING STONES

Getting Into Law School

1. Decide whether law school is right for you. Law school is A LOT of work. It’s a three-year commitment and very expensive. Do some research, ask questions, and confirm your passion for the field of law.
2. Major in anything you want or like. Unlike medical school, applying to law school does not require taking “pre-law” classes in undergrad. Major in a field you find interesting and can succeed in academically.
3. Start studying for the LSAT early. The earlier, the better. Most applicants study for the LSAT for about 6 months, but  9 months to a year is better.
4. Study for the LSAT diligently. Develop an obsession with perfection. Make sure you understand why you got correct answers correct and wrong answers wrong. The best LSAT study prep courses are Blueprint and TestMasters.
5. The best time to take the LSAT is one year before you intend on starting law school--that is, August or September of the year before. Make sure to sign up for your test day early.
6. Ask for letters of recommendation. Most schools want at least one academic letter and one professional letter. Talk to former employers and professors that you believe will write you the best letters for your application.
7. Get feedback on your personal statement. Ask as many people as possible to read it and provide input. The goal is to write something interesting, creative, and reflective of your aspirations to become a lawyer.
8. Apply as early as you can in the application cycle. Most application cycles open in August or September and end in March. Submit your application within the first weeks after the application process opens, right after you take the LSAT.
9. Shadow at least one lawyer. Try to shadow a variety of lawyers in various fields of law. Ask questions and develop valuable relationships with professionals.
10. Leadership is KEY! Demonstrate leadership in an existing organization or one you start. Remember you don’t necessarily have to be involved in law-related organizations.
11. Attend the open houses of law schools or arrange a visit with their admissions offices.  Find out about special requirements or recommendations that law schools have.
12. Talk to at least 3 people who have successfully gotten into law school. Ask them about why they decided to go to law school, what their law school experience was like, and what they would have done differently.

“The law school application process is not easy, but it’s rewarding. Be organized with deadlines and requirements, ask a ton of questions, and most importantly, focus on conquering the LSAT. Once you submit your application, begin thinking about the type of lawyer you want to be. The world continues to face many problems that only lawyers--frankly--are equipped to develop solutions for. As a young, aspiring lawyer, recognize that you have the ability to harness your passion for the law to find solutions for the future.”

Source/Acknowledgments: Amir Guedoir; Harvard Law ‘21, UC Berkeley ‘16, Sierra High School ‘12