Preparing for a Legal Education

"There is no single path that will prepare you for a legal education. Students who are successful in law school, and who become accomplished professionals, come from many walks of life and educational backgrounds. Some law students enter law school directly from their undergraduate studies without having had any post-baccalaureate work experience. Others begin their legal education significantly later in life, and they bring to their law school education the insights and perspectives gained from those life experiences. Legal education welcomes and values diversity and you will benefit from the exchange of ideas and different points of view that your colleagues will bring to the classroom." Source: American Bar Association

Core Skills, Values, Knowledge, and Experience

  • Problem Solving 
  • Critical Reading
  • Writing and Editing
  • Oral Communication and Listening
  • Research
  • Organization and Management
  • Public Service and Promotion of Justice
  • Relationship-building and Collaboration
  • Background Knowledge
  • Exposure to the Law

Road Map

  • Work on study habits and grades
  • Work with with your professors/get to know them
  • Register with Pre-Law Program
  • Work with Pre-Law program to get mentor
  • Be sure to select major
  • Research the legal profession & field of practice
  • Sophomore Summer Intern
  • Prepare for Law School Admissions Test (LSAT): begin test prep
  • Consider taking LSAT in June (b/w Jr. and Sr. year)
  • Students strongly urged to seek summer law internship

June

  • Having prepared, take LSAT
  • Develop personal statement

July–August

  • Research & Select Law Schools

September–November

  • Request and complete law school applications
  • Finalize your personal statement
  • Meet with professors to write letters of recommendation
  • Register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
  • Financial Aid - complete and submit a FAFSA form
  • Take the October LSAT (if not taken earlier or need to re-take)
  • Forward all undergraduate transcripts to LSAC/CAS (must be official transcripts)

December

  • Take the December LSAT (if not taken October or re-taking)
  • Mail law school applications or complete online when available

January

  • Make sure your LSAC file is complete

March–May

  • Submit your deposit when accepted to school of choice
  • Send a final transcript (showing graduation) to your chosen law school