So you’ve already passed the entrance exam and have submitted letters of recommendation. You’re also done browsing through countless sample law school personal statement essays that helped you come up with a well-crafted personal statement essay. But the admissions process for law schools does not end there. You’ll still have to strap yourself up for the personal interview that the admissions committee will conduct. Here are a few tips to help you gear up for the interview:
Confirm, inquire, and prepare
Once you receive the invitation for an interview, confirm your attendance as well as the details by calling the school. Inquire about the details of the interview; the time and venue, who the interviewer will be (if they’re allowed to disclose that information), and if you have to bring any personal documents. Take note of specific instructions. Sometimes this can also be used a test of your keenness and attention to detail. One way of preparing for the actual interview is by doing your research on the interviewer.
You can do this by visiting websites of school forums. Ask people if your interviewer has certain pet peeves that you should avoid. But more than the interviewer, you should spend considerable amount of time reading up on the law school’s history and the current developments and issues in the institution.
Do an ocular and review your personal statement
If you’re not at all familiar with the school’s grounds and the town where it’s located, you might want to do an ocular inspection prior to the interview. Familiarize yourself with the campus, as well as the building and area where your interview will be held. Then, you should review the documents you submitted, especially your personal statement essay. As you know, admission interviews will be based on what you’ve written in your essay. You will be asked to expound on the details of your transcript as well the bits of information you wrote in your essay.
Check out sample law school personal statement websites which provide tips and tricks on how the things you say in your interview can complement or contradict the stuff you’ve written in your essay. If you’ve lost the copy of your essay, and accidentally deleted the file in your computer, don’t worry. You can read sample law school personal statement essays to help you remember the things you’ve written about yourself in your personal statement.
Photo Credit : tvol
Students who wish to make the most of their law school education know that securing internships is part of the grand schema of law studies. Every year, students clamor to get internships at the country’s top law firms. Below are some tips on how you can land your dream internship:
Explore your options
Before you start gathering brochures and visiting various law firms’ websites, you can consult your law school’s career and placement service department. They may be able to recommend law firms that are affiliated with your institution and make it easier for you to get in. You can also check out your school’s alumni network, and seek the help of someone currently employed or has tie-ups with top law firms. Exhaust the resources within your reach to score information and help on applying to your desired law firms.
Apply for pre-internship apprenticeship
If you have free time in your hand and your school work load isn’t that heavy, you may also want to consider applying for pre-internship apprenticeship. Some students apply for apprenticeship before the law school requires a law firm internship to increase their chances of getting an internship at a reputable law firm. Small law firms are ideal places for you to secure an apprenticeship because it will be easier for you to know and understand the ins and outs of law firms. By the time your school requires you to intern for a law firm, you’d already have an idea of what to do and a sense of the professional culture in law firms.
Take time to write your resume
While it’s considered standard procedure to list your achievements, skills, and educational background in your resume, going on and on about your awards and achievements for three or more pages will only bore the employer. Resumes should be concise and informative. List all the skills and qualifications you have that you think are relevant for carrying out the tasks of an intern. If you’ve engaged in non-profit and charity work, include the details of these in your resume as well. This is because some law firms look for well-rounded students who are into the practice of law not because of monetary gain, but their passion for seeking equality under the law.
Photo Credit : gehisaboy500
The requirements to hold public office do not include having a law degree. However, being a lawyer or having a law degree lends a certain edge to those who venture into politics. The knowledge gained in law school often translates to deep and informed understanding of the law. In this sense, a lawyer-politician can be seen as more able in formulating policies and legislations. Leadership and organization skills are either inborn or acquired, but an intensive knowledge of the law and pertinent legal matters can only be gained through a law school education.
This is not to say that law students are better suited to hold public office, as there are many knowledgeable and responsible politicians who do not have law degrees. They are spurred by their desire and commitment to serve the country and uphold the greater good. What we are saying, however, is that lawyers and law graduates can become promising politicians if they choose to. They can opt to put their knowledge and skills to good use by going into policy-making with the core principles of the Constitution in mind. The skills that lawyers acquire and will prove to be valuable for good governance include:
Excellent communication skills
Lawyers are trained to listen to people, assess their situations, and express their opinions and thoughts in an articulate manner. They are also equipped with good debating skills, something that is necessary if a politician is to lobby for policies and laws to be passed. In this sense, lawyers can make good politicians because having good communication skills ensures that they will be able to represent their constituents and bring to the surface the issues that need to be dealt with.
Analytical skills
Another skill that law school harnesses in their students is the ability to read and understand large volumes of text on laws, policies, and legal procedures. This skill is essential in politics because as policy makers, politicians have to carefully evaluate bills and policies and ensure that these don’t override existing laws.
Logical and critical thinking
The ability to employ logical and critical thinking is an essential skill that politicians should possess. This is because holding public office entails coming up with ways to address current issues and deciding which among the proposed solutions is feasible and effective. This type of thinking is often employed by lawyers when assessing court cases. Lawyers can make good politicians because they have years of experience in thinking critically and logically when faced with stifling situations and cases.
Photo Credit : Thewastedsmile
Like other higher learning institutions, law schools also place prime importance on grades as a measure of student performance. Because grades serve as the main tool by which academic performance is evaluated, students continually strive and aim for high marks. So much so that there has been a constant increase in the number of students who get high GPAs. This phenomenon, called grade inflation, has led many colleges and universities to raise their grade percentiles. By doing so, they’re able to place limits on the number of students who make it to the top ranks. And because top law firms look at applicants’ grades and rankings, one glaring implication of raising grade percentiles is that the number of students who get into prestigious law firms are also limited.
Grade-based law schools
Grade-based law schools face much criticism from certain academic groups because the grading system fosters tough, and often unhealthy, competition. Students who attend grade-based law schools deal with stress on a regular basis because the harsh grading system allows only a specific percentage of students to reach the top ranks in the class. While the fierce competition serves as a motivating factor for students to excel, it can also work to the detriment of some who simply cannot keep up with the stress of competing for high grades.
The downside to grade-based law schools is that not all the excellent students who rightly deserve to be on top are granted the high-ranking prestige. This is because of the specific limits placed on the number of students who will be considered as belonging to the top percentile ranks. The emphasis on getting high grades can also be unhealthy in that students may not necessarily be gaining knowledge, but merely devising ways by which they can get the highest grades.
Non-grade based law schools
Instead of the traditional percentage-based grading system, non-grade based law schools such as the Boalt Hall of Berkeley Law grade and group students into ranking categories such as High Honors, Honors, Pass, Substandard Pass, and No Credit. Non-grade based law schools also usually rank their students based not just on academics, but also on other aspects of student performance. Non-grade based law schools place flexible limits on who, and how many, gets High Honors and Honors rankings. Because of this, more excellent students are given the chance to belong to the top ranks — something which they truly deserve.
Photo Credit : blmurch
People have different standards in choosing law schools to apply to. Some consider the school’s reputation as the most important factor to consider, while some focus more on tuition and financial costs. To help you choose which law school to apply to, below are five key factors you should consider:
Financial costs
These include tuition, living expenses, housing and rent rates, and other miscellaneous expenses. For most students and parents, these are the main things to consider in selecting a law school. While scholarships and financial aid may help you deal with tuition concerns, you should also check if the cost of living in the school’s locality is within your budget.
Curriculum and course offerings
Especially for those who already have a specialization in mind, you should check if the law school offers challenging courses and programs that are related to your desired field. Most law schools follow a core curriculum for the first year, but come sophomore year, you’ll have to tailor your curriculum in accordance with the track you want to take.
Reputation of institution
Although some consider a law school’s reputation insignificant, others believe that it’s an important factor to consider because of the opportunities that the school’s alumni network can offer. Choosing Ivy League law schools solely because of their reputation is not recommendable, and should only factor in as a complementary consideration when choosing law schools.
Diversity and quality of faculty and student body
The best law schools are those that are able to cater to the academic and social needs of their students. By carefully considering the quality of faculty and diversity of student body, you can somehow ensure that you’ll be getting not only the best law education there is, but also the best law school experience.
Career opportunities
Many law schools have tie-ups with private firms and government institutions to help their students find work opportunities when they graduate. Although having job placement departments in law schools doesn’t always ensure employment, at least it can help up your chances of getting hired.
There are some admission requirements common to all law schools, such as college transcript, test scores, and personal statement essay. For the personal statement essay, however, the required structure and content may vary depending on the law school. There are sample law school personal statement essays found online, which you can consult to help you write your own. You can even find sample law school personal statement essays from specific schools. We recommend reading through sample law school personal statement essays so that you can get a clear and concrete idea of how these essays are crafted.
Photo Credit : Alicia Nijdam
In the US, virtually all ABA-accredited law schools offer the same courses to freshman students. These subjects or courses comprise what is considered as the general core curriculum. But by the time they reach their second year, law students get a wider range of course options to choose from and are allowed to then tailor their curricula according to their desired specialization. If, for example, you want to specialize in human rights laws, you should choose courses and electives that are directly related to human rights issues and topics.
The course and program offerings is one of the main things that students should consider and look into before applying to a particular law school. Most law schools regularly maintain their websites, where they post curriculum guides and outlines, so browsing through various schools’ curricula shouldn’t be that hard. To make things even easier for you, below we’ve provided an outline of, as well as links to, the courses offered in top-ranking law schools in the US.
Yale Law School
Yale Law School remains as one of the most exclusive law schools in the US because of their highly selective admissions processes. Yale only admits under 200 students per school year, but offers a wide range of options for courses, lectures, and seminars especially for business law.
Georgetown University
One reason why many students flock to Georgetown University to study law is because of their updated course offerings that tackle the latest legal issues and matters. Georgetown is one of the few law schools that have jurisprudence updates on Bioethics, as well as Internet crimes and cyberspace laws. The school is also known for the wide array of specializations they offer.
The New York Law School – International and Comparative Law
The New York Law School boasts of curricula that span international interests and concerns to cater to students who wish to pursue legal careers in a highly globalized and transnational setting. The school also offers advanced courses on Human Rights, Business Law, and Litigation and Dispute Resolution.
Photo Credit : NCinDC
Aside from your resume and recommendation letters, another essential part of your application package to law school is your personal statement. Oftentimes, it is your personal statement that will make or break your chances of getting into law school. This is why it pays off to invest time and effort in your personal statement. This article will cover some of the mistakes that people commonly make on their law school personal statements.
Writing an extension of your resume
A common mistake that is made on personal statements is merely extending or repeating the information given in the resume. Remember that your resume and your personal statement are two separate and different requirements. Your resume should highlight your achievements, experience, and training. The personal statement, on the other hand, should talk about how you have developed as a person through these experiences that you have had.
Exaggerating, boasting, and lying
Sure you want to present your best qualities when you are applying to law school, but this does not mean that you should exaggerate, boast, or lie about who you are and what you have accomplished. The fastest way to get your application rejected is to get caught submitting dishonest information about yourself. Admissions evaluators are trained well and have extensive experience, making it easy for them to spot dishonesty of any sort. Being honest is an admirable and respectable trait that can help admissions committees make an unbiased and sound decision.
Equating your goals with money
Many people even enter into law school hoping that it will lead them to financial stability and a wealthy lifestyle. Still, there is no reason to mention your intention of getting rich through your law education. Instead, try to talk about your objectives and goals in light of the justice and equality that law strives to keep in place. Besides, admissions committees are already aware of the high salaries that many lawyers earn. Mentioning money as a reason for entering into law school may give the impression that you are materialistic or that you have your priorities mixed up.
Photo Credit : wwwardo
Movies about law school experience could be considered as informative materials. People interested in law schools should be able to watch such flicks to give them a clear picture of how is law school like. Aside from checking out online source for sample law school personal statement, applicants who are about to write their admissions essay could also use these movies as a source of background information. To give you an idea of these law school movies, here is a list of the top five flicks that law school enthusiasts must watch.
Paper Chase
Paper Chase is a 1973 film by director James Bridges. The movie was based on John Jay Osborn, Jr.’s novel. The Harvard Law School student, Hart (portrayed by Timothy Bottoms), is the main focus of the movie. Hart became his Contract law professor’s opponent. The situation gets worse when he finds out that the girl he is dating is actually his professor’s daughter. The Paper Chase has been reviewed as one of the best all-time movies depicting law school life.
The Pelican Brief
This movie was based on John Grisham’s novel. Julia Roberts portrays the lead character named Darby Shaw. Shaw is doing a research about the death of two Supreme Court justices when she finds out that the death was caused by several men of high stature. Shaw gives the title of her research as The Pelican Brief. But although her research unveils interesting details, it causes the death of her professor Thomas Callahan. The movie focused more on Shaw’s quest to run for her life.
The Trials of Law School
The Trials of Law School features the lives of the University of Oklahoma College of law students. The 87-minute film delves onto the different hopes and aspirations of the students. This film focused more on how law school students managed to juggle their personal life and law studies. It is a definite must-watch film by anyone who is planning to pursue a law degree.
Legally Blonde
Elle Woods is the least person you would think to enter the world of law school. This president of a sorority known for its good-looking members does not possess the usual traits of a law school student. This movie has been considered as a surprise box office hit. The positive sales have even led to a sequel.
Reversal of Fortune
Claus von Bulow is convicted for the attempted murder of his wife. To get him out of jail, he asks Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz to help him. The movie focused on the work that Dershowitz and his students did in preparation for von Bulow’s court trials.
Photo Credit : Citizen Mira
There are people who decide not to practice law even if they have already done a lot of law-related tasks. Some people have gone through the whole law school experiene – writing a good sample law school personal statement, getting into law school, and finishing a law degree – only to find themselves wanting to explore other options. If you are one of them, no need to sweat. A lot of graduates have encountered the where-do-I-go-from-here dilemma. If you think that you can’t live up to your law school personal statement because you don’t want to practice law anymore, you don’t have to worry. The things that you have included in your sample law school personal statement would not go to waste because there are other career options for law graduates like you.
Teach.
As a person who has first hand experience in writing a sample law school personal statement, applying to law schools, and finishing a law degree, you are a very credible law “expert.” Getting a teaching post in law schools could be your career option. You could also teach law-related undergraduate courses such as Legal Studies and Criminal Justice. You just have to prepare yourself to take graduate studies. Academic institutions prefer candidates who have finished their Master of Law (LL.M.) or Doctor of Juridical Science (in the US).
Protect the environment.
A law degree means that you have full understanding of policies concerning the environment. You could act as an environmental advocate, environmental policies consultant, technological programs hazard specialist or coastal zone resources manager. Companies employ people who are adept in legal procedures concerning the environment to make sure that they don’t violate any policy.
Manage businesses.
Your law school training will put you in an advantageous position when applying for corporate positions such as property administrator, program analyst, corporate manager, and grants management specialist. Your knowledge in legal procedures could make you an ideal candidate for management positions.
Be involved in media.
Your extensive legal knowledge could very well make you a good law correspondent or a legal editor. Law students like you are very used to reading voluminous amounts of reading materials. Use it to your advantage.
Do something different.
Ascertain your interests. It is very likely that you can pair law school education with your strengths. Your educational skills could help you land research jobs or other similar positions. Your knowledge in policies and regulations could help you get positions in real estate, human resources and employment, financial services, and law enforcement.
Photo Credit : Brent and MeriLynn
