If you want to be a lawyer, the first step is to start researching programs in the law. Then, while you continue the research, build your academic record into something very strong. Next, prepare to take the LSAT. Take it seriously, as it is a very important step in your journey to become a lawyer. After that, try to find some legal internships. It is very important to build your résumé and your experience bases before you apply for law school.
The way to investigate and select the most suitable legal education
Strategies for achieving both academic and LSAT supremacy
Suggestions for obtaining significant pre- and post-graduate practical legal experience
Methods for effectively engaging with the legal community and identifying key mentors
Proficient ways of writing an application that is impossible to ignore
That, in a nutshell, is what this book covers.
Have you ever seen a courtroom drama and wanted to be part of it? If so, you could start by trying to figure out what makes a case special enough to excite lawyers and judges. Adopt a curious mindset, and when you're not reading case opinions for fun, think about what kinds of cases would make for good courtroom drama.
The admissions office bases its decisions primarily on two factors: grades and test scores. In assessing the applicants, the office looks at both the numbers and at the kind of evidence those numbers present.
Plan your prior courses well in advance.
Group together for studying to enhance the group dynamic.
Test yourself regularly under exam-like conditions.
Think of the timed sections as mini logic games. The more you practice, the more you will understand the best ways to approach them. Pacing is crucial. A good personal tip for pacing is to reward yourself after each timed section.
Real-World Experience: Internships, Clinics, and Beyond
Case theory is essential, but real-world cases are where you learn the subtleties of the law. Seek them out and study them. Look for:
Local firm or legal aid summer internships
Volunteer opportunities in dispute resolution centers
Mock trial or moot court team participation
Persistence pays off. I once saw a student simply email judges in the local area to land a clerkship. Each hour spent in a non-paying legal role adds clarity to the concepts learned in textbooks and helps expand your professional connections.
Connections Count: Networking and Mentorship
Networking is not schmoozing; it is an act of sincere inquiry. Attend mixers with the bar association, participate in online forums, or ask a practicing attorney to join you for coffee. From a single conversation, you can obtain invaluable advice on how to structure your cover letter. You can also learn the names of some unusual pro bono projects that might fit your interests and your resume. Even if you already know the English equivalent, make sure to record the French term in your cover letter. A thank-you note makes a good impression, and it feels good to write.
Cross the Finish Line: Applications, LSAT, and Interviews
Now, you've prepared the materials and established the contacts. The last steps are:
Refine your law school personal statement with genuine stories.
Make sure you have the right dates for every law school you apply to.
Prepare for actual interviews by practicing with people who know you well and who also know the law.
Consider application season to be the last mile of a marathon—keep a consistent pace, rely on your network of support, and power through to the finish line.
Conclusion
Starting your career in law takes thoughtful planning, dogged persistence, and a lot of people skills. Law Firm sees potential in you and offers guidance and resources to help you get it done—to help you push that big boulder called your legal career until it starts rolling downhill toward your future. Ready to give it the old heave-ho and make your dreams of being a lawyer a reality?