In this article
Welcome to the world of law school, where anticipation and intrigue fill the atmosphere. It’s a journey filled with its own distinctive quirks and obstacles, from time-honored lecture halls to intense legal debates and coveted internships. While law school may not seem glamorous, its reality often surprises.
For prospective students, the prospect of law school can be daunting, but fear not! Let’s peel back the layers of mystery and embark on a journey to demystify the world of law school. So, join us as we dive into the fundamentals, debunk myths, and answer burning questions about the legal education experience.
What is Law School?
Why not begin with the ultra-basics? Law school equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, apply, and practice the law, thereby laying a solid foundation for a career in the legal profession.
Types of Law Degrees
People often refer to “law degrees” like they’re all the same, but there are actually three types of “law degree” a person can earn.
NOTE: For the purposes of this article, we’ll be focusing on information specific to obtaining a Juris Doctor (JD).
Juris Doctor (JD)
The Juris Doctor (JD) is the primary law degree in the United States, typically taking three years to complete. It’s designed to result in a comprehensive understanding of the law and is a prerequisite for taking the bar exam and practicing law.
Master of Laws (LLM)
The Master of Laws (LLM) is an advanced one-year degree for those who already hold a JD or equivalent degree. It allows you to specialize in a particular area of law, such as tax, international, or environmental law. This is common among international students — you might also consider going abroad to obtain one yourself.
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) is a research-focused degree aimed at those interested in academic or highly specialized legal careers. It involves extensive research and the completion of a dissertation, and usually takes between 3 to 5 years.
Key Components of Law School
Law school programs generally include a combination of lectures, seminars, moot court competitions (optional), and internships (optional but highly recommended). These should (in theory) combine to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for a future career.
The Law School Admissions Process
To experience law school, you first have to get in to law school. Here’s how the process works for beginning your journey to a JD degree.
Prerequisites and Requirements
Undergraduate Degree
A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for admission to law school. No specific major or area of focus is required or even preferred from an admissions perspective.
LSAT or GRE Scores
Most law schools require applicants to submit scores from the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), though some also accept the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). These tests assess critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension skills.
Application Requirements
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is an opportunity for you to really pitch yourself to your law school(s) of choice. This is your chance to dive into the journey that has led you to this point and to share the driving forces behind your decision to pursue law school. Your personal statement should be well-written, and it’s extremely important that it has a lot of you in it. The more engaging and unique your perspective, the better chance you have of impressing admissions officers.
Regardless of your LSAT score, a strong personal statement can be a factor tipping the scales in your favor. There are plenty of instances of people who have obtained only average scores but landed spots in top law schools on the strength of their personal statement.
Letters of Recommendation
Strong letters of recommendation from professors or employers who can attest to your abilities and character are crucial. They provide insight into your potential for success in law school beyond just you talking yourself up.
Resume
A well-crafted resume detailing your achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work is an important component of your application.
Choosing a Law School
Some people simply choose whichever school is most prestigious, then work their way down the list until they get to one they can actually get accepted into. But there are also other factors to consider.
- Location: Proximity to home, cost of living, and potential job markets.
- Specialization: Some schools have strong programs in specific areas of law that may align with the applicant’s interests.
- Ranking: Sure, your law-school-of-choice should hopefully rank well relative to others. The school ranked dead-last may have cheap tuition, but the degree you get at the end might turn out to be a certificate from the local arcade.
- Accreditation: It should go without saying, but you should choose a law school that’s accredited by the American Bar Association and in compliance with current accreditation standards.
The Law School Curriculum
Your first year curriculum will generally include foundational courses such as:
- Contracts,
- Torts,
- Civil Procedure,
- Constitutional Law,
- Criminal Law,
- Real Property Law,
- Professional Responsibility, and
- Legal Writing.
Special Areas of Law
Once you’ve completed your core courses, a vast array of electives and specializations await, ranging from securities laws and trademarks to environmental law and securities law, just to name a few possibilities.
You’ll also get a chance to get some invaluable hands-on experience in internships and programs. These won’t just give you a chance to apply your knowledge and hone your skills in real-world settings, they also help you build professional networks and strengthen your resume. Remember — eventually law school will be over, and it will be time to get an actual job. A great internship can go a long way in helping you do that.
Practical Skills Training
Law school is all about the practical application of the law, and that manifests in a few different ways during your time there.
Students have the option to participate in moot court and mock trial competitions, which provide valuable opportunities for developing advocacy skills and gaining experience in legal argumentation.
Externships and clinics, also optional, provide practical experience under the supervision of practicing attorneys and professors, allowing students to work on actual cases and projects.
The Law School Experience
Socratic Method and Class Participation
Many law school classes use the Socratic method, where professors ask students questions to stimulate critical thinking and discussion. This method encourages active participation and deep understanding of the material, better than simply delivering content. Prepare to dive into lively class discussions; law school values active engagement and critical thinking.
Not a fan of public speaking? No worries—don’t let it deter you from pursuing law school. Even a small amount of participation goes a long way, and once you make it to the seminars you won’t be forced to speak, it’ll be natural.
Rigorous Workload and Time Management
The workload in law school is demanding, requiring effective time management and study habits. Balancing reading assignments, class preparation, and other responsibilities is crucial for success. This is by design, simulating the workload of practicing legal professionals.
Extracurricular Activities
Remember, law school can be demanding, so it’s important to manage your time wisely. While it’s essential not to overload yourself, consider exploring some of these extracurricular opportunities to enhance your skills and expand your network:
Law Reviews and Journals
Participation in law reviews and journals is prestigious and beneficial for career prospects. These publications involve rigorous legal research and writing, providing valuable experience — depending on your role at the journal.
Student Organizations and Societies
Involvement in student organizations and societies offers opportunities for leadership, networking, and community service. And they look great on a resume.
Networking Events and Career Services
Networking events and career services provided by the law school can help you connect with potential employers, alumni, and mentors. These resources are essential for job placement and career development.
The Path to Becoming a Lawyer
Once you’ve made your way through law school, guess what you have waiting as a reward? [drumroll] -the bar exam. It is a comprehensive test that assesses your knowledge and readiness to practice law. It typically includes multiple-choice questions, essays, and performance tasks.
Studying for the bar is a rite of passage for law students everywhere. It will surely be hard work, but it doesn’t have to wreck you. Plan ahead, prepare effectively, and create a study schedule, and you’ll do your best. Also check out our bookstore for some of our resources on the bar exam.
Closing Arguments
Despite the preconceived notions associated with ‘law school,’ the reality is far more dynamic and enriching than dusty libraries and archaic legal texts. Much like any other higher education experience, it demands hard work, dedication, and adept time management.
While it undoubtedly presents its share of challenges, law school also opens doors to a world of opportunities and rewards, laying the foundation for a fulfilling future. So, as we close this chapter on demystifying law school, remember that it’s not just about studying case law; it’s about embracing a journey filled with growth, learning, and endless possibilities. And that’s something we’d be willing to swear under oath.
