Now that you know what is required to get into law school in terms of academics and letters of recommendation, let’s take a look at the intangible qualities. You’ll have opportunities to showcase these qualities in your personal statement or essay, as well as other components of your application. Law schools look for a range of personal qualities, like passion and love of learning.
Passion
Having a passion for law is a key factor in preparing for a career in a legal profession. Even when challenges arise, individuals who are passionate about their work may be able to better overcome difficulties.
If you are interested in law, earning an undergraduate degree in legal studies can allow you to develop a foundation for law school and demonstrate your passion for the field to law schools and future employers.
Love of Learning
Having a desire to learn is essential for any student; however, it is especially important for law school applicants. While your test scores and GPA show that you are qualified, law schools look for candidates who are eager to add to their body of knowledge.
Successful applicants know there is always something new to learn, and they incorporate this attitude of curiosity into their careers. Consider pursuing a relevant internship, which can help you gain practical experience and demonstrate your commitment to pursuing a career in law.
Well-Rounded
In preparing for law school, you can choose from a variety of undergraduate degrees in order to gain a well-versed education.
For example, earning a bachelor’s degree in history may be a great option for pre-law students who want to explore the history behind the laws we abide by today. Or, earning a justice studies degree can teach you valuable knowledge about law enforcement and the justice system.
Good Communication Skills
In law, it is extremely important to be able to communicate effectively.2 For example, individuals who work in the field must be able to draft well-written legal documents and know how to express themselves by developing persuasive arguments.
Earning a communications degree can provide a strong foundation for law school applicants. As writing is another form of communication used in law, a professional writing degree can also serve as a starting point for students who are interested in applying for law school.
Ethical Responsibility
No matter what kind of law career you pursue, it is extremely important to hold yourself to a high ethical standard. For example, if you are looking to become a lawyer, you must abide by an ethical code of conduct, such as the requirement to maintain client confidentiality. Therefore, law schools and employers look for individuals who are ethically responsible.
Perseverance
Professionals who work in law often face challenging situations. Rather than becoming discouraged, however, successful lawyers are willing to face challenges and do what it takes to overcome them. Therefore, it is necessary for law school applicants to demonstrate perseverance. In addition, they must adopt a positive attitude and never give up, even when facing tough circumstances.
Law school can provide a gateway to a career you are passionate about. While applying for law school can be competitive, it may be rewarding when your hard work pays off.