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Law school is a continuing of education for any person with a bachelor’s degree looking to pursue a career in law. Law schools offer a wide range of programs to fit your career goals and schedule. Those interested in pursuing this path can consider practicing law in family, business, tax, immigration, contract, labor, criminal, technology, military, child advocacy or sustainable international development, among other areas.
Law school can be an intense and competitive environment, especially in the first year. However, having a better understanding of what you can expect from your law school experience will help set you up for success in your first year and beyond.
To help prepare yourself for law school, there are a few things you should know:
In addition to a bachelor’s degree and solid college GPA, the standard application requirements for law school are:
These materials are submitted to the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) that acts similarly to a clearinghouse of information between you and your law schools of interest.
Law school is typically a three-year commitment (full-time) or a four-year commitment for those looking for a part-time evening program. In the first year, most law schools across the U.S. follow a similar curriculum. As a first-year law student, you can expect your course of study to cover many of the following topics:
In the second and third years, students delve into internships, law clinics and course electives that are based on their interests. Courses will vary depending on the law school, but most students choose to take foundational courses in civil litigation, commercial law, evidence, family law, taxation, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, wills and trusts, international law and environmental law.
It is recommended to take a variety of classes to help you decide which area of practice you want to pursue after law school.
Law school is challenging academically, in part, because it is taught using methods completely different than the usual college lecture method. Many first-year law students find these methods unfamiliar and, sometimes, unnerving.
Law school is often taught using a combination of the case method and the Socratic method. The case method involves significant reading and preparation for each class. You will read from textbooks that include cases and excerpts of cases from around the country. There is no explanation, summary or outlines of the cases so it’s up to you to analyze and brief each case. Study groups are essential to this learning process, as well as a plentiful amount of law library research.
The Socratic method is not for the timid and shy. Instead of lecturing, law professors typically call on students and ask specific questions about the case assignments (known as “cold-calling”). These questions vary and are geared to deep-dive into each case, helping students learn how to analyze case law. So, it is important to be prepared for each and every class.
Both the case method and Socratic method require strong critical-thinking skills. Prior to applying to law school, you may want to sit in on a couple courses at a law school in your area. This experience will help you learn how classes are conducted to see if they fit your skills and interests.
As with most school environments, getting involved outside of school is a great way to connect with peers and develop professional skills. While extracurriculars are not necessarily requirements for law school, many schools seek candidates with passions outside the classroom. This means participating in activities during your undergraduate schooling that could increase your chances of being accepted. Some examples that could help boost your law school application are:
Furthermore, participating in extracurriculars doesn’t stop once you have been accepted to law school. It is important to continue networking and building your professional skills so you are better prepared for your career after graduation. In law school, two of the most popular extracurricular activities are law review and moot court.
Law Review is a student-led scholarly journal that publishes articles by legal professionals, including judges and professors. The experience you will gain in fact-checking, case citations and editing will help you hone your skills in research and writing.
Moot court is where law students learn about litigation and trial advocacy through mock trials. Students will write legal motions, present oral arguments, answer questions from a judge and learn about other key steps in a trial proceeding. If you are looking to break out of your shell and strengthen your communication and critical-thinking skills, you may consider participating in moot court.
If you are interested in attending law school, it’s important to gain valuable skills during your undergraduate years. GCU offers a legal studies degree that can help you develop the sound reasoning, legal analysis and communication skills needed to be successful in law school. Start your journey by clicking on the Request Info button at the top of your screen.
