2 answers
Dilara
Student
Laguna Niguel, California
1
Question
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What extracurricular activities did you find most helpful in undergrad when preparing for law school #Spring25?
I am hoping to attend a T-14 law school
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2 answers
Hilary Toole
Contract Management
7
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Hilary’s Answer
Hi Dilara: Look for part time (a few hours a week) or summer jobs at local law firms as a paralegal or legal assistant - see if they sponsor college interns. That is the surest way to prepare. In addition, if you have not taken the LSAT, start studying now. The more you study and prepare the better your score. If your college has a Legal Dept, see if they need any help - volunteer. Or if there is a law school ask about attending courses as an observer. Good luck! Hilary
Haris Khan
Privacy and AI attorney
1
Answer
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Haris’s Answer
You should aim for a "well-rounded" combination of extracurricular activities. For example, while working a job on campus does help you develop professional experience, you should try finding a job that is adjacent to the legal field. As previously mentioned in the answers, gaining experience in a law firm will help you determine both what type of law you may want to practice, but most importantly what type of law you don't want to practice.
Further, you should consider finding an extracurricular where you have a leadership position. The club or group you are a part of does not necessarily have to create a legacy but it does give you the opportunity to develop leadership skills and show how you are also learning to prioritize competing obligations.
Another type of extracurricular activity that would be helpful is aligning what you interests are with the activity and the law. For example, joining a public speaking group or debate team if you are interested in trial work as an attorney makes sense. Or, if you are into writing and more transactional work, joining a technical writing group could also make sense.
Last, having a "wild card" is a great conversational topic that you can cover during your interviews. A personal interest in any random topic where you start a group on could be something you discuss. In short, having a passion for something and then actually doing something about it in an extracurricular format will be key. The more against the grain you go and can communicate it in a professional matter, the better.
Further, you should consider finding an extracurricular where you have a leadership position. The club or group you are a part of does not necessarily have to create a legacy but it does give you the opportunity to develop leadership skills and show how you are also learning to prioritize competing obligations.
Another type of extracurricular activity that would be helpful is aligning what you interests are with the activity and the law. For example, joining a public speaking group or debate team if you are interested in trial work as an attorney makes sense. Or, if you are into writing and more transactional work, joining a technical writing group could also make sense.
Last, having a "wild card" is a great conversational topic that you can cover during your interviews. A personal interest in any random topic where you start a group on could be something you discuss. In short, having a passion for something and then actually doing something about it in an extracurricular format will be key. The more against the grain you go and can communicate it in a professional matter, the better.