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How should I advance my college resume interested in law as a freshman?

So I want to specialize in the law field, and currently part of Speech and Debate as well as Mock Trial. Some other trivial things are that I'm a part of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) and Varsity Volleyball. How should I show college administrators that I have a passion for criminal law or just law in general? For example, contests I could participate in, essays I could write, what kind of research/non-profit, etc. Thanks!

college-advice law college-admissions criminal-justice collegeprep resume-building collegeapplications futurelawyer extracurricular-activities prelaw lawstudent legalstudies criminallaw
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Amber’s Answer

Hi Yuna,

You had mentioned research or non-profit--I think that's a fantastic way to boost your application. You could either look for an opportunity with a non-profit organization (some organizations offer legal internship with a focus on research for undergrad students) or you could even work on your own research project on a topic of your choosing. You can also think about volunteering--seek out social justice groups in your area and see if there's anything that interest you. When you're in your final couple of years of undergrad, you might even think about seeking administrative positions / legal assistant-type positions at law firms just so you can get a sense of the kind of law you might want to practice in eventually. I also know some judges host undergrad interns, so that's also another thing you could look into.
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Yoav’s Answer

It's wonderful to see how much drive and focus you already have as a freshman, and being involved in speech and debate along with mock trial shows you are already building the exact communication and analytical skills that legal professionals rely on every day. Since you are specifically interested in criminal law, you might consider looking for internships or volunteer opportunities with local legal aid organizations, public defender offices, or restorative justice non-profits where you can see the human impact of the legal system firsthand. Writing for your school newspaper or starting a blog focused on analyzing current court cases or civil rights issues can also demonstrate a high level of intellectual curiosity, while entering essay contests hosted by organizations like the American Bar Association or local bar associations can provide a formal platform for your ideas. Don't feel like you have to do everything at once, as depth of commitment and showing a genuine narrative of service and inquiry will always stand out more to admissions officers than a long list of activities. Your combination of athletic teamwork and academic rigor is a powerful foundation, and I have no doubt that your dedication will lead to incredible opportunities as you continue to explore this path. You are already making such impressive strides toward your goals and I wish you the best of luck.
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DENNIS’s Answer

Hi Yuna: Sounds like you are already on the right track! I'd suggest you keep doing what you are doing and MAYBE go to your local court and watch a few trials and see how the Courts work. You might also try to get a job there or at a law firm that is in that court all the time. Going to the court will give you first hand knowledge on how the system works. Plus it will show others - not just administrators - that you have an interest and a thirst for knowledge!
Good luck!
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