sarah
What is my best path into law school?
I met with a pre law advisor today, and it’s made me rethink everything. To start, he let me know that political science won’t prepare me for the lsat or law school so I should ideally major in something I enjoy or can fall back on. I’m interested in corporate law so I’m thinking something business/ finance related, but what are some good majors that aren’t necessarily just “business” or “finance”? He did say that a legal studies minor is what will actually prepare me for the lsat and law school, so I’m gearing towards that. I was also interested in philosophy because I’ve heard they tend to do better on the lsat , but he let me know that’s actually often not too true/significant. To add, I’m also interested in psychology / sociology and think they would be a good compliment for my law career. I guess what I’m asking is: what all of this is true and where should I pivot regarding majors and minors? (I’m open to doubling in either as well)
Secondly, I’m a first year but I came in with high school credits classifying me as a sophomore, so with my current full time load I’m on track to graduate in the next 3 years. My resume needs a lot of work and filling up, and I’m not sure I’m gonna have enough time to properly study for the lsat, get internships, and join/lead organizations while still having to work. Should I lighten my course load and graduate in the typical 4 years to pad my resume, or continue on my full time course path?
Thirdly, I’ve been cold emailing firms and trying to secure an internship for this summer but I’ve had no luck this far. Any tips or methods for internships?
He also gave me an insight to what law school will actually be like regarding the course load, exams, and the frequent grillings I’ll get . I mean I knew law school was gonna be hard, but I wasn’t expecting 3 years of pure hell. The meeting really brought me back to reality and made me question if I’m cut out for law school and everything I thought I knew about how to get there. I would really just like to know if a political science degree is worth it and will be beneficial to me and any advice on my path into law school.
4 answers
Vianne Phan
Vianne’s Answer
About graduating early versus staying four years, I would slow down. Graduating in three years sounds impressive, but it often hurts students who need time to build experience, study for the LSAT, and actually live a little. Law schools do not reward rushing. They reward strong GPAs, leadership, work experience, and a polished application. If you are already worried about working, internships, LSAT prep, and resume gaps, that is your sign to consider a lighter course load and a four year plan. Many strong law school applicants take a gap year anyway, so there is no prize for speed here. Give yourself time to lead an organization, get meaningful internships, and study for the LSAT without burning out.
As for internships, cold emailing firms is not wrong, but it is a difficult path. Many firms do not hire undergrads, especially first and second years. You will have better luck with legal assistant roles, compliance internships, corporate offices, banks, insurance companies, or government agencies. Use LinkedIn and Indeed aggressively. Search alumni from your school who work in law or corporate settings and ask for informational interviews, not jobs. Career centers, professors, and alumni referrals matter way more than random emails. And about law school being hard, yes it is intense, but it is survivable and thousands of normal people do it every year. Feeling intimidated does not mean you are not cut out for it. It just means you finally got an honest picture. If you are willing to work, ask for help, and give yourself time, you are absolutely still on a solid path.
Kim Igleheart
Kim’s Answer
Whoa! Take a deep breath. Let it out. Repeat.
First, there's no reason to rush into adulthood. It's over-rated. :-) You will be one for a very long time. Enjoy your youth. Go to undergrad for 4 years.
Secondly, you are very fortunate to have an advisor who is a realist. Yes, major in anything. Yes, major in something you can fall back on if for some reason you do not go to and finish law school. Life happens. Parents get ill, for example.
The minor in legal studies isn't a bad idea. But, if it was me, I'd sneak a peek at the LSAT now. The Logic Games are tough. There are special study courses to prepare for that - as, there's no time during the test for trial and error.
Yes. Law School is a *****. I had an undergrad Constitutional Law class where the professor apparently envisioned he was teaching law school. I spent most of that semester in the library, briefing cases. It was insane! But, I learned a lot!
Have you considered becoming a paralegal? They can earn a decent living, and they do most of the work anyway. :-)
Check out the Graduate Level Legal Studies program at Texas State University. It is an ABA approved program. Not all paralegal programs are.
I would encourage you to consider making wise choices for your electives. The Philosophy Class on Logic is worth taking. Develop and maintain excellent skills on the computer. You have to know technology. Take speech, debate, moot court. Learn English grammar.
You honestly don't have to make all your choices right now. Just do something that lets you keep your options open. So yes, a business related major with a minor in Legal Studies will do that. If Political Science is not your thing, it's time for a change.
From one Texan to another, good luck!
Kim
Martha D. Kramer
Martha D.’s Answer
1) Maybe the advisor was having a bad day, but his advice seems very harsh. Why tell you that law school will be pure hell? Also, everything I have seen or heard has said that you can major in whatever you want for pre-law. You just want to get a lot of practice with critical thinking (philosophy would be good for that) and writing. So pick what you want.
2) Political science and history come up a lot because of the reading and writing skills associated with them as well as the knowledge they give about how our legal system has developed.
3) Can't the career center on campus help you with law firm or corporate law internships or at least help you network with alumni in the law?
4) What about graduating in 3 years as planned and then take a gap year before law school? This would give you more time to prepare for the LSAT, get experience in the law, and submit applications. Plus it would give your brain a rest after 16 years of school.
Wishing you good luck!
Martha D. recommends the following next steps:
Casey Thiel
Casey’s Answer
I share this only to try to take some of the pressure off. If you end up deciding that you want to explore something other than law, it doesn't preclude you from returning to it later in life. Best of luck!