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Is being a lawyer in a competitive field? Do I have to be a bright student to get to law school?

I am in 11th grade and debating whether I should take the path of becoming a lawyer.

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Jennifer’s Answer

Being a bright student helps with any schooling. For law school in the United States, which law school you get into depends on a lot of factors one of which is your score on the LSAT. There are LSAT prep courses, which are very helpful and I recommend taking. But also consider which law school is the best fit for you. Harvard, for example, isn't for everyone, even those who score very well on the LSAT. Research law schools that are of interest to you and see what the requirements are for admission, one of which will likely be the score or range required on the LSAT. Consider in-state versus out-of-state particularly for tuition purposes. Some law schools have an area of focus so if you have one (for example, intellectual property), then research law schools with that focus and see what the requirements are.

I will say that after 20+ years of practice, where someone went to law school does not really matter. It's what they did with the opportunities presented to them.

Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Nathanael
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sylvialynn’s Answer

Yes! The legal profession has always been a competitive one especially these days with rapid changes in the way we practice the law. While many graduate programs require the completion of certain prerequisite courses, law school does not. The important thing is that you complete your bachelor's degree with a high grade point.
Thank you comment icon Sylvialynn, thank you! Nathanael
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Jane’s Answer

The legal field can be competitive, especially when it comes to getting a job at a large and prestigious law firm. However, there are many different types of legal careers, and some may be less competitive than others. To get into law school, you generally need to have a strong undergraduate GPA, as well as a high score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). However, having a high GPA and LSAT score is not the only way to get into law school. Some law schools also take into consideration other factors such as work experience, community involvement and extracurricular activities, as well as personal statements, letters of recommendation and interviews. It's also worth noting that being a bright student does not necessarily mean you will be successful as a lawyer. Successful lawyers also have other skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and the ability to work well under pressure. It's always recommended to think carefully about your motivations for becoming a lawyer and to speak with practicing lawyers and law students to get an idea of the realities of the profession.
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Jonathan’s Answer

The path in law is very competitive with everybody jockeyinhmg for position and tooting their own horns. It is a competitive field because there are just so many lawyers out there. Fortunately there is room for good lawyers all the time. If it is something you would like to do I suggest interning in law firms and perhaps working as a paralegal before law school. That should help you make your decision.
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Ashunda’s Answer

The word "bright" is so subjective. I was not the smartest in my class. I studied hard and did really well on the LSAT. I also received honors in several of my law school classes. So, not necessarily bright, just motivated and determine. You may have to spend a little more time studying. Remember: Winner are ordinary people with extraordinary determination.
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Alexa’s Answer

Yes becoming a lawyer, and being a lawyer is competitive. Not trying to discourage you, but a lot of the lawyers I’ve met dislike their job. Not saying that’s going to be you, but maybe work in a firm during the summer in college to see if you like it.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Nathanael
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Baljit’s Answer

Hi Nathanael,
The resounding answer is yes law is a very competitive career. You have to have a strong and resilient personality to work in this field. Also it does depend on what type of law you go into. Litigation and defense attorneys (in my opinion) are the most competitive. Its hard work studying law but it's all worth it in the end, It's defiantly not for the light hearted. In law school you will get experience in fighting a case through mooting. The classroom settings are also competitive, where you will have to state the law and the facts of the cases to get a decent grade.
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