So I plan on going to law school, but how do I get there?
Well first, as any good journalism student, I interviewed people.
I talked to friends of friends who were in law school. I talked to professors
at school in the History and Government program, I talked to other students
wanting to be lawyers, and I talked to actual lawyers. This whole interviewing
process was very helpful. I was able to make some great contacts and get a
variety of helpful advice and opinions.
Second, I job shadowed. Before I made this kind of huge
career commitment, I wanted to make sure I would like it. I shadowed a variety
of lawyers in different areas of law. My favorite though was when I shadowed a
judge (who was a woman btw). I looked forward to getting up early (which if you
know me is unusual) every week to go and observe, learn and help out. It
solidified my decision to pursue law school, particularly in criminal law.
Third, I took the LSAT in June before my senior year. SO
glad I did that. I started preparing in late January of that year, but was able
to still have an entire month to devote solely to studying once I was done. I
took it again in October and regretted doing that 1) because I had mono and 2)
because it was more out of pride than out of necessity since my first score was
good.
Finally, I sought the wisdom of the written word. I went to
our school’s library and checked out all the books remotely related to law
school (and one about the first women lawyers for inspiration). It was an
obscene amount, requiring an extra bag just to carry them all. But they helped.
Now, don’t go thinking I’m some super star. I didn't actually read them all,
just specific chapters. I also looked at blogs and official websites like LSAC as well as websites of schools I wanted to apply to.
The end result? Well . . . come back soon to find out!
Next Week: Join me as I go more in-depth into the steps of the application process.
What great ways to make sure law school is what you want to pursue. I hope lots of pre-law students read your blog, I think they'll find some of your ideas very helpful!
ReplyDeleteMadison, I got overwhelmed just reading this. You did a lot of work to make sure law school was right for you! That's probably a good thing. I'm impressed.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I really am LOVING your blog. It is terrific. You should keep it up after this class, so I can hear of your journey of embracing your inner "Elle Woods"! :)
Wow! I had no idea how much work went into making your decision. I am impressed and I cannot wait to see where all of your hard work takes you! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a huge decision you're making and it's awesome to see that you are not taking it lightly at all. It must have taken so much time to do all of that, but it's definitely worth the peace of mind and direction afterwards. I am so excited to see what's next for you :)
ReplyDeleteWow! That's a lot! I'm so glad you found that you enjoy this new interest and I'm excited to read more about the journey!
ReplyDeleteWow, you did your homework! And of course the judge you shadowed was a woman--I would expect nothing else from you :)
ReplyDeleteWow. You really checked this out to make sure law school was right for you! You definitely put a lot of thought and effort into this decision.
ReplyDelete