Pre-Law Study and Application Process Information

Pre-Law Advisors
Is Law School for You?
Career Possibilities & Legal Specialties

2. Pre-Law Bulletin Board and Law School Bulletins

The Law School Admissions Test and Preparation (LSAT)
The Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS)
Things to Consider when Applying to Law School

1. Legal Education

2. Law School Curriculum

3. Choosing a Law School

4. Applying to Law School

5. The Personal Statement

6. Letters of Recommendation

Pre-Law Advisors

The University of Wyoming has several advisors to assist students who are considering law school. Pre-law advisors are available to discuss your interest in law, help you select useful courses, and assist you in the application process. Resource materials (such as the current Registration and Information Book for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) published by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS), fee waiver application, the LSAC/American Bar Association Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools) are available to peruse or pick up in A&S 114 or from one of the other pre-law advisors.

Ms. Ilona Reif, Coordinator for College of Arts and Sciences Student Affairs, is the coordinating pre-law advisor at UW. She can be contacted in the A&S Dean’s office, A&S Building room 114; (307)766-4106 and at ireif@uwyo.edu. Other advisors are:

College of Agriculture
Dr. Alan Schroeder, Associate Professor,
Agriculture & Applied Economics
C 216C Agriculture Bldg.
(307)766-5133 conrad@uwyo.edu

College of Arts and Sciences
Ms. Cheryl Burnett, JD
Associate Lecturer, Department of Criminal Justice
222B A&S Bldg.
(307)766-5384 cburnett@uwyo.edu

Dr. Duncan Harris
Director, UW Honors Program
Associate Professor of English
102 Merica Hall
(307)766-4110 dharris@uwyo.edu

Dr. Garth Massey
Director of International Studies
Professor of Sociology
415 Ross Hall
(307)766-6119 gmmassey@uwyo.edu

Dr. Philip Roberts
Associate Professor of History
356 History Bldg.
(307)766-5311 philr@uwyo.edu

Dr. Ed Sherline
Associate Professor and Department Head of Philosophy
331 Hoyt Hall
(307)766-5156 sherline@uwyo.edu

UW/Casper College Center

Ms. Dianne Davis
Coordinator, Student Advising
UW-CC/Upper Division Center
166 Administration Bldg.
(307) 268-2398; 1-800-860-2398
ddavis@uwyo.edu

Is Law School for You?

You may have been planning to be a lawyer since you were very young or just now you are getting curious about what may be ahead for you after you earn that bachelor’s degree. In looking at the possibilities, only you will be able to make the final decision and a major decision it is to invest three years and perhaps $80,000 in a future career. Your time and money are valuable so you don’t want to use it only to learn that law is not for you.

Taking time during your undergraduate years to learn about the realistic life and work of a lawyer, carefully analyzing the time, effort, and expenses of law school, and the career options open to you will be time well spent. There are many books that talk about life as a lawyer that can help you ask yourself some questions about your motivation for studying law. Check the selected bibliography below for examples.

Joining the pre-law club, sitting in on law school classes, attending any pre-law open houses or other functions and speakers at the UW Law School, visiting other law schools and law school forums will actively engage you in the process of your decision-making.

By taking advantage of the information available in print or online and talking with law professors and legal professionals, you will also discover that your career choices are broader than “practicing law” in the strict sense. You may find that your law degree opens doors into other careers such as government, business, politics, teaching, publishing, and journalism, among others.

Career Possibilities and Legal Specialties

            What can you do with a law degree? Anything you want to! The career choices are virtually limitless. Here are some legal specialties and practice areas as defined by the National Association for Law School Placement www.nalp.org.

·        Admiralty and Maritime Law
·        Antitrust Law
·        Appellate Practice
·        Banking and Commercial Finance Practice
·        Bankruptcy Law
·        Civil Litigation
·        Corporate Practice
·        Criminal Law
·        Entertainment and Sports Law
·        Environmental Law
·        Family Law
·        Government Contracts Practice
·        Government Practice
·        Health Care Law
·        Immigration Law
·        Insurance Law
·        Intellectual Property Law
·        International Law
·        Labor and Employment Law
·        Legislative Practice
·        Military Judge Advocates/JAG
·        Municipal Finance Practice
·        Public Interest Law (i.e. Civil Liberties, Children’s Rights, Disability Benefits, Human Rights, Elder Law, Veteran’s Rights, etc.)
·        Real Estate Law
·        Securities Law
·        Solo, Small Firm, and General Practice
·        Tax Law
·        Telecommunications Law
·        Tort Law: Personal Injury and Insurance Defense Litigation
·        Trusts and Estates Law

In addition to having a wide variety of areas in which to use a law degree, you have just as many choices in the type of employer you could work for. The following is a brief list of the options available to you.
Corporate:

In-House Counsel
Consulting Firms
Insurance/Banking/Financial Services
Legal Publishing Firms
Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Government:

   ·     Federal (Administrative Agency, Justice Dept./U.S. Attorney, Federal Public Defender, Legislative Branch, Judicial Clerkships)
·        State (Attorney General, Legislative Branch, Judicial Clerkship)
·        Local (City/County Prosecutor, Municipal Attorney, Local Public Defender)

Non-Profit Organiztions:

·            Hospitals/Health Care Organizations
·            Education/University/Law School
·           Foundations
·           Labor Unions/Trade and Professional Organizations

Public Interest:

       · Legal Services
·     Public Interest Law Center/Law Firm
·      Social Action Organization
·     Issue/Policy Organization
·      Public Interest Litigation Organization

Private Practice

            · Large Firm
                          ·   Small Firm
                          ·    Solo Practice

For more information on legal careers, career resources, employers, and legal resources visit the website for the UW College of Law Career Services Office at http://www.uwyo.edu/lawcso.

Preparing for Law School

As at most universities, pre-law students at the University of Wyoming are majoring in a variety of disciplines in any of the colleges - Agriculture, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering, and Health Sciences. Most law school deans and faculty, the Law School Admissions Council, the American Bar Association, and most universities have no officially prescribed pre-law major or concentration. Law schools look for and accept students from all majors and a variety of backgrounds. Any student who anticipates applying to law schools is considered a pre-law student. However, there are guidelines in approaching your undergraduate study to prepare you for the challenges of a legal education and the profession.

· Selecting courses and majors

First, choose a major that interests you and that may lead to an alternate career if you later decide that law school is not for you. Pre-law students at UW pursue study in fields as varied as criminal justice, biology, business, engineering, English, finance, music, philosophy, political science. If you are in doubt as to a major, counselors in UW’s Center for Advising and Career Services (222 Knight Hall, 766-2398) http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/CACS/ can help you explore your interests, strengths, and options. When applying to law schools it will be important to have a strong academic performance record so choosing a major that really interests you will be most beneficial as well as providing you with alternate career choices.

Second, during your undergraduate years, consider the skills required of successful law students and lawyers. They spend their time reading, writing, speaking, negotiating, and solving complex problems. They value the ability to analyze, to reason cogently, to think abstractly, and to write and speak precisely and effectively. Look for rigorous courses to increase your abilities in these areas such as seminars and other courses that require research, writing and discussion. Rigorous courses will also help you develop the reading, analytical, and logical skills that are needed to do well on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).

Do balance your coursework. If you are studying political science or engineering, take also a selection of courses in the sciences, literature and fine arts. If majoring in the sciences or literature, go beyond the basic general requirements and take additional courses in the social sciences, fine arts and a foreign language. Whatever legal work you eventually do, you will deal with people who have diverse interests and backgrounds. The more you know about their worlds, the better you can serve them. A thoughtful selection of courses to fulfill the University Studies Program requirements at UW is a good way to broaden your education and develop skills.

You should also have a basic grasp of United States history and the structure and philosophy of our government. Courses in American history and literature, political science, American studies, economics, ethical theory, and political philosophy are valuable. You will learn the law more easily if you understand the context out of which it comes. Courses in logic or critical thinking in the Department of Philosophy may help your performance on the logical and analytical reasoning questions on the LSAT.

Generally, law schools will be looking for a candidate whose undergraduate academic performance is strong and reflects a personal, intellectual engagement with the course of study. A sound foundation in a specific major supported by a broad liberal arts education and a competitive grade point average should prepare you to do well on the Law School Admissions Test and the application process.

· Criminal Justice Majors

If you plan to major in Criminal Justice, this program has a pre-law emphasis you may choose. Check the Department’s web page for more information, http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/CJ/.

· Add more to your skills, knowledge, experience

Ø Take advantage of extracurricular opportunities to learn more about the law and refine your skills in leadership, organization, time management and communication.

Ø Look for internships or volunteer service in the community.

Ø Study abroad to learn about diverse cultures and international institutions and issues.

Ø Join campus organizations of interest to you, including the Pre-Law Club and the UW undergraduate chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Legal fraternity.

Ø Become actively involved in your classes by seeking opportunities to pursue some in-depth research activity in areas of interest to you. Your instructors and academic advisors can give you guidance.

Ø Make sure you get to know your professors – by the time you are a junior or senior several professors should know you and your academic interests and performance well enough to write meaningful letters of recommendation. Choosing classes that require discussion, research, or oral presentations are excellent ways to interact with instructors.

Ø Attend lectures by lawyers, judges, and government officials when they speak on campus.

A Suggested Timeline

The following is only a recommended schedule –it is based on a four-year undergraduate course of study and one that you may adjust to fit your individual timeframe.

1. Freshman and sophomore years:

Ø Talk with your advisor and instructors about your interests; visit the Center for Advising and Career Services to explore majors if you have not already decided.

Ø Assess your strengths and build up the less well-developed areas by thoughtful course selection.

Ø Look into extracurricular activities that interest you and get involved.

Ø Build relationships with your instructors so they can write meaningful letters of recommendation about your academic effort.

Ø Make a concerted effort to establish a solid academic program and earn as high a GPA

2. Junior Year:

Ø Seek opportunities to participate in or initiate research activities whether through course assignments or independent study, internships, volunteer work, etc. Cultivate your relationships with faculty who may direct you in independent study or research or internships in your area of interest.

Ø Pick up the current Registration and Information Book for information and applications for the Law School Admissions Test and the Law School Data Assembly Service to become familiar with the test and with the application process. This book includes sample test questions, practice tests you can order, and other useful things to know about the application process. The Law School Admissions Council website http://www.LSAC.org/ is a great source for information and downloadable materials.

Ø Consider participating in mock law school admission tests, setting up group study sessions or individual ones for yourself, or reviewing options for commercial test preparation courses. Familiarity with the question types and answer formats, the time limitations, and the rules and structure of the test will reduce your stress level.

Ø Research those law schools in which you are interested; request information and application materials. The Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools is a useful source of information about each of the law schools. You may review a copy in A&S 114. It is available online at http://www.lsac.org/

Ø Law School Admission Tests are administered in June, September or October, December, and February. Application deadlines of each law school are important guides in deciding when to take the test. You may want to consider taking the LSAT in June following your junior year if you plan to apply to law schools in your senior year. This date is good for those students who may not have the pressures of other classes in the summer. You also then have the opportunity to take the test again should you decide to cancel your score or feel you may do better. At this time you may register for the Law School Data Assembly service that organizes for the law schools the data derived from candidate’s transcripts and LSAT score/s.

Ø You may wish to visit some law schools high on your list or attend law school forums around the country where many law schools are represented.

Ø Maintain your good GPA; retake some classes, which may help your grade point average.

Ø Check in with a pre-law advisor for assistance.

4. Senior Year:

Ø If you did not take the LSAT in June, October is a good time; some students prefer this date because they are enrolled in school and may be more focused on test taking. For many law schools, the December test is the last possible date in order to get the test results by application deadlines. Check the requirements of the law schools to which you are applying.

Ø Check in with your pre-law advisor if you have questions and concerns.

Ø Make requests for your letters of recommendation. Make an appointment with your potential references so they have time to discuss your plans with you.

Ø Work on your personal statement as required by your application materials.

Ø Register for the Law School Data Assembly Service if you have not already done so.

Resources for the Pre-law Student

1. General Resources available to peruse or pick up in A&S 114, in one of the pre-law advisor offices, or check the LSAC website at http://www.LSAC.org/. The LSAC is a good source of information about pre-law, law schools, and the services provided by this nonprofit organization that administers the LSAT and provides services to students and the law schools during the application and admissions process.

      Ø   Test and the Law School Data Assembly Service.
Ø      The Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools
Ø      Recruitment Calendar of annual law school forums.
Ø      Thinking About Law School: A Minority Guide booklet.
Ø      The Ten Questions for Minority Law School Applicants booklet.
Ø      Loan Information.

2. Pre-law Bulletin Board and Law School Bulletins

Postings of interest to pre-law students are on a bulletin board in the south hall of the Arts & Sciences Building, across from room 147. There also you will find posters from many law schools, including cards for ordering their Bulletins.

Many law school bulletins are in the Simpson Lounge in the A&S Building, room 139 (in the Political Science wing of the first floor of the A&S Building).

3. The UW College of Law invites pre-law students for tours of the law school, mock law school classes, faculty and law student panels, and receptions. You may even participate in moot court sessions as a juror. During Law Week in October undergraduate students are encouraged to attend lectures and presentations. UW College of Law

4. Pre-law club and Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, International

The University of Wyoming Pre-law Club welcomes new members to help you gain knowledge of the legal profession by facilitating interaction with legal professionals, law school deans and professors, and law students. The group also organizes mock Law School Admission Test sessions, mock trials, visits with area law schools, and opportunities to socialize, have fun, and network. Contact Ms. Cheryl Burnett at cburnett@uwyo.edu, A&S Bldg. 222B, 766-5384 or Pre-law Club for membership information and meetings.

5. Selected Readings for pre-law students

Abrams, Lisa L. The Official Guide to Legal Specialties, An Insider’s Guide to Every Major Practice Area (Harcourt Brace, 2000).

Arron, Deborah. What Can You Do With A Law Degree? A Lawyer’s Guide to Career Alternatives Inside, Outside, and Around the Law (Seattle: Niche Press, 1999).

Bachman, Walt. Law v. Life (Rhinebeck, NY: Four Directions Press, 1995).

Bell, Susan J., Ed. Full Disclosure: Do You Really Want to be a Lawyer (Princeton, NJ:

Peterson Guides, American Bar Association, 1992).

Carey, Christin Civiletto. Full Disclosure: The New Lawyer’s Must Read Career Guide (New York: ALM, American Lawyers Media, Inc., 2001).

Law Services. Financing Your Law School Education (Law School Admission Council).

Law Services. The Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools (American Bar Association, Law School Admission Council).

Law Services. Out and In, Information for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgendered Law School Applicants (Law School Admission Council).

Law Services. So You Want to be a Lawyer: Practical Guide to Law as a Career, Revised edition (Law School Admission Council).

Law Services. Thinking About Law School: A Minority Guide (Law School Admission Council).

Llewellyn, Karl. The Bramble Bush: On Our Law and Its Study (Dobbs Ferry, NY: Oceana Publications, 1991).

Moll, Richard W., The Lure of the Law: Why People Become Lawyers, and What the Profession Does to Them (New York: Viking Penguin, 1990).

Montauk, Richard W. How to Get Into the Top Law Schools (Prentice-Hall, 2001).

Munneke, G. A. How to Succeed in Law School 2^nd edition (NewYork: Barron’s, 1994).

Shapo, Marshall and Helen Shapo. Law School Without Fear: Strategies for Success. (Westbury, NY: Foundation Press, 1996).

Simenoff, Mark, Ed. My First Year as a Lawyer (New York: Signet, 1996).

6. Useful Links

Law School Admissions Council – www.lsac.org

Law schools in the Rocky Mountain Region

            Colorado
            University of Denver College of Law – www.law.du.edu
            University of Colorado School of Law – www.Colorado.edu/law

Montana
University of Montana School of Law – http://www.umt.edu/law/

            Utah
            Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School – www.law.byu.edu
            University of Utah College of Law – www.law.utah.edu

Wyoming
University of Wyoming College of Law – http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/law/

All ABA Approved Law Schools – www.abanet.org/legaled/approvedlawschools/approved.html

Financial Aid Resources
            Association of American Law Schools – www.aals.org
            U.S. Department of Education – www.ed.gov
            Free Application for Federal Student Aid – www.fafsa.ed.gov
            The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid – www.finaid.org
            National Association for Law Placement – www.nalp.org
            National Association for Public Interest Law – www.napil.org

Pre-Law Information Sources

             American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) – www.aallnet.org/index.asp
             Association of American Law Schools (AALS) – www.aals.org
             American Bar Association - Preparing for Law School - a very thorough discussion of the skills   law students and lawyers require and how to approach your undergraduate education. This site also includes links to the  ABA-LSAC Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools, and other information.
              Internet Legal Resource Guide, Pre-Law Student Services - www.ilrg.com
              National Association for Law Placement (NALP) – www.nalp.org/Prelaw/index.htm
                  National Conference of Bar Examiners – www.ncbex.org
              Princeton Review http://ww.princetonreview.com
             Recruit for Law School - http://www.recruitforlawschool.org/--excellent source of information for pre-law students and advisors. The magazine, The Advisor, is available online. Be sure to click on the tab, 'Applying to Law School' which includes, among other topics, advice about personal statements and letters of recommendation among other topics.

Pre-Law Organizations/Information
            Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International – www.pad.org
            Pre-Law Advisors National Council (PLANC) – www.planc.org
            Midwest Association of Pre-Law Advisors (MAPLA) – www.mapla.org
            Northeast Association of Pre-Law Advisors (NAPLA) – www.napla.org
            Southern Association of Pre-Law Advisors (SAPLA) – www.sapla.org
            Southwest Association of Pre-Law Advisors (SWAPLA) – www.swapla.org
            Western Association of Pre-Law Advisors (WAPLA) – www.wapla.org

Legal Organizations/Associations
            American Law Institute – American Bar Association – www.ali-aba.org
            Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA)– www.hnba.com
            NAACP Legal Defense Fund – www.ldfla.org
            National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) – www.napaba.org
            National Bar Association (NBA) – www.nationalbar.org
            Native American Rights Fund (NARF) – www.narf.org

Other useful sites with links to additional information (These are provided for your information and research, but UW does not endorse any site or its products/services)

HierosGamos, the Comprehensive Legal Site www.hg.org/schools.html

Kaplan’s Guide to Law School and the LSAT www.Kaptest.com

The Law School Admission Test and Preparation (LSAT)

The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is a half-day standardized test that is required for admission to all member law schools of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It provides a standard measure of reading and verbal skills that law schools use as one of several factors in assessing applicants. These skills include:

Reading and comprehension of complex texts with accuracy and insight.
Organization and management of information and the ability to draw reasonable inferences.
The ability to reason critically.
Analysis and evaluation of the reasoning and argument of others.

The LSAT is given four times each year (June, September/October, and February) at numerous locations within and outside the United States. A packet of information about the test, test dates, testing sites, and an application form may be obtained:

· From the Law School Admission Council at www.lsac.org

· By mail from LSAC at Box 2000, Newtown, PA 18940-0998 (automated system phone number is 215-968-1001; or 215-968-1001 weekdays)

· from the UW School of Law or one of the UW pre-law advisors listed above.

· UW Testing Center, Coe Library, Room 303 307-766-3743.

There are a number of ways to prepare for the LSAT. The Law School Admission Council offers several preparation tools, including copies of recently administered tests. You can visit LSAC website at www.lsac.org or contact the LSAC at (215)-968-1001 for more information about test preparation aids.

Among many others, the private companies that also offer preparation help are:

· Get Prepped (1-800-508-4473), http://www.getprepped.com/

· Kaplan Test Prep (1-800-527-8378), www.kaptest.com

· The Princeton Review (1-800-273-8439), www.princetonreview.com

The Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS)

Almost all ABA-approved law schools and several non-ABA-approved schools in the United States will also require that you subscribe to the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS). The LSDAS is a five-year subscription that prepares and provides a report for each law school to which you apply. The subscription comes with one law school report and there is an additional cost with each additional report you will require for the number of law schools to which you apply. This law school report provides a means of centralizing and standardizing undergraduate academic records to simplify the law school admission process and contains the following information:

· An undergraduate academic summary

· Copies of all undergraduate, graduate, and law school transcripts

· LSAT scores and writing sample copies

· Copies of Letters of Recommendation processed by the LSAC

You may want to subscribe to this service at the same time that you register for the LSAT to simplify the paperwork, but you do not have to. The important thing is to understand that this service will coordinate your academic and biographical information, as well as your test score, for the law schools to which you apply and that you will have to subscribe about a year before you plan to apply to law schools. LSDAS needs to have enough time to process your transcripts before your applications arrive at the law schools. The law schools to which you apply will obtain a copy of the report directly from the LSDAS. The forms you will need to use for this service are in the current year’s LSAT/LSDAS Information book or downloaded from www.lsac.org.

You may also send letters of recommendation to be kept on file. Up to three letters received by the LSDAS will be sent to each school to which you apply. All letters of recommendation should be sent to the LSDAS as soon as possible after you register for the service. This can be done even before you decide on the specific law schools.

Things to Consider When Applying to Law School

Legal Education

Regardless of the law school you choose to attend, you will find that the basic curriculum focuses on specific legal skills and abilities that are required of all lawyers. A legal education is designed to develop analytical, creative, and logical reasoning abilities, as well as reading and debating skills.

Lawyers must be able to analyze legal issues in light of the constantly changing state of the law and public policy. They must be able to advocate the views of individuals and diverse interest groups within the context of the legal system. They must give intelligent counsel on the law’s requirements. Lawyers must also write and speak clearly and be able to persuade and negotiate effectively.

Law School Curriculum

There is not a “standard” curriculum that every law school offers. Law schools will differ in the emphasis given to certain subject areas and in the degree to which they provide opportunities for independent study, clinical experience, and externship opportunities. Nearly all law schools have certain basic similarities. Each American Bar Association-approved law school provides basic training in American law sufficient to qualify its graduates to take the bar examination in all states. Graduation from an ABA-approved law school is required for admission to the bar in nearly every state. Most law schools require three years of full time attendance, or four years of part-time study, if a part-time program is offered.

Most law schools rely on the “case method” approach to teaching. First-year curricula usually include courses in civil procedure, constitutional law, contracts, criminal law and criminal proceedings, legal writing and research, property law, and torts.

Most law schools share a common approach to the task of training lawyers. Many emphasize particular teaching methods (such as the Socratic method), placing students in legal internships for academic credit, or using government or legal resources of a surrounding community. A number of schools have developed specialized programs of instruction combining law with other disciplines such as business, public administration, international relations, science, and technology.

Choosing a Law School

You should begin the process of choosing a law school with an honest appraisal of your strengths and preferences. You should consider the size, composition, and background of the student body; the location, size, and nature of the surrounding community; the particular strengths or interests of the faculty; the degree to which clinical experience or classroom learning is emphasized; the nature of any special programs offered; the number and type of student organizations; grade competitiveness among the student body; accessibility of the faculty; the range of library holdings; and whether a school is public or private. You may wish to consider a school with a strong minority recruitment, retention, and mentoring program, or one with an active student union for students of your particular ethnic background. You may also want to take into consideration the state or region of the country where you would like to find employment after you earn your degree.

You should select more than one law school where you think you could succeed. Today, the average applicant applies to four or more schools. Look widely and inquire carefully when researching law schools. You really cannot spend too much time or effort gathering and studying information on law schools. Select the law schools to which you will apply only after reviewing the admission material available from each law school on your list of possibilities.

Write to law schools for their bulletins, catalogs, or other materials that include complete and current information. A complete list of all LSAC-member law schools in the U.S. and Canada can be found at the following site www.lsac.org/law-school-links.asp.

Consult with your pre-law advisor. Undergraduate institutions with pre-law advisors or career counselors encourage students and alumni to contact them for assistance—even if you have been out of school for a number of years.

Visit the law schools to which you apply. This isn’t always a realistic option for everyone, but you can learn a great deal by talking with students and faculty members, and by visiting classes. This is one of the best ways to evaluate how you feel in a particular school’s environment and if it feels like a place where you would be comfortable and able to succeed. Not every law school is right for every applicant. If you have the opportunity, talk to alumni of the schools, preferably a recent graduate or one who is active in alumni affairs. Visiting a school can be very helpful tool when you are considering offers of acceptance.

Applying to Law School

Each law school to which you apply will have its own requirements, forms, and specifications for the application process. Read all the instructions provided to you with the application materials. Specific instructions should be listed regarding completion of the application form, and submission of a personal statement, supplementary materials, and letters of recommendation.

Make sure that you complete the application form as neatly and legibly as possible. It is not always necessary to type the application form, but always verify if a particular school requires the form to be typed. Answer all questions asked on the form unless it is specifically stated that the information is optional.

Individual schools will also have their own set of criteria that they use in evaluating applicants. An applicant’s undergraduate GPA and LSAT are two major factors that an admissions committee may look at, however, other criteria are also taken into consideration. An applicant’s background, work history, life experiences, activities, leadership roles, history of overcoming obstacles, geographic diversity, personal essay, and letters of recommendation are all factors that a school may consider. As you prepare for the application process, evaluate and consider the special assets that you can bring to the school and profession. Think about challenging situations you have encountered and how aspects of your personal and cultural experiences will contribute to the diversity sought by law schools. Look for ways to incorporate this information in your application or personal statement. Be truthful when reporting this information in your application materials, but do not be overly modest. Be confident in what you have to offer as an applicant and make sure it is evident in your application materials.

When you are ready to submit your application make sure that all the materials required by the law school (i.e., application fee, supplementary statements, signed application form, personal statement, recommendation letters, any other special required forms or materials) are included in the mailing envelope. Mail your application materials well in advance of the school’s deadline and make sure that you have attached the correct postage. If you are sending applications to several schools at the same time verify that you are sending the correct application to each school and have not mixed up any of the additional materials.

The Personal Statement

If you are required to submit a personal statement, make sure you have read and understand all the instructions and requirements given. If you exceed the page or margin limitations, some schools may reserve the right to reject all or part of your statement. Your personal statement should never be handwritten. Take time to carefully prepare it. Make sure that it is an accurate representation of you as an applicant and delivers the impression you want. Proofread your statement very carefully for errors. No matter how well written your statement is, any errors in typing, spelling, or grammar will always be considered negative.

The personal statement is your opportunity to present any challenging situations you may have overcome, the special assets you can bring to the school and profession—those unique things about your traits, abilities, passions, or experiences that sets you apart. Your statement should be developed in such a way that it will engage the readers on the admissions committee, but avoid being cute or unconventional in your presentation. You could look at the statement as a substitution in many ways for a personal interview. The statement is also an opportunity to explain anything that may be perceived as negative in your record.

It is best not to wait to begin writing the personal statement until the last minute before your application. Writing a draft, setting it aside, reading it again, reading it aloud, having someone read it aloud to you, etc., will help you put together the best presentation that you want. Students currently enrolled at UW may consult with the Writing Center for assistance with many aspects of writing.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters from faculty, employers, co-workers, or others who know you and your skills, abilities, work performance in academic, employee, internship, employment, or volunteer endeavors are valuable as they may affect the way an admissions committee looks at your application. The letters should be from people who are in a position to evaluate not only your performance, but also your potential and your character in specific and meaningful ways.

Your undergraduate years provide good opportunities to enrich your education by getting to know your teachers (and you them) who could eventually write strong letters of recommendation for law school or for any other path you choose. You can do this by being intellectually curious, demonstrate initiative, and become actively engaged in all your classes. Seek opportunities to work on research projects with faculty members or with faculty guidance on independent research questions of your own. As the pre-law advisor at Notre Dame University, Ava Preacher, says, “A great letter of recommendation is simply a happy by-product of a student’s hard work.”

Planning ahead and giving plenty of time for those agreeing to write a letter is very important. By not waiting until the last minute you show that you are mindful of their responsibilities and that you are organized, mature, and responsible. When you approach someone about writing a letter, make sure you ask if the person feels that they know you or your work well enough to write a letter. If the answer is positive, be prepared to provide the following: a list of schools to which you are applying; the dates you plan to submit your applications; whether the letters are to be returned to the law school, if you will be picking them up personally, and prepared envelopes if the person must mail the letters. It is also important to complete whatever forms you may be using for the letters of recommendation, including signing any options for waiving the right or not to see the letter or your social security number. You may also ask if any additional information would be helpful in the writing of a meaningful letter of recommendation—such as a resume which is always a good resource, a writing sample, and perhaps your personal statement.