<p>So I just finished my first year of undergrad and no, I'm not one of those overly ambitious kids who wants to know anything and everything about getting into a top law school -- not that there's anything wrong with that! I just want to know a little bit more info so that I know what I may or may not be getting myself into: </p>
<ol>
<li><p>I'm majoring in environmental engineering and thinking about going into environmental law. Would I go into law school specializing in environmental law or does the specialization come in at the final year? </p></li>
<li><p>After graduating from undergrad, I'd like to go into the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps. Should I take the LSAT before graduation or until after I come back? Same for letters of rec - before or after? </p></li>
<li><p>Is it a given that all law school applicants have had some prior experience in a law setting? I'm currently interning at an environmental engineering firm in Dallas and would like to spend my next summers doing other things I've been wanting to do (i.e., being a camp counselor in a state up north, a mentor for a program for minorities at my school, etc.) Should I spend a summer at a law firm? If everyone applying to a law school has done it, then I'm wondering why should I? </p></li>
</ol>
<p>If you answer any of these, thanks so much! If not, thanks for reading :)</p>
<p>i’m just gonna address a few of these items. I’m a parent so keep that in mind.
but DEFINITELY get the letters of recommendation from your professors while you are at college. The professors might not be available or may not remember you a few years later- so get them while your profs remember you. Also get 2 letters from professors. Some law schools require 2 academic LOR. I believe LSAC/LSDAS will hold onto the recommendations- so you may need to open up an LSAC account once you feel it is time to obtain the letter.</p>
<p>i’m a firm believer in- you got one life. You should do want you want (with certain limits) and have no regrets. A summer as a camp counselor or mentor program-- A terrific idea. It also shows you have other interests than getting into law school. </p>
<p>as far as taking the LSAT- you know yourself best. But once you get out of the 4 year grind at college, it may be more difficult to discipline yourself to study for the LSAT. I think the LSAT grade is good for 5 years- so even if you took it your junior year and worked 2 years after college, the LSAT grade will still be accepted.</p>
<p>The best time to take the LSAT is when you have a solid 2 to 3 months (some may need more time) to devote to studying for this exam.<br>
Hope I helped you a bit.</p>
<p>There are specializations in law school, but only in terms of what classes you take. Want to be a tax lawyer? Take tax 1 and tax 2. Don’t want to be a tax lawyer? Almost definitely don’t take tax 2, probably don’t take tax 1. Beyond that, mike is right.</p>