Hello all,
I am very interested in becoming a lawyer after I finish my academic career but am currently only a freshman. I do understand that times might change and I might want to change my career, but as of right now (and for 2 years now), I want to become a lawyer.
I am currently in:
Mock Trial
Speech and Debate (Public Forum)
plan: Volleyball
Any opinion on my extracurriculars?
I was also wondering whether or not it matters to law schools where I go for my undergrad. I’d like to go to Stanford then Yale Law School, but whew. That’s tough.
My questions:
- What are the best majors for law? (Excluding anything to do with liberal arts)
- Professor vs. Lawyer?
- How can I get into Yale Law School?
- Best high school courses to take?
- What is being a law student like?
& any other information or advice that you have. Thank you so much!
My advice, as a lawyer (I didn’t go to Yale, but I went to Harvard):
- Focus on doing your best with your classwork now.
- Focus on a variety of activities that are consistent with your passions and which help you explore your passions.
That’s it.
Do not focus on a particular law school. Do not even focus on being a lawyer. Neither is necessary until sophomore or junior year in college, if then.
Your extracurriculars now have no bearing whatsoever on your legal career. Nor do your specific classes.
You get into Yale Law School, I’d guess, by having a near-perfect LSAT score and near-perfect college grades (particularly in a difficult major and where those grades mean something–i.e., not basketweaving at Joke State U.) and by having a life story that is one of living out your passions and planning to use a law degree consistent with those passions.
I liked law school- it was a great mix of people and limitless opportunities (in theory)- but focus on making the most of your high school days now and worry about law school and being a lawyer when the time comes.
@HappyAlumnus ,
Are you currently a lawyer? Or did you choose not to become one?
And what did you major in? I would like to major in economics, chemistry, or computer science.
Thank you for your help!
Yes, I am currently a lawyer. I majored in the humanities (lots of careful reading and writing, which tracks well with law school and law practice).
I had my heart set on one law school and got in, but then got into more highly-ranked ones, and so turning down the school that I was set on was very difficult. Also, the plans that anyone has for his/her life almost never work out exactly how the person wants–the person discovers, for example, different interests over time–so don’t have such a narrow focus and narrow goals now. High school and college are times for exploring your interests and making great grades, and at the end, the right doors will open.
@HappyAlumnus ,
When did you decide that you were interested in law?
I was also wondering whether or not Mock Trial/Speech and Debate would help.
I’m not interested in law, as an intellectual pursuit. Law is just the outcome of (1) some good judges and politicians who truly try to set ground rules for societal good and (2) a bunch of special interests/lobbyists, and law as an intellectual pursuit is boring.
I knew that I wanted to be a lawyer, since it would be a good career, ever since high school.
Mock trial/speech and debate make no difference whatsoever. I’ve been practicing for a long time now and I do a little bit of public speaking (mostly outside of work, for business development). Most of my time involves writing and analyzing documents and discussing them with people, usually on the phone or by email.
Again: figure out what you’re passionate about in life, do activities that you’re passionate about, and if a J.D. fits into your passions, and if you have sterling grades and test scores, then doors will open at top-tier law schools.
I never planned to go to Harvard Law School; I filled out the application because my mother bugged me about it. Just do your best, live out your passions and law school will fall into place; do not have an exact track in mind because chances are it won’t happen.
@HappyAlumnus ,
Thank you for your help. I am currently in Mock Trial and Speech and Debate, but I understand, now, that becoming a lawyer might be different. Are you currently working at a firm or a company?
Firm.
Great if you’re in Mock Trial/Speech and Debate; those develop good skills. But just don’t those solely to get into law school.