Interview with a law student: Rebecca - 1st year law student

1. How long have you been interested in law school? How long have you known that law is something you want to pursue as a career?

I've been interested in law school since my sophomore year of college. Although I had always thought that studying law would be interesting, I didn't really consider it before then.

2. Why did you choose to focus on law?

I chose to focus on the law because I was a Biology Major in college and was interested in the interaction between genetics and the law. I also wanted to pursue a career that I found intellectually stimulating.

3. How long did you spend studying for the LSAT? What was it like?

I took an LSAT prep course which met around four hours every week for the two months preceding the test. I probably studied an additional 30 hours on my own.

4. What are the most useful skills/techniques that you are learning from your classes?

In one of my classes, I am learning how to do legal research and writing, which are essential skills in the practice of law. From my other classes, I am learning analytical and reasoning skills which are useful in formulating legal conclusions.

5. To what extent do you think that attending school will help you to develop your skills? What skills will you need as a lawyer?

Law school gives you the tools you need to practice law, but to fully develop these skills, you need the hands on experience you get from actually practicing law. You can gain these skills during summer jobs but also through participating in clinics or extracurricular activities such as moot court. To be a good lawyer, you need to be able to reason and to make cogent arguments. Creativity and the ability to think "outside the box" can also be helpful.

6. What should potential law students look for in a school or program?

Location (especially if you are certain you want to practice in a particular area), academic reputation, the strength and experiences of the faculty and course curriculum.

7. What advice would you give to people considering enrolling in law school?

Make sure you are going for the right reasons and that law school is something that you want. Also, when applying, make sure to research the schools that you are interested in and be prepared to apply to "safety" schools, since the application process is becoming more competitive and unpredictable. (But only apply to schools you would actually attend!)

8. Do you have any recommendations for sources (i.e. websites, books, textbooks) that would be beneficial to students?

I would suggest to avoid reading 1L. In my experience, law school is nothing like that and reading it will only make you more nervous about attending. Looking at the US News & World Reports website is helpful to do initial research on where you want to apply, but don't become obsessed with rankings. The LSAC website gives helpful information, and each individual school's website gives useful information about academics, student life, financial aid and the application process. A book that helps with the application process is Getting into Law School Today (Martinson and Waldherr, 1994).

9. What kinds of jobs and career opportunities are available in law (either other than being a lawyer or specific types of law)?

Professors, consultants, government, business, etc. The skills you learn in law school are transferable to many different industries.
Even if you don't plan on working with the law, having a J.D. will open many doors.

10. Do you know what specific area of law you will pursue upon graduation? If so, what is it and why?

I am not quite sure yet. I am still interested in genetics & the law and bioethics, but have also considered domestic violence law.


11. What do you enjoy the most about studying law?

It's interesting and challenging. I actually enjoy going to class!

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