Building Your Resume for Law School

KatherineGalland_KCT
KatherineGalland_KCT Posts: 41
in Pre-Law Success Community
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One of the keys to getting into your dream school is having a strong resume. Though with everything else on your plate, it can be difficult to know what to focus on. Here's a breakdown of what you need to focus on:

1. Academics

  • GPA: Aim high! Law schools are competitive.
  • LSAT Score: This standardized test is crucial. Prep hard!
  • Major: No specific major is required, but strong writing and critical thinking skills are essential. Consider majors like political science, history, philosophy, or economics.

2. Experiences

  • Legal Experience:
    • Internships: Seek out internships at law firms, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.
    • Clerkships: Gain firsthand experience in a legal setting.
    • Shadowing: Observe lawyers in action to learn about different legal fields.
  • Leadership Roles:
    • Campus Organizations: Join clubs, student government, or debate teams.
    • Community Involvement: Volunteer for causes you care about.
    • Work Experience: Even non-legal jobs can demonstrate valuable skills.

3. Skills

  • Critical Thinking and Analysis: Law school is all about analyzing complex issues.
  • Reading Comprehension: Be prepared to read A LOT.
  • Writing and Communication: Strong written and oral communication skills are essential for lawyers.
  • Research: Learn how to conduct thorough legal research.

4. Other Resume Boosters

  • Study Abroad: Broaden your perspective and demonstrate adaptability.
  • Foreign Languages: Fluency in another language is a valuable asset.
  • Publications: If you have the opportunity, try to get your writing published.

Make sure you start early, building a strong resume takes time. The most important thing though, is that you show passion for what you are doing. Stay involved in things you enjoy, and don't let the need to have a perfect resume creep up on you. Law schools want to see that you are human, too!

What experiences are you pursuing to strengthen your resume?

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