Preparing for Law School

It is commonly acknowledged that individuals may have various reasons for pursuing a legal education, such as a desire to serve others, the potential for prestige and financial compensation, the intellectual rigor of the field, or even familial influence. However, it is essential to note that one’s motivation for pursuing a legal career should be rooted in a firm, personal conviction that can sustain one during the inevitable challenges that may arise during legal study or practice. Merely stating a fondness for argumentation (“I like to argue”) alone will not be sufficient to sustain an individual through the demanding nature of legal education. Instead, possessing the ability and inclination to evaluate facts and events critically and the capacity to articulate and persuade others to adopt a particular perspective effectively are essential qualities for a successful career in the legal field. The cost and difficulty of legal education demand careful consideration and should not be undertaken lightly or as a fallback option. It is important to be confident in the alignment of legal education with one’s interests and career goals before embarking on this path. 

Legal professionals may work for a diverse range of organizations, including government agencies, educational institutions, hospitals, service organizations, trade organizations, or as judicial clerks. Some may pursue additional education in other disciplines or even teach as professors in law or other related fields. The American Bar Association and the Law School Admission Council provide a wealth of resources for prospective law students, including information on various legal specialties and employment opportunities.

Other helpful exploration tools include LSAC Fields of Law, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections for Lawyers, Texas Bar’s Becoming a Lawyer Q&A, and the ABA’s Career Center. 

While it is not a requirement, gaining practical experience through internships can provide valuable insights into the legal profession and may enhance one’s education. Furthermore, internships offer networking opportunities and may assist in determining whether a legal career aligns with one’s interests and goals. The UT Dallas Pre-Law Advising Center also includes internship opportunities in the CometBrief, the monthly newsletter, as they become available. 

We encourage students to utilize Handshake, the University’s career services platform, to find internship opportunities. 

The University of Texas at Dallas does not have a specific pre-law curriculum. The term “pre-law” indicates a student’s intention to pursue admission to law school upon completing their undergraduate degree. As the legal profession encompasses many career paths and required skills, law schools do not typically recommend a specific course of study. The one exception is that students interested in pursuing patent law must have a background in science. 

Pre-law students should focus on developing transferable skills to the law school setting. As the primary tools of the legal profession are the spoken and written word, pre-law students need to build a strong command of the English language and a clear and concise style of expression. Students should seek out courses that require substantial research and writing assignments and provide opportunities for feedback on these skills. 

Courses in literature, foreign language, speech, composition, philosophy and logic can help develop the analytical skills necessary for success in law school and the legal profession. Studying history, political science, economics and statistics can provide insight into society’s structure and the problems of social order with which the law is concerned. Understanding human behavior through sociology and psychology can also aid in understanding the interactions between law and individuals. The systematic ordering of abstractions and ideas acquired through studying logic, mathematics and the sciences can also contribute to students’ ability to analyze and organize their thoughts rationally. 

In selecting a major, students should choose a discipline that holds genuine interest for them and in which they will be motivated to produce their best work. However, students should avoid majors that narrowly focus on specific vocations or do not challenge them to reach their fullest academic potential. What matters most is the intensity and depth of the undergraduate program, which demonstrates a student’s ability to perform well at an academically rigorous level. Double majoring or minoring may have little impact on law school admissions decisions but can enhance a student’s intellectual growth and exploration. 

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a mandatory requirement for all individuals seeking admission to law school. The exam assesses the reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills that law schools highly value. Additionally, the test includes a non-scored writing sample and a non-scored experimental section. It is important to note that the LSAT cannot be studied for by memorizing facts or last-minute cramming. However, by understanding the types of questions in each section and learning how to approach them, one can prepare for the test. We strongly recommend that individuals develop and implement a comprehensive test preparation regimen several months before the scheduled test date. 

Typically, the best time to take the LSAT is during the summer between junior and senior year. This allows for early submission of applications during the admissions cycle or, if necessary, the opportunity to retake the test in October or December. Students participating in the Archer Fellowship Program should know that studying for or taking the LSAT during the Archer semester in D.C. is prohibited. As the LSAT is only offered four times a year, planning and avoiding scheduling conflicts is essential. 

It is worth noting that LSAT scores remain on the LSAC Academic Summary Report for at least five years. While most law schools consider the highest score in case of multiple scores, they do have access to scores from all test administrations, including canceled test scores. Unless under exceptional circumstances, students can only take the LSAT three times within two years; thus, it is vital to plan accordingly.