This is the time of year when many students are trying to solidify their summer plans. Many interested in attending law school become hyper-focused on completing a “legal” internship in order to “stand out” to law schools. Let’s review this premise for a minute:
- We know that to get into law school, you do not need to have any experience with the law or know the type of law you want to focus on after your three years of law school are complete.
- We know that law schools like to admit individuals with sharp soft skills, who know how to think critically, don’t buckle under pressure, and can communicate clearly in both speaking and writing. What else do law schools look for? Check out the top skills law schools are looking for here.
So what do the above two points mean to you as you conduct an internship search?
Consider the following:
- What am I interested in learning?
- What skills am I interested in building?
- What type of experience would have me excited to get out of bed each morning?
- What types of people or environment do I want to be in and do I thrive in?
Use the above questions to guide your search. Remember, the word “intern” is just that: a word. Your objectives can be met with part-time jobs, research conducted on campus, relevant volunteer experiences, or shadowing professionals in a variety of fields (along with many other ways).
The bottom line: don’t seek out an experience just to impress a law school admissions representative. Consider yourself and your goals and this will result in an impressive application.
Want to discuss what experiences make sense for you and your law school application? Schedule an hour with The Pre-Law Collaborative today!
