Over time, law schools have developed specialized programs in response to the growing number of niche practice areas in the legal industry. Such programs help law students gain the training, tools and network they will need to focus on particular issues like cybersecurity or entrepreneurship.
These specialized programs may also offer scholarship awards — some even covering full tuition. However, competition is stiff, and these selective programs may require separate or supplemental applications.
If you apply to law school and the specialized program at the same time, often program administrators will evaluate the supplemental application. Admissions committees will still determine your acceptance to law school, but the program administration will decide whether you are among the few elite students who gain access to their resources.
[Learn how to apply to specialized law school programs.]
While admissions committees assess your application holistically and legal experience is not necessary for admission, specialized programs do want to see concrete evidence of your commitment to their field.
Here are three questions you will need to consider when developing your application responses.
1. Why are you interested in this program? Applicants admitted to specialized programs have a passion for a particular legal issue or practice area. Whether prompted or not, be sure to establish through concrete examples where your passion for this field comes from.
Did you start your own nonprofit or publish your thesis on human rights violations? Have you volunteered in women’s shelters or launched a successful startup?
Formatting restrictions for your responses can vary wildly. For example, you only have 500 words to express your interest in one of New York University‘s programmatic scholarships. In contrast, the University of California–Los Angeles‘ Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy allows for four double-spaced pages.
Regardless of length, identify why you are interested in pursuing a career focused on the program’s particular emphasis.
[Research to find law school concentrations, scholarships.]
2. What special abilities will allow you to contribute to this program? Applicants admitted to these programs will have an extensive track record in the specialized field.
Remember, you are not competing with the general pool but rather against other like-minded , committed individuals. How will you distinguish yourself from these impressive candidates?
Elaborate on accomplishments that are listed on your resume to highlight what unique skills or perspective you have gained. And don’t ignore experiences that may not be documented. Perhaps you escaped an abusive relationship and that informs your work in domestic violence.
Sometimes programs will have requirements for special abilities. Applicants to Georgetown University Law Center‘s Global Law Scholars Program, for instance, must demonstrate “proficiency in a language other than English” and complete a foreign language evaluation form.
Language skills, personal insight, specialized research and certifications or graduate degrees are all examples of ways you can contribute.
However, identifying these abilities is only the first step. Be sure to then connect your background with how you will be an asset to the specialized program. Perhaps you have native fluency in three languages and are proficient in a fourth that enables you to facilitate cross-cultural communication, a skill that would be useful to human rights work that a program does in multiple countries.
Keep in mind that these programs are trying to assess how you will fit into a select group of both like-minded and diverse peers. What can you offer your fellow classmates?
[Do three things when choosing a law school specialization.]
3. How will this program help you achieve your career goals? Articulating your goals is as important as establishing your background. Look to the future.
Where do you see yourself after graduating? How will your involvement with the specialized program position you to succeed in these endeavors?
This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you have researched the program and understand the benefits, as well as to express your enthusiastic commitment to any academic or professional requirements.
Indeed, many programs will require you to fulfill certain obligations, if admitted. For example, students in the University of Chicago Law School‘s Doctoroff Business Leadership Program must complete courses in the business curriculum and secure a business internship in the summer between their first and second years.
Graduates of NYU’s Latinx Rights Scholars Program are committed to at least two years of public interest work — or a judicial clerkship — or they must repay their scholarship. Before applying, make sure you are aware of any requirements you must meet.
In your application, do not simply reiterate perks and responsibilities listed on a program’s website. These programs know what benefits students will gain and any conditions to meet. Instead, translate this research into terms particular to you.
When my clients fall into the trap of generalizations — such as “students get access to unparalleled resources” — I encourage them to use a first-person point of view and explain why those exceptional resources will position them to succeed in their individual careers.
Have questions about how to apply to specialized law programs? You can reach me at lawadmissionslowdown@usnews.com.
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Explain Reasons for Applying to Specialized Law Programs originally appeared on usnews.com
