Undergraduates eager to begin their legal careers shouldn’t rush to apply to law school. Many competitive law schools prefer applicants with at least some postgraduate experience.
Since 2009, Harvard Law School, for example, has given preference to applicants who have postcollege experience. Only 19 percent of the Class of 2020 came straight from college. That number was only 16 percent for Yale University Law School‘s Class of 2020.
These figures represent highly competitive undergraduate candidates, since their academic achievements had to be exceptional to compensate for a lack of postgraduate work experience.
[Evaluate the pros and cons of gaining work experience before law school.]
As an undergraduate applicant, your accomplishments should extend beyond high grades to include notable scholarly research and outstanding academic letters of recommendation. Significant extracurricular and leadership experiences can also demonstrate your maturity and the skills you have developed outside the classroom.
But just because you have notable achievements doesn’t mean you should apply to law school straight from college. Consider these common reasons for pursuing law school before work and the corresponding pros and cons
— “I’m ready to start my legal career now.” The most common reason I hear for why undergraduates refuse to take a gap year between college and graduate school is that they are certain they want to go to law school and are ready to begin.
Pro: Applying while in college will jump-start your legal career. Your enthusiasm and certainty can give you momentum to hit the ground running once you are admitted. Graduating with a law degree in your early to mid-20s also gives you time to explore different legal fields and positions to find the right fit before settling down.
Con: Waiting a year or even two doesn’t mean you are delaying your career as a lawyer. To the contrary, work experience can help inform why you want to pursue a J.D. and give you foundational knowledge to help you achieve those goals.
Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law emphasizes the importance of work experience in its admissions process, noting that around 50 percent of entering students have worked at least three years, while 90 percent have gained at least a year of work experience.
— “I’m used to student life. Finding a job for just a year or two sounds too transitory.” Often undergraduates are comfortable in an academic environment and hesitate to venture into the real world. When jobs are difficult to find, law school provides a reasonable alternative to unemployment.
Pro: Continuity is a strong motivating factor. Law school, like college, is an academic undertaking. Trying to hone your study skills after a year or more away from school can be a big adjustment.
Georgetown University Law Center understands this rationale. It offers an Early Assurance Program for Georgetown juniors to apply to law school as undergrads. This nonbinding opportunity allows the students to study a less common curriculum during senior year.
Con: Adaptability and resourcefulness are valuable skills in a lawyer’s toolbox. A break from academia can make you more excited to hit the books and stay late at the library. After holding down three jobs simultaneously in my gap year before going to Harvard Law, I found the freedom of student life luxurious.
[Learn about gap year jobs that prepare students for law school.]
— “I’m afraid that once I start working, I won’t apply.” Surprisingly, I hear this reason frequently. In some respects, it is the flip side of the “I’m used to student life” coin.
Pro: If a career as a lawyer is the right path for you, then inertia and a job shouldn’t stop you from reaching for your goals.
One way to secure law school admission while also gaining postgraduation experience is Harvard Law’s Junior Deferral Program, which is available to undergraduate students nationwide. This program gives applicants the best of both worlds: the chance to apply as a junior and the ability to take a gap year.
Keep your career goals in mind and seek out experiences that will expose you to legal issues. You might be surprised to find out how pervasive the law can be in myriad different professions. Those reminders can keep you focused on your long-term goal to pursue a J.D.
Alternatively, if it turns out you enjoy your job enough to forego law school, that is also fine. At the end of the day, you want to find a job that excites you.
Con: Applicants with this fear-based mindset may not truly want a legal career. Use this reservation for delaying law school to pause and reflect.
What are your motivations for applying? Law school is every bit as hard as people say. Be certain there aren’t other jobs out there you might like more.
[Consider the benefits and consequences of taking a gap year before law school.]
— “My parents want me to apply now.” Undergrads, particularly those whose parents are footing the tuition bill, may not be at liberty to make an independent decision on what comes after graduation.
Pro: A strong parental support base can be valuable during your J.D. pursuits. Your parents most likely want to see you succeed and can offer words of wisdom and moral support during this transitional time in your life.
Con: However, don’t let well-meaning advice — from any source — dictate your postgraduation decisions. Share this article with family who are convinced that applying straight from undergrad is the best option, and then discuss the time that is best to enroll.
Whether you apply to law school as an undergrad or wait a few years, be sure your application is as competitive as possible.
Debating whether to apply to law school as an undergrad and have questions? Email me at lawadmissionslowdown@usnews.com.
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Pros, Cons of Applying to Law School as an Undergrad originally appeared on usnews.com
