How important is job history on a law school application?
Q. I will be applying to law school next year and I am concerned about my lack of job experience. I've been working consistently since I was 16, but either in sales or in the childcare industry. Will these type of jobs badly affect my chances of getting into an excellent law school? I attend a very prestigious school with a decent GPA and am an athlete as well as a board member of a large club. Should I try to get a job in another field in order to boost my application? If so, what type of positions should I be looking for. Thanks!
Asked by tennisball - Mon Jul 14 20:21:38 2008 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The short answer is that it isn't a big factor. Most law schools focus on your LSAT score, your undergraduate GPA, and your personal statement, with each school giving more or less weight to each of those three depending on its philosophy. The vast majority of law students are coming directly from finishing their undergraduate degrees and have had no opportunity for significant employment before they apply to law school. My opinion is that your time would be better spent getting into some additional leadership positions or doing some volunteer work. These sorts of things can help you look like a more "well rounded" candidate to the selection committee. However, one way your job history could HURT you is if you have any kind of… [cont.]
Answered by Matthew L - Tue Jul 15 13:36:20 2008

What law books should I read to prepare for law school?
Q. I would like to prepare for my first year in law school. I am looking to purchase books on torts, contracts, civil procedure, constitutional law, and criminal law. Any recommendations on which books to read? I've heard Gilbert's Law Reviews have good outlines, but is it easy to read and understand? Please advise.
Asked by knesa27 - Mon Jan 15 16:34:43 2007 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Emanuel's is a good outline - I liked it better than Gilbert's. Examples & Explanations is also good. For class, you should get High Court Case Notes, which are keyed to your textbooks and summarizes each case in the book. You do not need to purchase any books on the above topics until you get your book list though. The books are very expensive and you do not want to get the wrong book. You should take it easy before heading to law school. Maybe read 1L or watch the Paper Chase. But, to begin reading textbooks is not something I would advise you do. You will be doing enough of that when school starts!!!
Answered by j_melfi_1201 - Mon Jan 15 19:41:36 2007

How to prepare for admission to law school?
Q. What are some tips or suggestions on how to best prepare for admission to a law school...during undergrad years...something besides good grades and good LSAT scores. What types of classes are suggested and what kinds of extracurricular activities? Which majors do most students choose? Any tips?
Asked by Quest - Sun Jun 29 01:47:35 2008 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I would take as many classes as possible that require a heavy dose of reading and writing; those are skills you'll need in law school. Colleges say that no one particular major is required or the best, but from what I see, many are political science majors. As far as extracurricular activities are concerned, any community service will look good on your resume, just be sure it's something with substance!
Answered by Y - Sun Jun 29 02:30:45 2008