4 replies to this topic

[givemeJD]

The purpose of this thread is to ask these two questions:

1. What is the best way to find out what goes on at law school?

2. What is the best way to find out what a lawyer does?

I ask these questions with the hope of learning extremely detailed answers.

Please advise me as to the best way to gather such information.

[BetterCallSaul]

1. Sit in on a law school class. You can do this at virtually any school without being noticed (as long as the class is big enough).

2. Obviously lawyers work in a variety of capacities on a huge range of topics, but nearly all of them need administrative help. Try to work for them (e.g. a summer job, part-time).

[Bonin18]

Like BetterCallSaul has mentioned, there are many fields of law, so finding out exactly what lawyers do is somewhat dependent upon your interests. When I found out that I was accepted to LS in January I took the innovative to make an appointment with a lawyer practicing in my community and I would recommend that you do the same. It is a good way to get a heads up about what's coming your way in September from a good source.

Another great thing is that you are making face time with someone who could very well employ you during your 1L summer. Lawyers seem more than willing to talk about how awesome they are. Give it a shot and try to get one or two to spare about a 1/2 hour of their time. I found it to be a very rewarding and exciting experience.

Edit: I should have added that being accepted into a school is an excellent icebreaker. Our conversation was able to go a lot further because he was aware that I was going to be attending classes in September and was aiming to practice in my home town.

Edited by Bonin18, 22 February 2012 - 03:22 PM.

[greenie26]

I agree with both posts above.

I both sat in on a class and I also had lunch with about 5 lawyers before attending law school.

I also read the book 'So You Want to be a Lawyer, eh' which i would recommend.

[Aceline12]

The majority of lawyers work in private practice. Some work as solo practitioners, others in small or "boutique" law firms. Many work in firms that have several hundred lawyers in cities across the world. Lawyers usually join firms as "associates" and work toward becoming "partners."Law schools prepare you to think like a lawyer; the only thing that can prepare you to be a lawyer is the experience of being a lawyer. Through the study of cases, laws, procedures, etc., you will be exposed to and prepared for your entry into the legal world.

Edited by Aceline12, 23 February 2012 - 10:47 PM.