LAW SCHOOL RESOURCE GUIDE your comprehensive resource and events guide
2016 -2017
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Table of Contents Considering Law School? Law School Personal Statement University Career Center’s Law Day Law Day Participating Schools Applying to Law School Letters of Recommendation Pre-Law 2015-2016 Programs Professionalism University Career Center’s Closet / Emory University Law
Where should you apply? University of Miami School of Law
PRE-LAW APPOINTMENTS To schedule a pre law advising appointment (exploration and preparation) with the University Career Center, go to https://careercenter.umich.edu/ content/introducing-handshake or call (734) 764-7460. To schedule a pre-law advising appointment at the Newnan Advising Center (including course or major planning, application matters), call 734-7640332. Students and alums from all UM Schools or Colleges are welcome.
BUSINESS MANAGER Hussein Hakim COVER DESIGN Katie Donnelly PUBLICATION DESIGN Sanjana Pandit 2
CONSIDERING Law school? IS LAW SCHOOL RIGHT FOR ME?
• How deep is my interest in the law? Why am I thinking about becoming a lawyer? • What does it mean to “practice law”? • Is a legal education necessary for my professional ambitions? • How are my writing and analytical skills? Do I like to read, write, and research? • Is it worth it to me to take on a sizeable amount of financial debt?
WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING AS A FRESHMAN OR SOPHOMORE?
• Focus on doing well in your classes. GPA is an important part of your law school application, so striving to perform well in challenging coursework is essential. • Build rapport with your professors and instructors. Establishing close relationships with faculty is important, as you will be turning to them for letters of recommendation for your law school applications. REMEMBER: name-recognition is only impressive if the writer knows you well. • Explore majors and subjects that interest you; play to your strengths. There is no magical “pre-law” major that law school admissions officers look for; students with fine arts, drama, engineering, and classics backgrounds are just as qualified to go to law school as English and political science majors. However, reading, writing, and analytical thinking are core skills required to succeed in the legal field – make sure you are taking courses that will foster these skills. • Explore the legal field: Think about why you want to be a lawyer. Conduct informational interviews and shadow attorneys and law students where possible; volunteer or intern in legal settings (don’t limit yourself to law firms); talk to attorneys and other non-practicing professionals with J.D.’s about their background and the necessity of a law degree in their profession; visit a law school campus and contact the admissions office about sitting in on a law class. • Take a practice LSAT to get a sense of the skills you will need to hone for the test. • Visit live court proceedings at your local courthouse. • Attend pre-law events sponsored by the University Career Center, and by the Newnan Advising Office
REASONS NOT TO GO TO LAW SCHOOL
• You like to argue. • You love TV shows and movies about the legal field. • You want to make a lot of money. • You just want job security. • You don’t know what else to do. • Someone else wants you to. 3
THE LAW SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENT a self reflection excercise
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n effective personal statement is based on sound self assessment. To help you reflect on some of your accomplishments, interests, personal traits and characteristics, ask yourself:
YOU
• What’s your background, your values? (First generation college student, parents’ occupation, role models, spirituality, social justice, etc.) • If applicable, reflect on the diversity/uniqueness that you bring (culture, age, major, special life experiences and perspectives.) • How would you describe yourself? How would your professors, employers, family members, classmates and friends describe you? • What are you passionate about? • What kind of learner are you? • What do you want the law schools to know about you?
YOUR EXPERIENCES
• Think of your proudest moment. Why was that accomplishment particularly meaningful to you? • What skills are you learning in your classes, research experiences, and other academic endeavors that are relevant to the legal profession? • What are you learning about yourself through your experiences inside and outside of the classroom? • Reflect on your extracurricular experiences: remember critical incident moments, “revelations” etc. • What kind of hurdles did you have to overcome in your life? • What experiences have enabled you to interact with people of different backgrounds and cultures?
YOUR PLAN
• How have you formed your own opinion/perception of the nature of legal practice and the daily demands placed upon lawyers and their families? • What kind of lawyer would you like to be and why? • What impact do you want to have on your community? In what ways have you already started this process? • What are your goals for the future, both personally and professionally?
BOTTOM-LINE POINTS
• Why do you want to become a lawyer? Be as sincere as you can. • What experiences have confirmed your career choice? Be as specific as you can. • What do you want law schools to know about you beyond what is stated in your application?
Five Tips For Writing A Law School Personal Statement
1. Follow the prompts provided by each school. Make sure your statement addresses the question(s). 2. Don’t repeat your resume. Focus on the “why” of the experience(s) rather than the “what”. 3. Start by recording or blogging your thoughts rather than trying to write THE statement. 4. Write the stories you want to tell rather than second-guessing what the admissions committee wants to hear. 5. Seek feedback from multiple people; however, make sure the final draft is your statement. 4
THE University Career Center’S LAW DAY Wednesday, October 19, 2016 11AM - 2PM Michigan Union 2nd Floor
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aw Day is a great way to connect with a large number of law schools right here on campus. Law Day offers something to everyone:
JUNIORS / SENIORS / RECENT GRADS
• Learn about specific programs from law school representatives • Collect application and financial aid information • Get tips on personal statements, applications and reference letters
FIRST YEAR STUDENTS / SOPHOMORES
• Ask questions about undergraduate coursework and co-curricular activities • Explore law school options • Build networks for the future
REGISTRATION
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Registration is on-site the day of the event. No registration fee... just bring your ID
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tips for making the most of law day
Come! Law Day is a fun event and a great place for chatting with law schools. Prioritize your list of schools in advance to make effective use of your time. No need for a suit, however, give some thought to what you wear. “Business casual” doesn’t mean “classroom casual”. Bring your questions about the schools and be prepared to answer questions about yourself. No need to bring a resume. Look beyond the rankings and visit with familiar and not-so familiar schools… Multiple perspectives are always helpful and you may find new possibilities.
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LAW DAy participating schools
List of attending schools as 9/2/16 American University Washington College of Law Arizona State University Ave Maria School of Law Baylor Law School Boston College Law School Boston University School of Law Brooklyn Law School Case Western Reserve University School of Law Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law Chapman University Fowler School of Law Charlotte School of Law City University of New York School of Law Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Columbia Law School Cornell Law School DePaul University Duke University School of Law Emory Law School Florida State University College of Law Fordham University School of Law George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School Georgia State University College of Law Golden Gate University School of Law Hofstra University, Maurice A. Deane School of Law Howard University School of Law IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law Indiana University Maurer School of Law - Bloomington Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law Lewis & Clark Law School Loyola Law School, Los Angeles Loyola University Chicago School of Law Loyola University New Orleans College of Law Manhattan Prep Marquette University :Law School McGeorge School of Law MSU College of Law New England Law | Boston New York University School of Law Northeastern University School of Law Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Penn State Law Quinnipiac University School of Law Saint Louis University School of Law 6
Seton Hall Law School SMU Dedman School of Law Southern Illinois University, Carbondale The John Marshall Law School The University of Akron School of Law The University of Chicago Law School The University of Toledo College of Law Tulane University Law School UC Davis Law School UCLA School of Law University of Arizona University of California, Irvine School of Law University of Cincinnati College of Law University of Detroit Mercy-School of Law University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law University of Illinois College of Law University of Iowa College of Law University of Maryland, Francis King Carey School of Law University of Miami European Union Center University of Minnesota Law School University of Nebraska College of Law University of New Hampshire School of Law University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law University of Notre Dame Law School University of Pennsylvania Law School University of Pittsburgh University of Richmond School of Law University of San Diego School of Law University of San Francisco School of Law University of South Carolina School of Law University of Southern California, Gould School of Law University of Tennessee College of Law University of Texas School of Law University of Washington School of Law University of Wisconsin Law School Valparaiso University Law School Vanderbilt Law School Vermont Law School Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law Wayne State University Law School Western Michigan University - Cooley Law School William & Mary Law School Yeshiva University 7
APPLYING to law school Suggested Application Timeline
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his timeline is available on the University Career Center’s website (Resources tab → Pre-Law Resources) and includes links to the highlighted text.
SUMMER OF YOUR APPLICATION CYCLE
• Decide when to apply (this year vs. in the future) • Look into fee waivers if applicable • Register for/ take the LSAT • Register with the Law School Admission Council’s Credential Assembly • Approach your writers to discuss and obtain letters of reference • Investigate schools and decide where to apply • Consult with a pre-law advisor in LSA and/or your school or college • Start working on your main application essay and schedule a review • Mark your calendar now for the UM Law Day on October 19, 2016.
SEPTEMBER THROUGH DECEMBER OF YOUR APPLICATION CYCLE • Register for/ take the LSAT
• Send your official transcipts to CAS •Gather and send reference letters • Fine-tune your list of schools based on your GPA, LSAT scores and other factors important to you • Write multiple, tailored application essays • Have your essays reviewed by multiple parties for feedback • Complete and submit law school applications • Monitor your applications after submission for completeness
JANUARY AND BEYOND OF YOUR APPLICATION CYCLE • Await results
•File your FAFSA •If waitlisted, consider sending an application update • Manage admission offers • Pay deposit and send final transcript
You may also find it helpful to peruse the LSAC application checklist. 8
LETTERS of recommendation This information is available in greater detail on The Newnan Academic Advising Center’s website (http://tinyurl.com/PreLawLOR) and includes links to the highlighted text
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etters of recommendation (LORs) can be quite influential in admissions’ decisions. We encourage you to consider the following:
Whom should you ask to write your LORs?
• Request a minimum of two academic references from instructors or GSIs. • Choose someone who knows you well. The prestige of the letter writer will have little influence if the letter is superficial. • Additional letters of reference from employers/supervisors will help to round out your application (check with each school to verfiy the number of letters accepted)
How should you ask him or her?
• If possible, ask to meet with the letter writer in person. • Bring relevant materials such as a resume, brief statement explaining why you are interested in law school and a writing sample, if available. • Politely ask if he/she is able to write a strong recommendation for you. • Be sure to discuss a specific deadline for submitting the letter.
The characteristics of a “good” LOR
• The letter should assess the student’s academic achievement and potential, particularly research skills, capacity for analytical thinking and effective written and oral communication. Additional comments that reflect on the candidate’s maturity, insight, organization etc. are also valuable. • Whenever possible, the letter should include concrete examples.
How should the letters be sent?
• Most law schools require that applicants use the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) to process all aspects of the application.
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PRE-LAW fall & winter 2015-2016 programs
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tudents at all levels are encouraged to attend as many events as possible. For more details visit: https://lsa.umich.edu/advising/plan-your-path/pre-law.html and https://careercenter.umich.edu/content/events
FREE LSAT PRACTICE TEST
Evaluate your performance under exam conditions! We will be using Official LSAT exams administered within the past 5 years. • Thursday, November 17th, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Mason Hall 1449 • Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/Practice-UR-LSAT • Wednesday, February 8th 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM, location TBD
PRE-LAW 101
We will review the law school admission process and provide tips on how to submit a strong application. Each of these sessions will be held in the Newnan Advising Conference Rm., G243 Angell Hall. • Thursday, September 15th, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM • Wednesday, October 5th, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM • Tuesday, January 31st, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM • Wednesday, February 22nd, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
PERSONAL STATEMENT WORKSHOPS
Learn what law schools are looking for in your personal statement and participate in writing exercises designed to help you write a strong and inspired essay. Each of these sessions will be held in the Newnan Advising Conference Rm., G243 Angell Hall. • Tuesday, September 27th, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM • Wednesday, October 26nd, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM • Thursday, November 10th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL INFORMATION SESSION AND ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATIONS Why Law School & Why Wayne?
Wayne State University Law School’s Dean Jocelyn Benson will discuss opportunities in the legal field and the WSU Law School program. Lunch refreshments will be provided. • Tuesday, September 27th, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, The University Career Center Program Rm., 3200 Student Activities Building
ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATIONS
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Wayne State University Law School’s Director of Admissions Joshua Davis will conduct one-on-one consultations with pre-registered students. • Tuesday, September 27th, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, The University Career Center, 3200 Student Activities Building • Registration required: https://careercenter.umich.edu/content/introducing-handshake
HARVARD LAW INFORMATION SESSION
Kelly McLaughlin, Assistant Director of Admissions, will provide details about HLS programs followed by ample opportunity for discussion and Q&A. • Wednesday, October 12th, 2:00–3:00 PM, Newnan Advising Conference Rm., G243 Angell Hall • Registration required: https://jdadmissions.law.harvard.edu/register/hls-at-michigan
LAW SCHOOL DEANS’ PANEL
Join the Deans of Admission from the University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania and University of Chicago Law Schools as they discuss the application process. • Tuesday, October 18th, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, 100 Hutchins Hall
LAW DAY
Meet with representatives from over 100 law schools. Students at all levels are encouraged to attend. • Wednesday, October 19th, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Michigan Union
ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATIONS WITH ADMISSIONS DEAN CHARLES ROBOSKI, MICHIGAN STATE COLLEGE OF LAW
Learn about the MSU College of Law and gauge your competitiveness as a prospective applicant. • Thursday, October 27th 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 3200 Student Activities Building • Registration required: https://careercenter.umich.edu/content/introducing-handshake
MOCK LAW SCHOOL CLASS AND LUNCH
Experience a law school class, taught by a University of Detroit Mercy Law School Professor, and grab a bite for lunch. • Friday, October 28th, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM, Michigan Union/Ponds Rm. • Registration required: Email buslepba@udmercy.edu to register and receive reading materials
DOUBLE WOLVERINE PANEL
A panel of UM undergraduate alums who are now current UM Law students will discuss their and law school experience. Reception to follow. • Thursday, November 10, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 1225 South Hall
FINANCING LAW SCHOOL WORKSHOP
Lindsey Stetson, UM Law School’s Director of Financial Aid, presents information on financing your legal education with a focus on minimizing your debt. Students at all levels are encouraged to attend. • Wednesday, February 15th, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Newnan Advising Conference Rm., G243 Angell Hall 11
PROFESSIONALISM
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he core competencies expected of all lawyers include essential qualities associated with professionalism. Keep the following characteristics of a mature professional in mind as you prepare your application and interact with law school representatives.
Read instructions and school websites carefully before contacting law schools with questions. Write clearly and concisely and carefully edit all materials submitted. Do not use a placeholder in your essays or written correspondence (e.g a blank space or phrase like blah, blah, blah). You may forget to replace it. Avoid cute or off-color comments even if you feel you are on friendly terms with a law school representative. All written and verbal communication with admission staff should be respectful and use the appropriate titles of the person you are addressing (e.g. Dear Ms. or Mr. or Dean etc.). If you are emailing a generic admissions email address you could address your message to “Dear Admission Officer�. Correspondence should include your full name and contact information. Use a business appropriate email address (usually some abbreviation of your name). If you meet a law school representative in person, make eye contact and introduce yourself. Be prepared with informed and thoughtful questions. When visiting schools or attending information sessions, completely silence your cell phone and avoid texting or other signs of inattentiveness during meetings. Maintain a mature and professional attitude even if you receive disappointing news. Law school admissions staff members know each other and you do not want to make a negative impression on anyone. Dress in business appropriate attire. The University Career Center Clothes Closet provides business professional and business casual clothing for FREE! 12
University Career
Center Clothes Closet
Clothing Closet Open House September 14th & 15th 5:00 – 8:00 pm at The University Career Center 3200 Student Activities Building
Whether you’re preparing for Law Day, interviewing for an on-campus job, or building a work-appropriate wardrobe, looking and feeling your best is important! Come shop the University Career Center’s Clothes Closet for business professional and business casual clothing for free! Visit the “Events” tab on umich.joinhandshake.com to sign up!
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WHERE should you apply? A quick list of things to consider
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he application process and law school are costly so take the time to carefully research schools. Create a table to help you evaluate all of the information you gather.
For greater detail, visit The Newnan Academic Advising Center’s website https://lsa.umich.edu/advising/plan-your-path/pre-law/
During the 2014-2015 application cycle, the average number of applications per applicant was approximately 6.
DO NOT APPLY TO A SCHOOL UNLESS YOU WOULD BE HAPPY TO ATTEND. Create your initial list by considering multiple criteria:
availability of specific programs, student run publications and organizations, career services, employment statistics, location, etc.
Narrow the list by considering GPA and LSAT score data reported for each school. The American Bar Association (ABA) provides this data in their online Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools.
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YOUR EDITED LIST SHOULD INCLUDE:
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Target schools: your LSAT & GPA overlap the middle 50% of LSAT and GPA scores reported for the school. Reach schools: your LSAT & GPA overlap the bottom 25% of LSAT and GPA scores reported for the school. Safety schools: your LSAT & GPA overlap the upper 25% of LSAT and GPA scores reported for the school.
THREE KEY SOURCES OF DATA FOR RESEARCHING LAW SCHOOLS:
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The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) - lists ABA approved schools by state and region and links to the online application known as the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Law school websites. The American Bar Association provides admission statistics (mean GPA/LSAT scores), bar passage rates and employment statistics on recent graduates. Simply google, “American Bar Association Statistics.
Before accepting an offer of admission, we strongly encourage you to visit the school. Make a pre-law advising appointment by calling the Newnan Advising Center (734-764-0332) to help you further evaluate your choices.
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