Law School and the Careers that Follow

Law School
and the Careers
that Follow
A publication of the State Bar of Michigan
Revised by the Law-Related Education Committee

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Introduction to a Career in the Law
Why choose a career in the law?
Many people choose a career in law because they want to help
people. Lawyers assist people in gaining access to the justice system.
They also help people understand their rights and responsibilities. Assist-
ing people in this way can be very fulfilling. Some people choose a career
in law because they wish to go into public service and possibly run for
public office someday. The law can be very interesting. Many people
enjoy using their logical reasoning and problem solving skills to tackle
legal problems. The legal profession is considered to be one of the most
respectable professions in the United States, which is another factor that
draws people toward a career in law. However, it is not the right choice
for everyone. An individual should choose a career in law because it suits
his or her needs, goals, and dreams. This booklet is designed to give some
insights into law school and the possible careers that may follow.
Is the study of law difficult?
Yes. Whatever a student’s background has been and whatever law
school a student attends, he or she is
likely to find the study of law difficult.
Yet, law school and the practice of
law can be rewarding. Each day a
student or lawyer faces intellectual
and ethical challenges, with success
depending primarily on his or her own
performance. The study of law de-
mands a lot of research and study
time, organizational skills, hard work,
and dedication.
How many years is law school?
Typically, if a student enrolls full time in law school, it is a three-year
commitment. More time may be needed if a student attends law school on
a part-time basis.
Is the practice of law different than how it is portrayed in movies
and on television?
The practice of law is not all glamour and courtroom success. Unlike
the “lawyers” portrayed in movies and on television, most lawyers spend
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the majority of their time doing legal research, writing, and case prepara-
tion outside the courtroom out of and the spotlight.
Preparing for Law School
Are there certain attributes and skills that will help a person be a
successful law student and lawyer?
An individual must be proficient in the English language and possess
strong analytical skills. The responsible practice the law requires a strong
moral sense to meet ethical challenges. Organizational skills and attention
to detail are important for success in law school and the practice of law.
Are communications skills important?
Good communication skills are a must. A law student and lawyer
must possess a high level of competency in reading, writing, speaking, and
critical thinking.
Does law school require any particular course of study or under-
graduate major as preparation for the study of law?
No particular course of study or undergraduate major is required as
preparation for the study of law. A student can major in social work,
biology, a foreign language, computer science, communications, educa-
tion, etc. A college student should choose a major or course of study not
because he or she believes it will help with law school admission, but
because he or she is truly interested in that area, and it meets his or her
interests. Of course, it is highly desirable for students to have a broad
knowledge base and have taken the basic subjects such as mathematics,
English, American government, history, economics, etc.
Does a student need to take pre-law classes or attend an under-
graduate school with a recognized pre-law program?
Law schools do not recommend that a student’s major be law
related. It is important that a student has a good undergraduate back-
ground and a strong, well-rounded education, which will complement law
school studies. However, students may take pre-law classes and attend
an undergraduate school with a recognized pre-law program.
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Is a bachelor’s degree from a college or university required to en-
roll in law school?
The majority of law schools require a person to have earned a
bachelor’s degree from a college or university to attend law school. A few
schools may only require an associate’s degree or 90 credit hours of col-
lege to enroll, but it is generally a good idea to earn a four-year degree.
Does a person have to begin law school directly after completing
undergraduate studies?
If a person has or develops a true de-
sire to study the law, he or she can attend
law school at any time. There is no right or
wrong time; it is a personal decision. Law
students represent a wide range of back-
grounds and various ages. They are recent
college graduates, homemakers, engineers,
retirees, social workers, teachers, nurses,
law enforcement officers, etc. Some students juggle a career and/or fam-
ily life with the rigors of law school. Many students still choose to go
directly to law school after finishing their undergraduate studies. How-
ever, it may suit the needs or interests of some individuals to take time
between degrees. Work experience may help a person develop attributes,
such as responsibility, maturity, initiative, and management and organiza-
tional skills, which better prepare a student to deal with the demands of
law school.
Must a student attend law school on a full-time basis during the day?
Generally, students attend law school on a full-time basis during the
day. However, to accommodate the various needs and backgrounds of
students, some law schools offer evening classes and part-time schedules.
Some law schools have summer terms and some even allow students to
begin law school during the summer. Before applying to a law school, a
student should inquire whether a particular law school offers schedules to
meet his or her needs.
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Selecting a Law School to Meet an Individual’s
Needs and Interests
Are publications or guides available that list U.S. law schools?
Yes. The most popular guide is “The Official Guide to U.S. Law
Schools,” published by the Law School Admission Council. This guide
contains information on each American Bar Association (ABA) accred-
ited law school. A student can find copies of this guide in bookstores,
libraries, academic counseling offices, and admission offices of law schools.
A person may order a copy from:
Law School Admission Council
Box 2000
661 Penn Street
Newtown, PA 19090
(215) 968-1001
http://www.lsac.org
There are also a variety of other law school guides available. Con-
tact a school counseling office or the admissions office of a law school for
information about other guides.
Do law schools publish catalogues or bulletins with information about
their school and programs?
For additional information about particular law schools, a student
should contact the school itself and request a copy of its catalogue or
bulletin. After reviewing the information contained in the catalogue, a stu-
dent should contact the school and request to meet with its admission
officials and schedule a tour of its campus. When touring the campus, a
student and his or her family should take the time to talk with current
students and faculty, and venture into the surrounding community to make
sure that the school and community meets his or her needs and interests.
Law school is a fairly lengthy commitment and a student should feel com-
fortable and happy in his or her environment.
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What are some of the factors a prospective student should
consider when selecting a law school?
A student should consider the following factors:
• admission standards
• law curriculum and electives
• special programs and concentrations, i.e., Environmental
Law Institute, Intellectual Property Institute, International
Law Program
• faculty qualifications and ratio of faculty to students
• class schedules (part-time enrollment, summer terms, and
evening classes)
• tuition, scholarships and other costs
• geographical location and community opportunities
• on-campus and off-campus environment
• student clubs, associations, and other extracurricular
activities
• career and counseling services
• overseas study opportunities
• on- and off- campus housing
• transportation and parking
• Honors Program
• work opportunities - clinical offerings and externships
• library collection and physical environment
• services for students with disabilities
• alumni activities
• reputation of the school
• size of student body
• facilities and class sizes
What are the law schools in Michigan?
There are six law schools located in Michigan. They are:
Ave Maria School of Law
3475 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
Admissions: (734) 827-8040
FAX: (734) 622-0123
http://www.avemarialaw.edu
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Thomas M. Cooley Law School
217 South Capitol Avenue
P.O. Box 13038
Lansing, Michigan 48901
Admissions: (517) 371-5140 ext. 461 or (800) 874-3511
FAX (517) 334-5718
e-mail: admissions@cooley.edu
http://www.cooley.edu
three 15-week terms
September, January, and May enrollments
full and part time programs
day, evening, and weekend schedules
Michigan State University
Detroit College of Law
3 64 Law College Building
East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1300
Admissions: (517) 432-0222 or (800) 844-9352
FAX (517) 432-0098
e-mail: dcl@msu.edu
http://www.dcl.edu
day and evening schedules
semester schedule
full and part time programs
summer term
August and September enrollments
University of Detroit Mercy
School of Law
651 East Jefferson
Detroit, Michigan 48226
Admissions: (313) 596-0264
FAX (313) 596-0280
E-mail: udmlawao@udmercy.edu
http://www.law.udmercy.edu
day and evening schedules
full and part time programs
semester schedule
summer term
May and September enrollments
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University of Michigan Law School
Hutchins Hall
625 South State Street
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1215
Admissions: (734) 764-0537
FAX: (734) 647-3218
E-mail: law.jd.admissions@umich.edu
http://www.law.umich.edu
full-time program only
semester schedule
summer term
August enrollment
Wayne State University Law School
468 Ferry Street
Detroit, Michigan 48202
Admissions: (313) 577-3937
FAX: (313) 577-9016
http://www.law.wayne.edu
day and evening schedules
semester schedule
summer term
part-time evening program
August enrollment
Applying to Law School
Do law schools charge application fees and special fees?
Yes. Law schools charge application fees, which are typically non-
refundable. Presently, application fees range from $20to $100.00 per
application. An applicant should thoroughly research the law schools that
he or she is interested in attending before submitting applications other-
wise, it becomes costly. In addition, upon acceptance, an applicant may
also be required to make a non-refundable enrollment fee or admission
deposit, which is credited toward tuition.
How does a person obtain an application for law school admission?
An individual should contact an academic guidance counselor at
college or a law school admissions office to obtain a copy of the law
school’s catalogue and application. An applicant should make sure he or
she understands the application process and what information and docu-
ments are needed. Asking questions is important.
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What are the keys to preparing a successful law school application?
An applicant needs to demonstrate professionalism, strong organi-
zational and language skills, and neatness. Spelling and grammar are highly
important. An individual should proofread the application so that it is with-
out errors. Furthermore, an applicant should respond to all questions on
every part of the application. Personal information, community service
and goals, could become deciding factors so emphasize care in the writing
process.
An applicant should respond honestly and fully to the questions, even
the ones that may ask for the disclosure of prior school disciplinary action
or criminal convictions. If an individual fails to disclose such information,
it may surface at some later date and jeopardize or end his or her legal
education or career in the law. Most law schools will look with disfavor
upon disclosures made after a student is enrolled. Law schools take stu-
dents’ applications very seriously.
Timeliness is also a key factor. An applicant must submit his or her
application on time. An individual should not wait until the last minute to
complete or proofread the application. If an applicant is a borderline can-
didate for admission, the applicant is less likely to be accepted if he or she
missed the deadline.
What is involved in the appli-
cation process?
The application process may
vary slightly from school to school,
but typically law schools require that
the applicant does the following:
• Take the Law School
Admission Test (LSAT), which is
a standardized test required of all
American Bar Association (ABA)
approved law schools and many non-ABA approved law schools. (More
detail is provided on the LSAT in the next section of this booklet.)
• Register with the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS),
which summarizes an applicant’s undergraduate transcripts and prepares
a report for the law schools. (Undergraduate transcripts are sent directly
to the LSDAS.)
• Complete an application form and pay an application fee.
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• Provide a letter(s) of recommendation(s) from a college profes-
sor or other person, who is familiar with the applicant’s academic back-
ground or character.
• Submit undergraduate and graduate school transcripts.
Some law schools require a personal statement to be written by the
applicant regarding his or her interests, experiences, or other unusual cir-
cumstances.
Do law schools have “waiting lists” for admission?
Some law schools have waiting lists, which may be used when a
school has more qualified applicants than spaces available in the next class
of students.
Can a person apply for law school now, but postpone enrollment
until another year?
Some law schools offer “deferred admission.” Usually a deferment
is granted for a period no longer than two years. Normally, if a deferment
is requested, the applicant is required to provide an explanation of the
reason(s) for the request. Check with the admissions office before an
application is submitted to determine whether the law school has such a
policy.
Preparing for Law School
What is the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)?
The Law School Admission Test is a half day standardized test re-
quired by virtually all law schools for admission. The LSAT is usually
administered in June, October, December, and February at various sites
throughout the United States. The American Bar Association (ABA) ac-
creditation of a law program requires that the test be taken by prospective
students. Michigan law schools require and utilize the LSAT as a major
factor in selecting students.
The majority of law schools require that the LSAT be taken by De-
cember for admission in the following fall. However, it is best for prospec-
tive students to take the test earlier in June or October.
Many law schools use a fairly strict formula to determine the major-
ity of applicants who are accepted for admission; an applicant’s LSAT
score is combined with his or her undergraduate GPA. Each law school
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