If you’ve been considering whether law school is right for you, check out this 15-minute LSAT/Law School podcast interview about what’s important to consider and how to prepare yourself for deciding on a career in law.
In the podcast, we discuss:
- How to explore whether law is the right direction for you;
- How to choose courses in college to prepare for law school and/or the LSAT;
- How much time you should save to study for the LSAT;
- Why applying early in the cycle really matters – what “Rolling Admissions” means;
- Whether you should plan to specialize in a certain area of law; and
- How a professional background may help you as you enter your legal career.
It’s important to gain a clear understanding of what lawyers really do, how hard they work, and whether the undertaking is financially feasible for you. And, if you’re at the beginning of your college career, it’s vital to explore interests outside of law; law is an interdisciplinary field so having your own areas of interest, passion and expertise will always prove valuable.
For working professionals considering a career change, the skills you’ve already been developing will continue to serve you in law. This includes technical skills but also knowing how to interact with diverse clients in difficult situations, how to work well with others, and being familiar with the objectives of a business or entity.
Let me know what you think of the podcast.
4 Responses
I just heard that you denied a potential client for services because you didn’t feel as if they were a good fit. Yet, the client has really great credentials. Why would you say they aren’t a good fit? They have the grades and desire to go to law school, so I would think the client deserves an explanation, right? Otherwise, it would be very unfair and unjust to flat-out deny services for “not being a good fit.” What exactly needs to “fit”?
Stephanie,
Thanks for asking about this.
Professionals can select which clients they would like to work with based on any criterion they choose; there is no entitlement to services by a specific private professional. A therapist can choose not to see a certain patient; an accountant can decide whether to accept a certain client. Lawyers are the same in private practice.
I offer free initial consultations so that clients can choose whether I’m the right consultant for them, and also so I can determine whether they are clients whom I believe I could help (and whom I wish to help).
There may be any number of reasons why I decide a client would not be a good fit – sometimes it’s as simple as not feeling I can help the client reach their stated goals, and sometimes it’s more about expectations of the client being unreasonable (for example, expecting midnight texts to be returned immediately).
Because I am a one-woman show, my time is limited. I have learned over the years how to work within these limitations.
I cannot and would not disclose particular reasons for turning a specific person away. Unfortunately sometimes it’s the right thing both for me and for the potential client.
I hope this answers your question.
Ann
Hi Ann,
Would volunteer/paid work as an election day worker (poll worker) be viewed valuably by law schools? Its minor work, doesn’t require much skill, and is short term but shows interest in civic duty.
Thanks
Aaron, it won’t hurt you, for sure!