This chapter makes an attempt to help you determine whether you SHOULD CONSIDER LAW SCHOOL. Before making that decision, you should find out about the LAW SCHOOL EXPERIENCE and investigate WHAT A CAREER IN LAW IS LIKE. We also indicate the reasons why you should visit the PRELAW OFFICE, talk to the prelaw advisor, and be an active member of the prelaw society at your college.
THE STANDARD LAW SCHOOL DEGREE
The Juris Doctor (JD) degree is required to practice law in the United States. It is considered the first degree in law and usually involves three years (six semesters) of unrelenting academic effort and intense dedication. A part-time degree program, when available, usully takes four-years. Attending law school should not be consideredr unless, at the very least, it holds promise for you. Think and investigate thoroughly before you decide to become a lawyer. Also consider the words (see beow) of Davy Crockett, the former 'king of the wild frontier."
The Juris Doctor (JD) degree is required to practice law in the United States. It is considered the first degree in law and usually involves three years (six semesters) of unrelenting academic effort and intense dedication. A part-time degree program, when available, usully takes four-years. Attending law school should not be consideredr unless, at the very least, it holds promise for you. Think and investigate thoroughly before you decide to become a lawyer. Also consider the words (see below) of Davy Crockett, the former 'king of the wild frontier."
QUOTES
Davy Crockett (1786-1836) gave some advice which may be relevant to someone choosing a degree: Be always sure you are right, then go ahead. Since the word always makes the statement too restrictive, we prefer to delete always giving us: Be sure you are right, then go ahead.
A ROYAL ROAD TO LAW SCHOOL
Choose the right courses taught by the right instructors Although law schools say there are no particular courses in any discipline that will especially aid an application, they often recommend courses that emphasize comprehension, analysis, and writing. Take courses in which you can reasonable expect to earn at least a grade of B.
Earn excellent grades The appropriate time to begin working on having an impressive grade point average is on the first day that you are in a course that awards a grade and college credit (this may be while you are in high school). Always make sure that you choose the most appropriaate courses with the best possible instructors. This may involve switching courses and instructors during the drop-add period.
Select and be accepted by an appropriate law school.
LINKS
Seventeen FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS from Arizona State University are given (along with good answers). It is too bad that the questions are not in chronological order.
