Preparing for Law School
Skills
Having the numbers to get into law school does not guarantee you will be able to master a demanding law school curriculum. To succeed in law school, you need strong writing skills and demonstrable ability in communication and reasoning. Pre-law students should gain skills in the English language through practice in expression in writing and speaking, and in comprehension in reading and listening. Both expression and comprehension require a developed sensitivity to the fluidity and the potential deceptiveness of language.
Lawyers must analyze complex and often conflicting cases and statutes that demand logical, analytical thinking and the ability to express their reasoning with clarity and precision. A lawyer understands courtroom strategy and is skilled in applying relevant law to the facts of each case. In addition, the practice of law requires a good vocabulary and memory, the ability to think quickly on your feet, and ease and authority in public speaking.
Pre-law students should develop skills in the following:- Critical reading
- Constructive synthesis
- Decision making
- Handling facts
- Oral communication and listening
- Problem solving
- Reasoning
- Research
- Task organization and management
- Writing
Qualities
Besides developing particular skills, students interested in law should consider the qualities needed for a successful legal career, such as dedication to justice and the public good, integrity and high ethical standards, motivation, attention to detail, thoroughness of preparation, and respect for others and the system of law. Pre-law students should be interested in serving the interests of others faithfully and civilly while promoting justice.