sample law school personal statements

How to Effectively Use Sample Law School Personal Statements As Guides in Writing Your Own

In writing your personal statements for law school, you can do better if you read various sample law school personal statements first.  The first thing that you should do is to choose the admissions essay samples that are well-written.   Read them and take note of the factors that make them interesting.  Among the things that you have to observe are the structure and organization of the sample essays.  You should analyze how the writers structured the introduction, the supporting paragraphs, and the conclusions.  Analyze how the sentences are woven for the smooth flow of ideas.  You also have to pay attention to the themes or topics in the sample essays.  Do you think that the topics that the writers used are really appealing?  If so, you can also use these themes and topics in writing your own, or you may only use these to give you ideas for your own essay.  But be careful in choosing the theme or topic.  Before you think about this, you should read the instruction first, because there are law schools that ask applicants specific questions or give them a specific topic.

What to avoid when using sample law school personal statements as models

Reading the works of others and getting ideas from them can be very advantageous when you start writing your own essay.  However, doing this also has its dangers.  For one, you will have the tendency to copy the works of others instead of just getting ideas from them.  If this happens, instead of getting more chances for law school admissions, you will most likely blow your chance.  This is why you have to practice caution when you use the sample essays. Reading various essays is also helpful to make you avoid committing plagiarism.

The secret to a well-written personal statement

If you directly copy chunks from other essays, you will lose one of the important recipes of a notable admissions essay, the originally or uniqueness.  Uniqueness is the factor that could draw the interest of the admissions committee.  You have to keep in mind that the members of the committee have read hundreds or even thousands of essays.  Because of this, it is not easy to capture their attention.  This is why you really have to make an effort to make your essay unique.  Be creative.  But you must be very careful not to fall to over creativity.  Keep in mind that your essay is for law school application and not for a creative writing class.  Just employ very little creativity and humor to keep the reader from getting bored.

Where to find sample personal statements

You can get sample admissions essays from various sites online.  Many universities and law school admissions services offer sample personal statements that you can use as models when you write your own.  You can also ask your friends, family, or professors who also have law careers if they can show you their own essays.

Photo Credit : limaocarjuliet

Using Sample Law School Personal Statements That Focus on Productive Summer Internships

One of the topics that are commonly discussed in personal statements for law school is work experience.  Actually, talking about your valuable work experience is really an effective way to draw the attention of the admissions committee on your application.  For one, this can give the admissions officers an impression that you are mature enough to handle responsibility.  Aside from this, having work experience also means you have an edge over other applicants when it comes to having a relevant background.  So to give you better chances of getting admission to the law school of your choice, use your work experience as topic.

If you have not yet experienced working full time, as expected from many students, you can just talk about your productive summer internships.  No matter how short your work experience in internships is, it is still a valuable factor in your admissions application.  This is because if it is a productive one, you have surely learned a great deal from this experience.

What to include in your essay regarding your summer internships

If your internships involve research, writing, and assisting legal attorneys, then you can discuss how the tasks helped you developed skills that would be valuable when you are already in a law school.  It is best if you talk about your experiences in your internship that you think you didn’t get from school but will prove to be important to help you survive in this highly competitive academic environment that is law school.  Aside from these, you can also discuss about the challenges and the obstacles you have overcome while you are an intern.  Writing about these would give the admissions officers an idea just what type of person you are based on how you face certain problems.  Aside from these, you can also talk about how your summer internships give you motivations to study law.

How to write your personal statement

There are quite a number of topics that you can use to write your essay.  But it is recommended that you only choose one to concentrate on.  Remember that the number of words for the admissions essay are limited, so you better focus on a single topic.  You can concentrate on your skills, for instance, or you can also talk about your motivations and inspirations only.  To help you with the structure of the essay, you should read sample law school personal statements.

How to use law school personal statements as models

There are various personal statements for law school that you can find online.  You should only limit your search for those samples that talk about productive summer internships.  It is best if you read various samples and determine what makes certain essays interesting and engaging.  You have to analyze how the writers of those specific essays developed their themes and keep the sentences tightly written.

There would surely be a lot of other students who will use their summer work experiences in their essays.  Because of this, you have to make it a point to render uniqueness to your essay as much as possible.  You have to go beyond the simple listing of your experiences and accomplishments.

Photo Credit : Andreanna

Using Sample Law School Personal Statements to Come Up with Essays Focusing on Your Experiences as a Social Events Organizer at Your Pre-Law School

Even if you are an excellent features or news writer in your pre-law school publications, you still have to read lots of well-written personal statement samples if you want to make your law school admissions essay notable.  Unlike your academic papers or those you write for other publications, personal statements for law school are similar to an autobiography in the sense that it has the purpose of introducing yourself to the readers.  But unlike the autobiography, your admissions essay is only limited to a page or two, which are probably not enough to let the readers know the real you.  Because of this, it is necessary that you limit the content of your essay to information relevant to your law school application.

Why use your experience as a social event organizer in your essay

One of the topics that you could explore is your experiences that exhibit your skills and potential.  If you have organized a social event in your school, for instance, you can use this as a topic for your personal statement.  Through this, you will be able to show to the admissions committee your leadership potential, your organization skills, and your skills in dealing with people.  Talking about your experience as an organizer would also give the admissions committee the impression that you are a person who knows how to handle big responsibilities.

Where to find samples of law school admissions essay

To guide you in the structure of your essay, you can read sample admissions essays online.  These essays can guide you on how to write one that would draw the interest of the admissions officers.  You should analyze how these essays develop the theme or the topic.  Aside from the sample personal statements online, you can also ask for the personal statements of your professors or friends who have been into law school.

What to avoid when writing your essay

In writing your personal statement, avoid plagiarizing your essay models.  You should read sample essays not to copy them, but rather to get tips on how the essay should be structured and also to get ideas that you can use to create your own.  No matter how noteworthy the sample essays are, you have to keep in mind that these are only models.  In the end, you still have to write a “unique” one in order to draw the attention of the admissions officers.

What to remember when writing your own personal statement

The most important thing that you should keep in mind is that the admissions essay is about you.  Your experience in organizing a social event can help you make your essay more attractive.  However, you should make it a point to limit the scope to be included when you talk about this experience.

Before you submit your admissions essay, make sure that you let a law school professor read and examine it.  It is also best that you proofread and edit your essay several times.  And last, be honest in writing your personal statement for law school.

Photo Credit : vsqz

Albany Law School

Albany Law School is one of the oldest and best law schools in the nation. In fact, Albany Law School holds the title as the oldest independent law school. Since the school’s establishment in 1851, it has developed into a premier educational center that is known around the world. Amongst the Albany Law School alumni are a number of successful people, including President William McKinley. The school’s law review, the Albany Law School Journal, is the country’s first-ever law review that is edited by students. To learn more about Albany Law School or to apply to the school, visit the school’s homepage and the Albany Law School admissions page.

Appalachian School of Law

What began as an attempt to increase economic activity in the region around Grundy, Virginia quickly became one of the best law schools in the country: the Appalachian School of Law. Since the school’s founding in 1994, the Appalachian School now has numerous programs for those pursuing a degree in law. The Appalachian promotes an education that forms and develops the student’s mind and character. The well-rounded, quality education at the Appalachian includes community service requirements and courses in professional responsibility and alternative dispute resolution. For information on applying to the Appalachian School of Law, people can visit ASL’s admissions page.

American University Washington College of Law

American University’s Washington College of Law is an institution that is known for its high quality education and its reputable student publications. The Washington College of Law has developed into one of the best schools in the nation, especially because of its public rights law and human rights law programs. WCL is also respected for its active involvement in promoting public sector work. The American University Washington College of Law has an easily accessible admissions page for those who want to apply to this school.

The Boston University Law School

When Boston University was first founded in 1839, the university didn’t yet have a law school. It was not until 1872 that the Boston University Law School was established. Since then, BU Law has grown into one of the most respected and renowned law schools in the country. Amongst the many courses offered at BU Law are JD-MA, JD-MPH, and JD-MBA programs. Such joint-JD programs usually include courses from the university’s different schools. One of the unique characteristics of the BU Law system of education is the use of the dialogue-style teaching and interaction that Socrates is well-known for. Those who want to apply to the Boston University Law School can do so at the BU Law admissions page.

Boston College Law School

Boston College Law School is one of the best law schools in the country. With its numerous programs in various disciplines, BC Law has educated many successful alumni, including politicians, justices, and a former president of the American Bar Association. Some of the programs that have helped BC Law gain its reputation include public interest law, social justice, and human rights programs. Application to BC Law can be accomplished through the school’s website, through the admissions page.

Brooklyn Law School

When Brooklyn Law School was first founded, the vision for this institution was to provide an accessible means of legal education. Today, Brooklyn Law School is a school that has a high-quality education and a diverse student body that reflects its success in reaching its aims. Some of the joint degrees offered at Brooklyn Law School include JD-MA in Political Science, JD-MBA, and JD-Masters in Urban Planning. Those who want to apply to Brooklyn Law School just have to follow the application instructions at the BLS admissions page.

Marshall-Wythe School of Law

The Marshall-Wythe School of Law has a history that spans over 200 years. Established in 1779, the Marshall-Wythe School of Law is located in Williamsburg, Virginia. Although the school’s official name is the Marshall-Wythe School of Law, it is commonly called the William & Mary Law School, because it is actually a branch of the College of William & Mary. Throughout its long history, W&M Law has developed into one of the best law schools in the country, with numerous programs that span from Election Law to National Security Law. To apply at the Marshall-Wythe School of Law, visit the school’s admissions page.

Cornell Law School

There are only five Ivy League law schools, and Cornell Law School is one of them. As an Ivy League school, Cornell Law offers top-notch facilities and high-quality education. Some of the programs offered at Cornell Law School include Public Interest, International Human Rights Clinic, Externships, and Internation and Comparative Law programs. People can go for a LL.M., JSD, JD-Masters in Global Business, or a JD-MBA at Cornell Law School. Applicants can get more information about Cornell Law School’s application process through the school’s admissions page.

Columbia Law School

Another Ivy League law school is the Columbia University Law School, which has educated numerous successful politicians, ambassadors, justices, jurists, judges, and even former US presidents such as Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt. Some of the courses that Columbia Law School specializes in include corporate law, intellectual property, and international law. For those who want to apply to Columbia Law School, information on application procedures can be found at the school’s admissions page.

The Charleston School of Law

The Charleston School of Law is a rather young law school, but already it has made a name as one of the best in the nation. The high-quality education offered at Chaleston School of Law is reflected in its three student-edited publications. The Maritime Law Bulletin, the Charlston Law Review, and the Federal Courts Law Review each offer a platform for students, faculty, practitioners, and other professionals to communicate their thoughts on various topics. Charleston School of Law has various programs and courses for students to choose from. To apply at CSOL, just visit the admissions page on the school’s website.

The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

Cleveland State Univerity’s school of law was originally known as the Cleveland Law School. When Cleveland Law School merged with another law school, known as the John Marshall School of Law, the institution took on the name “Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.” The school has become one of the most reputable law schools in the country, offering numerous degrees in different disciplines. Some of the programs offered at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law include dual degree programs, JD degree programs, and LL.M. programs. The school also offers night classes for those who want to have a flexible schedule. People who want to apply to Cleveland-Marshall College of Law can do so through the school’s admissions page.

CUNY Law

One of the main objectives of the City University of New York Law School is to produce law graduates who are competent in law and compassionate towards others. The school is renowned for its excellent courses in public interest law. Some of the specialized courses that can be found at CUNY Law include Immigrant and Refugee Rights, International Women’s Human Rights, Community and Economic Development, and Economic Justice Project. Applications to CUNY Law can be processed through the Internet, via the school’s admissions page.

Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law

Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law was established in 1964 as the law school of Arizona State University. Aside from being amongst the top law schools in the country, Sandra Day O’Connor College is also one of the best schools for legal writing. Some of the offerings at Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law include JD-PhD in Justice Studies, JD-MD, JD-MBA, and JD-PhD in Law and Psychology. The school also has a two-year program for those looking to earn a Masters of Legal Studies degree. To apply to this prestigious law school, visit the Sandra Day O’Connor admissions page.

Baylor Law School

Baylor Law School has become known for having excellent education that also fosters personal development through its Christian teachings. As a testament to Baylor Law School’s high-quality education, numerous successful lawyers, politicians, ambassadors, justices, and judges have graduated from this school. Those who want to learn more about Baylor, the school’s website is a good source of information. In fact, people can easily apply to Baylor through the admissions page.

Ave Maria School of Law

Ave Maria School of Law is a fairly young school, but, already, it has made an incredible name for itself. From the time the school was established in 1999, it only took this schoolapproximately six years to become accredited by the American Bar Association. Ave Maria is a Roman Catholic School that integrates moral and theological teachings into some of its programs. Offered at Ave Maria School of Law are courses such as Papal teaching and the Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Dignity in the Workplace. To apply to Ave Maria School of Law, just visit the school’s website and head to the admissions page.

Campbell Law

Campbell Law, which is part of Campbell University in North Carolina, is more formally known as the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. The school offers numerous law courses, which are focused on producing lawyers who are intelligent, morally upright, and compassionate. One of the programs at Campbell Law is the JD-Masters in Trust and Investment Management (JD-MTIM) program, which is a joint program between the law and business schools at Campbell University. To get more information about Campbell Law and its various programs, head to the school’s webpage, where there is also an admissions section for applicants.

Chapman Law

Another one of the top law schools in the country is the Chapman University School of Law, simply known as Chapman Law. Chapman Law is an ideal choice for anyone who is thinking of taking up law school. Some of the offerings at Chapman include Prosecutorial Science and Taxation LL.M. Degrees, Film and Television Production JD/MFA, and, the more common, JD-MBA. Chapman school is part of the Association of American Law Schools and the American Bar Association, which is a testament to the school’s involvement and participation with major organizations that influence legal education. The Chapman University School of Law admissions page has more information for those looking to apply.

Case Western Reserve Law

Case Western Reserve University has one of the oldest and most developed law schools in the country. The law school is named the Franklin Thomas Backus School of Law, but it is regularly called the Backus School of Law. Some of the programs offered at Backus include JD-MD, JD-MSSA (social work), JD-MPH (public health), JD-MBA, JD-MA in Bioethics, and US and Global Legal Studies LL.M. Program. Apply to Case Western Reserve University’s Franklin Thomas Backus School of Law through the website’s admissions page.

The practice of law involves doing different tasks that some people can see as either routine or very taxing. For those with a legal degree, the good news is that there are others avenues if you are at your wits’ end for having practiced litigation for the past two decades. There is a group of other jobs you can look into, and here are some of the principal ones:

In the courts

You may not need to do litigation, but the courtroom can still be your workplace. Lawyers in clerkship jobs do research and recommendations.

Public service

Indeed, politics could be another step for attorneys who are tired of the traditional legal work. Choosing to work in the public sector can be rewarding, especially if money is not an important matter to you. Graduates of law school who wish to work in the public sector find fulfillment and satisfaction helping several people on their legal problems every day.

In-house legal counsel

Big entities and corporations hold their own legal divisions to attend to everyday tasks pertaining to legal matters. The responsibilities of an In-House Counsel do not have to entail high-profile issues. Administrative duties can also be assigned to the members of a company’s legal department. A Counsel In-House often works hand-in-hand with Finance or the Human Resources of his or her company.

The act of legislating

Lawyers can choose to work with a senator or other members of legislative bodies. The legislative lawyer would do research or draft bills which have enactment potential. Needless to say, those in this kind of work would be exposed to a lot of politics, and he or she could later on become a famous personality if he or she gets involved in a very big political issue.

Photo Credit : [177]