Sample law school personal statement: From MBA to Law
Sample Admission Essay for Law School
Unlike most of my peers, I knew what I wanted long before I stepped into college. I was going to study a degree in Accounting or Finance and work toward having an MBA, perhaps with a few professional stints in between. But halfway through my program—in what seemed like my hundredth class in Accounting—I realized that an education in money wasn’t going to get me far. If I was going to succeed in business, I had to learn about the people and the legal aspects of different business environments.
I earned my degree nevertheless, something I take a lot of pride in considering a college education is largely optional in my family. For my family, having a high school diploma was all the education that is necessary; my parents felt that one has to earn his or her living after that. I come from a working class background, and I grew up watching my brothers take blue-collar jobs right after high school. Perhaps that is what spurred me to seek better opportunities. One day, I told my parents of my plans to go to college, which they supported much to my surprise. Looking back, I think that my parents saw my potential and supported all my extracurricular activities, from the high school math club to the college newspaper and debate society.
I worked part-time at various shops to finance my education. I knew there was more out there for me than minimum-wage employment, but I never regretted taking those jobs because, at that time, they were the only options available to me. These jobs nevertheless got me through college, but more than that, they also made me realize that money did not make or break one’s fate. I was working with people in the same boat as I was—young, hopeful, and struggling to carve out an uncertain future. What spurred us on was not our need for money, but our want of a better life.
After getting my degree in Business Administration and Accountancy, I worked as a finance manager for a large manufacturing firm while preparing for the LSAT and other law school requirements. Fortunately, I was working directly under the supervision of the department head, who was also a lawyer by profession. The job helped sharpen my logical and analytical skills, which made me realize certain parallels between numbers and the law. My job also made me realize that a degree in accounting is a good springboard for a legal career. One of the things I realized during my job was that both lawyers and financial advisers need to be careful with the details, as many decisions are made by looking at the details they provide. I have met many lawyers who were once involved in the world of finance and they all tell me that having a degree in finance is really advantageous in becoming a lawyer. I want to be part of this select group.
That is why I chose to pursue legal studies at the _____ School of Law. I believe that this school has the right environment to foster my interest in business while helping me become socially aware—a skill that can set me apart from the chokingly corporate world of entrepreneurs. With this degree, I plan on becoming a self-made entrepreneur who not only makes money, but also helps my community. I know I did not choose an easy path, but I am ready to take on the challenge.
