sample law school personal statements

Before I decided to pursue a legal career, I had my sights set on a completely different field: architecture. I would probably be in an architectural school right now had I not gone through certain experiences that spurred my interest in law. The first was ten years ago, when my mother was accidentally killed by a drunk truck driver as she was on her way home. This all happened in a quiet little Ohio town that could not have felt safer.

When I saw the police at our doorstep, I instantly knew something was wrong. As the police told me what happened to my mother, I lost consciousness; I felt that my world would fall apart. The following days were some of the most unforgettable ones in my whole life. My family, along with the local police, pursued the drunk driver and filed charges against him. Because me and my family never gave up until justice for my mom was achieved, the drunk driver was soon behind bars. Nevertheless, the event changed my life—it made me realize that life is indeed full of surprises, both good and bad. I put it all behind me and went on to college. I stuck to my first passion and majored in architecture, but like any young adult unsure of what to do, I took random jobs here and there. That is how I came upon my second turning point: a friend of mine invited me to teach in a driving school.

Little did I know that the class would spur a long-overdue healing process. It put me face-to-face with the very thing I had tried to run away from. I was fascinated by the system through which young drivers are equipped with knowledge and skill on how to properly maneuver a vehicle. Teaching in a driving school opened my eyes to the strength of the country’s driver’s education system. At the same time, I was also dismayed at the flaws of the system that resulted into poor drivers, just like the drunk driver that killed my mother. The next semester, I shifted courses, determined to finish and go on to law school.

I haven’t lost my interest in architecture, but perhaps I really was meant for places bigger than an architectural firm. Since learning about civil law and justice, I have felt more focused and more whole than I have ever since that night in Ohio. The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that those things happened for a reason. They were meant to spur me into this path, a path where I can play a better role in helping people who have gone through the same things as I have. Though I would not wish it on anyone, I am almost thankful for that experience, as it helped me find my calling.

I intend to go to _____ Law School and specialize in civil law and justice. Eventually I plan on working as a prosecutor in order to help victims of tragic vehicular accidents, and hopefully, do something to change the system so that justice can be served more efficiently. I believe that this school will provide the perfect environment to help me learn the skills I will need in the professional field, and in return, I can share my own experiences to inspire my fellow future lawyers.

Photo Credit : longhorndave