sample law school personal statements

Fearfully Optimistic is a blog designed to help law students with all of the stresses and hardships of law school. One of the mantras of the Fearfully Optimistic site is that “law school is broken.” Basically, the founder of the site feels that the legal education system is too demanding on students, to the point that students have a painful time not only getting through law school, but also when looking for legal professions. With the mission of “putting the cool back into law school.” The Fearfully Optimistic site has articles like “Why a Social Life is Tricky in Law School” and “The Links Between Unschooling and Law School.”

The optimistic side

Fearfully Optimistic has a good angle, helping students with all of the hardships of law school. The idea that there’s something wrong with the legal education system, which has a negative impact on students, is a great perspective. It falls in line with the thoughts and feelings of the many law school students who are spending grueling hours studying for tests, memorizing laws and statutes, and slowly grinding through the bar exams. The blog also covers topics that students like to know about, such as specific law courses, the legal industry, and some of the pressing matters in legal education.

The pessimistic side

The bad thing about Fearfully Optimistic is that the blog has a rather uninteresting layout. While some students may like the straightforward, no-frills design of the blog, other visitors may want to see some color and some pictures as well. It can get boring scrolling through a blog that is all just black, grey, and blue text, without any pictures to break the monotony. Adding some community tools, such as forums or discussion boards, can also help to increase traffic and entice visitors to return to the site.

Trying to act or speak like a lawyer when barely setting foot on law school is a definite no-no.  If you think you can score points by making it seem like legalese terms are your second language, then better prepare fpr the thumbs-down.  This kind of writing no longer works.  You will only come off pretentious and arrogant.  Nowadays, the admissions panel focus more on how you clearly convey your message and not how you sugar-coat it.

The main ingredients for disastrous law school personal statements are the following:

Thinking too highly of yourself

Despite your impressive scholastic records, remember that you’re not yet a lawyer or close to being a legal expert.  You still have to enter law school to be that and pass the board exam. so don’t go on bragging about your accomplishments as if you’re the best student the law school can ever have.  Don’t make it sound like you know it all; entering law school is just the beginning.

Speaking like a court room lawyer

Some may give you “A” for the effort, but this rarely works nowadays.  When trying too hard to use legalese terms, you might also run into trouble of using them the wrong way.  This may also cause confusion or misinterpretation.  With thousands of application essays to look into, what the admissions panel is probably searching for are personal statements that are clearly written, easy to understand, and free-flowing.  If they want a thorough discussion of law, they might as well get a copy of the constitution or attend legal hearings themselves.

Beating around the bush

Don’t stress your points into lengthy paragraphs if you can get the right message across in two to three sentences.  Every word and sentence should count.  Make sure that they’re all connected and do support your main ideas or thesis statement.  Your law school personal statement is no place for random thoughts and filler sentences.  Don’t just edit twice; read and revise until you get it right.

There are more than a few ways to write your essay.  One is to use a metaphor or analogy.  You can also start with a quote and share your thoughts or pose rhetorical questions.  This will best exemplify your objectivity, logical reasoning, and effective communication skills.  Offer solutions to problems or share an interesting anecdote.  Sample law school personal statements will offer different writing techniques and insights on what makes a personal statement even more compelling.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

Factors such as LSAT scores, GPAs, personal statements, and letters of recommendations are used as basis of many law schools when admitting students into their institutions. Excellent college grades and high exam scores can open plenty of opportunities when going to law school but these are not the only factors that law school admissions panel look into. Extra-curricular activities could also play a role in you getting admitted into your dream law school. As a matter of fact, involvement in extra-curricular activities can be a springboard for your personal statement. You’ll notice that many sample law school personal statements discuss involvement in different groups, explaining how such experiences have shaped the applicant.

Writing and debate organizations

Being a member of the school paper can be a great plus when applying to law schools. This is because joining such groups will hone your written communication skills, which are very important in legal discourse. Being a staff of your school or community paper means your trained to recognize bad sample law school personal statements from the good ones, as this is very important when reading sample law school personal statements as you write your own. Outstanding writing skills are traits of an excellent lawyer, and law schools would always appreciate an applicant who shows a lot of potential. Joining debate groups can help you hone your speech-making skills, which are also important if you wish to excel in law school. Even as a student, one has to be able to express his or her thoughts coherently. This is why those who join broadcast media organizations can gain an edge over other applicants.

Non-government organizations

Participation in a community or non-government organization is a big plus. When one is championing for a cause as part of his or her extra-curricular activities, this could pave the way to a specialization in law; joining an environmental group can expose you to environmental issues. However, you have to join these groups not because you want to enhance your resume. You have to sincerely believe in the group’s advocacies.

Positions held in organizations

Having a high organizational position typed on one’s resume would already speak volumes. It shows that one has the ability to take the lead and the skills to handle different people. Remember, organizational and leadership skills are always appreciated by law school admissions officers.

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Law reviews are journals or papers that are edited and run by students of a law school. Staffed by law school students, the articles are written by judges, professors, and practitioners. A law review is a place for academic publishing focusing on articles about different judicial issues.

Kinds of law reviews

These publications can include satellite journals. Such law journals give a more concentrated view on specific issues or fields of law. Then there are law reviews that include articles covering various judicial issues.

Applying for a law review

Many law students aim for the different posts in law reviews and journals. Some of the most notable law reviews hold writing contests to pick future members, with the contest open to freshmen. If a first-year student is chosen, he or she writes comments and case notes that are published during that school year. Senior members usually hold the editorial posts.

Benefits of joining a law review

Law journals serve as a venue for legal discussions. Even if an article written by a student would not really affect a legal decision, the student will be recognized for his or her integrity as such an article has to be well-researched for it to be published in a law journal.

If an employer sees a law review on an applicant’s resume, the chances of the employer taking a second look on the applicant’s credentials is greater. This is because many employers see members of law journals as exceptional and responsible individuals. Plus, the skills that you’ll develop as you join your school’s law review will make you an asset in the eyes of many potential employers. Because case notes and articles in law reviews are highly regarded for their integrity, being a member of your school’s law review is definitely a worthy credential.

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