Personal Statement Law School: Be Active in School and Be Successful in Law School

Academic success, whichever field you’re in, requires preparation.  If you’re aiming for acceptance in law school, then consider the various extra-curricular organizations you can join during your pre-law.  When choosing an organization during your pre-law, ask yourself these questions: How important is my participation in these activities?  Will these organizations help me develop my skills to be successful in law school?

Your involvement in these organizations can also serve as topics for your winning personal statement law school.  Joining various organizations during pre-law can also serve as preparation since law schools also have various organizations you can choose from to further hone your skills while in law school.  

Joining law school organizations

Law school organizations offer various activities to prepare students for the actual legal scene.  However, joining should not be because you want something on your resume, but because you share the same beliefs that they uphold.  Here are some law school organizations that can hone your skills as a future lawyer.

Student-run journals

Joining a law school journal is one of the most prestigious activities you can do while in law school.  Most schools have several student-run journals.  These include the general journal, also called the "law review,” and specialized law journals (ex: Environmental Law Journal, Global Studies Law Review, Corporate Law Journal, Gender and Equality Law Review, and Taxation Law Journal).  If you have journalistic experience during your pre-law, joining a law school journal becomes easier.  By joining law school journals, your ability to write is further honed.  Keep in mind that excellent writing skills are important when pursuing a legal career.

Legal competitions (moot court and mock trial)

The most common legal competitions are the mock trial and moot court.  In a mock trial, students role-play as attorneys and witnesses.  They present a case to a judge and a jury. Most law schools have mock trial teams that compete against other schools.

Moot court, on the other hand, is a simulated court proceeding which includes drafting briefs and participating in oral arguments.  Even if moot means a gathering of prominent men in a locality to discuss matters of local importance, moot court does not involve actual testimony by witnesses or the presentation of evidence.  It is just focused on the application of law to a set of assumptions based on evidences.  A moot court is considered more prestigious than a mock trial, although involvement in both are attractive to potential employers hiring litigators because a good moot court participant will always make an effective litigator.

Student associations

Law schools also have various student associations.  One comprehensive group that is open to all students is called the “Student Bar Association.”  Also, there are national law student fraternities that serve as social organizations open to all students.  This organizations' activities include academic conferences, publications, and coordination with other student associations from other law schools.

Debate teams

Communication skills gained from experience in debates and making speeches is yet another parameter for law schools. A potential candidate needs to communicate ideas clearly to be a successful lawyer.

Indeed, extracurricular activities can help you hone your skills as your pursue a legal career.  Your resume will also look good if you're able to find organizations whom you share your passion and beliefs with.