Summer is finally here, which means no exams, no discussion boards, and (hopefully) no 8 a.m. lectures. But if you’re planning to apply to law school, summer is a great time to build your resume, gain valuable experience, and start laying the groundwork for your law school application. Not sure where to start? Here are some productive ways to spend your pre-law summer.
Pre-Law Summer Programs and Activities
1. Intern or Work at a Local Law Firm
Getting hands-on experience in a legal environment is one of the best ways to confirm (or challenge) your interest in law. Whether you’re shadowing attorneys, organizing case files, or just soaking up the day-to-day operations of that #lawlife, you’ll gain insight into what a legal career actually looks like. Plus, this experience can help you stand out in your application and makes for great personal statement and law school interview material.
Further Reading
2. Get Professional Experience—Legal or Not
Legal internships or jobs are great, but they’re not the only option. Work experience in any professional setting can help you build transferable skills like communication, organization, research, and teamwork—all of which are highly valued in law school and beyond.
You can also look for work in industries related to the type of law you’re interested in. Want to be an environmental lawyer? Try working with a sustainability nonprofit. Curious about entertainment law? A summer job at a talent agency could be the perfect fit.
Any work experience can still contribute to your overall law school application and show your dedication and work ethic. Additionally, outside work experience can also provide unique perspectives and insights into different industries, which can be valuable as you start to narrow down what area of law you might want to practice.
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3. Volunteer in Your Community
Volunteering is a meaningful way to contribute to causes you care about. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your commitment to service, which many law schools value. You can look for opportunities with legal aid organizations, advocacy groups, political campaigns, or local nonprofits. Or, you can look for opportunities based on what you are passionate about.
Remember, volunteering may look great on your application, but first and foremost, it’s a great way to give back to your community.
4. Apply to Summer Pre-Law Programs
There are incredible summer pre-law programs designed to support and prepare future law students, especially students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. A few to check out:
- SEO Law Fellowship Program: A paid 10-week summer experience for underrepresented students the summer before law school.
- CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute: An online and residential program designed to prepare graduating seniors and incoming 1Ls to be more competitive law school students.
5. Start Working on Your Law School Application
It may seem early, but trust us, your future self will thank you for using your pre-law summer to get ahead. Consider brainstorming and drafting your personal statement or researching law schools to create a list of where you’d like to apply. Even mapping out a timeline can give you a sense of control and preparedness when the busy fall semester begins.
6. Start Prepping for the LSAT
Sorry, but you can’t escape studying! The summer is the perfect time to begin studying or fully lock in without the distraction of classes and assignments. Whether you sign up for an LSAT prep course, work with an LSAT tutor, or study solo, getting an early start can help reduce stress and improve your score down the line.
💡 Pro Tip: LSAT prep doesn’t have to take over your life! You can still enjoy your summer if you plan effectively and start early. Take the first step by creating a free LSAT study plan!
7. Relax
Seriously. Don’t forget that rest is productive, too. Law school (and the road to it) can be intense, so it’s important to take time to recharge. Whether that means catching up on sleep, spending time with friends and family, traveling, or just doing things you enjoy, giving yourself space to breathe can help you return to your goals with more energy and clarity. You don’t have to fill every minute of your summer with “serious” activities to make it worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to do everything this summer, but choosing even one or two of these activities can put you in a strong position when it’s time to finally apply to law school. More importantly, they can help you better understand what you want from a legal education and your future career. So take a deep breath, enjoy your break, and get ready for the best pre-law summer ever!
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