Law school is a professional school, which prepares students for careers in a specific area of law practice. Accordingly, future law students should project their best professional selves to admissions committees.

Every year, law schools across the country choose between hundreds, if not thousands of applicants. Presenting yourself as a strong and professional candidate will not only help you stand out from the competition but will also enable the admissions committee to have confidence in you as a future law student.

There are three areas crucial to maintaining a professional image: Looking the Part; Acting the Part; and Talking the Part.

Looking the Part

Professionalism on Your Law School Application

  • Make sure your law school application is top-notch!
    • Most law schools do not conduct interviews with applicants.
      • The application is the admission committee’s ONLY insight into whether you are a consistent, put-together candidate that they can confidently admit.
  • Résumé and Personal Statement:
    • Use your experiences to present yourself as a strong candidate ready for the rigors of law school.
    • Think about the verbs and adjectives that you choose to describe your legal internships, shadowing programs, work, etc.
  • Academics
    • Students should develop strong writing, reading, organization, research, and analytical skills.

Presenting Yourself Well

  • First impressions are very important!
  • Dress professionally, practice a firm handshake, and exude confidence whether at a volunteering event, informational session, or campus visit.
  • You do not want school officials, coworkers, and future employers to remember you in a negative way.
Acting the Part
Talking the Part