Preparing for Law School

• Attend OXY Pre-Law's "Legal Career Paths" Speaker Series.  The series connects Oxy students with seasoned legal professionals, enhancing your understanding of the diverse opportunities within the legal field.

• Attend OXY Pre-Law's Alumni Panels and Q&A Sessions. Meet Oxy alumni currently enrolled in law school who can serve as your mentors throughout the law school application process. These opportunities will not only foster a deeper understanding of law school and the legal landscape, but will also inspire you to envision yourself in law school and as a practicing legal professional.

• Attend Pre-Law Workshops and other related opportunities where law school representatives are present. Meet the representatives and ask questions.

• Attend the LSAC sponsored Law School Forum in Los Angeles or other metropolitan cities in the fall to speak with law school representatives about the application process; the LSAT; financial aid; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the legal profession. https://www.lsac.org/lawschoolforums

• Use LSAC Law School Links, to research law schools and program specifics, https://officialguide.lsac.org/release/OfficialGuide_Default.aspx and https://www.lawschooltransparency.com/

• Conduct informational interviews by calling or visiting law schools. Most schools will have a representative who is currently in law school or who just graduated to talk with all potential law school applicants.

• While you are visiting the school, sit in on a class, if possible!

• Network with other Pre-Law students and legal professionals by attending events hosted by Pre-Law organizations such as the Los Angeles Bar Association https://www.lacba.org/, For People of Color , Inc. https://forpeopleofcolor.org/ and the Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO), https://cleoinc.org/.

After gathering information, here are additional factors to consider:

• Admissions considerations – Look at the schools entering class profiles to assess LSAT scores and GPA and how your numbers compare. That being said, know that it is not totally about the “numbers”! Students with lower than average LSAT and/or GPA scores have often been admitted to top law schools with an engaging personal statement, strong letters of recommendation, and a compelling vision for what they will do with their law degree. Divide your chosen schools into 3 categories: 1.) Dream schools that are a “stretch,” 2.) Core schools where your application will be competitive, and 3.) Safety Schools where you will likely be admitted.

• Diversity of the student body and faculty

• Financial Considerations

• Location – Where might you like to start your practice? Is weather a factor for you? Do you need to be near your family and/or other support systems?

• Availability of specific law classes, experiential education, and clinical programs of interest.  All law schools provide different opportunities for you to prepare for your law practice and profession.

• Career Services and placement rates

• Campus facilities (housing, library, classrooms)

• Faculty (legal training, areas of interest, accessibility, diversity)

• Extracurricular activities (Law Review, moot court, student clubs)

• Academic programs (clinical opportunities, joint degree offerings, study abroad options)

• Check out Standard 509 Reports, plus Employment Outcomes and Bar Passage Outcomes

• The American Bar Association, Section of Legal Education, has up to date reports on all ABA approved schools. The reports include data about tuition and fees, living expenses, GPA and LSAT scores, and grants and scholarships which can help you compare law schools before applying.

• Develop a tailored list using Law School Transparency. Browse ~200 law schools and save your top picks based on where you want to work, your test scores, budget, and other preferences. You will be able to dive into comprehensive data about law school costs, enrollment, job outcomes, and other trends to help you understand the current state of legal education.

• Review the California State Bar Association website. A very interesting site with bar pass rates for ABA and non-ABA accredited schools in and out of the State.

• Continue exploring the legal field

• Attend workshops or talk with our Pre-Law advisor about the application process, including how to write your personal statement.

• Obtain LSAT information https://www.lsac.org/lsat

• Obtain Credential Assembly Services (CAS) registration information from the LSAC website and register for CAS https://www.lsac.org/applying-law-school/jd-application-process/credential-assembly-service-cas

• Register for the June or July LSAT. The LSAT is offered 7 times a year https://www.lsac.org/lsat

• Allow one to three months to prepare for the LSAT

• Consider taking a test prep course to help you prepare for the LSAT

• Consult faculty regarding letters of recommendation

• Start gathering information about law school

• Arrange a visit to a law school by working with their admissions office. You can request a tour of the school, get connected with a current student, or ask to sit in on a law school course

• Take the June or July LSAT

• Receive LSAT score (3-4 weeks after test)

• Review law school choices in light of LSAT scores

• Register for October (or other date) LSAT if necessary

• Continue requesting letters of recommendation and checking on their status

• Begin writing your personal statement

• Finalize letters of recommendation

• Order your Occidental College official transcripts

• Finalize personal statement; get them proofread by faculty, the Writing Center, the Hameetman Career Center, and other law-related professionals

• Take the October LSAT if necessary

• Request financial aid information from law schools

• Complete and send admissions applications before Thanksgiving, if possible

• Contact law schools to see if applications are complete

• Complete and submit financial aid materials

• Evaluate admissions offers

• Thank all recommendation letter writers and inform them of your plans