why you want to be a lawyer personal statement

by Angel Harris 6 min read

For example, maybe you want to be a lawyer because you want to correct the injustices you see in the world around you. You might write your personal statement about a memorable protest you once participated in as an undergrad, and how it made you want to do even more to help people.

A personal statement should illustrate the positive attributes the applicant has that would make him or her successful as a law student and lawyer. Sometimes the best way for an applicant to show his or her character strengths is to recount a moment when he or she was challenged and overcame adversity, experts say.Feb 13, 2020

Full Answer

What makes a good personal statement for law?

For many years, law has been a popular and competitive course, so it's important you make your personal statement the best it can be. Attention to detail and the ability to form an argument are two of the most important skills required to become a good lawyer, as well as being able to support ideas with evidence.

Why do you want to be a lawyer essay?

For example, maybe you want to be a lawyer because you want to correct the injustices you see in the world around you. You might write your personal statement about a memorable protest you once participated in as an undergrad, and how it made you want to do even more to help people.

Is your law school personal statement as good as your GPA?

As a law school applicant, you may not have a chance to sit down with the admissions committee and explain why you’d be the perfect fit for their institution. But you do have the personal statement, and that’s almost as good—as long as you follow these tips... You are so much more than your LSAT score, undergrad GPA, and extracurricular activities.

How long should a law school personal statement be?

While the law school personal statement is about far more than just following essay directions, you still need to keep basic formatting and length restrictions in mind. Most law schools ask for a 2-page personal statement, but lengths can range from 2-4 pages.

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What makes a good law personal statement?

Aim to use short, polished sentences in your statement, rather than overly wordy ones. Keep the language simple. You only have a short space to make your point, so it is vital to be clear, while communicating your enthusiasm for law. Superfluous text will detract from the impact of your piece.

What is a good reason to go to law school?

Lawyers and law students derive satisfaction from being in a position of prestige. The prospect of working in a well known law firm or for a famous client excites many law students and lawyers who anticipate being respected by other adults.

What makes a powerful personal statement?

It should say why you are interested in the job or degree and, if appropriate, your recent experience with the job type or course topics. Starting a personal statement with sentences that show who you are can help encourage the recipient to read further.

What is a personal statement for law school?

A quality personal statement—a short essay in which you articulate who you are and why you want to go to law school—allows an admissions officer to understand your motivation to attend law school, and the reasons why you want to attend their school, specifically.

How do you answer why law?

Write about which areas appeal to you in particular, for example property or construction, and explain why you would like to work in these areas. Don't focus too much on one particular area though; you'll need to show your enthusiasm for the firm as a whole.

How do you introduce yourself in a personal statement?

Previous years' top five included:'From a young age…''For as long as I can remember…'I am applying for this course because…''I have always been interested in…''Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…'

How do you write a killer personal statement?

University Applications: How to Write a Killer Personal StatementFirstly- don't wait to get started! ... Make a plan BEFORE you start writing. ... Know what's expected. ... Perfect the format. ... Let your personality shine. ... Show real interest in the subject. ... Tell them why should they choose you. ... Get someone to proofread your writing.More items...•

How do you sell yourself in a personal statement example?

Start with why you're the perfect fit for a place on your course. Mention the most important aspects of your relevant skills and experience early. Prove the points you've introduced – it's here you'd talk about your current and previous studies, your skills, and your work experience.

What do you believe it means to be a good lawyer?

Listening to your clients, listening to witnesses, listening to your opposing counsel, and listening to the court can be the difference between winning and losing a case. Great lawyers take in all relevant information, analyze it, and create a plan of action.

How do you start a personal statement for law school?

You still want to tell a story that allows the admissions committee to get to know the real you and remember you in a sea of applicants. So tell the story no one else can tell. Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing anecdote, a surprising fact, or an intriguing line of dialogue.

What looks good on a law school application?

What Do Law Schools Look for in Your Application?Strong Academic Record and LSAT Score. ... Extracurricular Involvement. ... Excellent Writing and Reading Abilities. ... Personal Growth. ... Strong Recommendations from People Who Actually Know You. ... Something Special… ... Demonstrated Interest in the Law School Itself.

Why is it important to make a personal statement for law?

For many years, law has been a popular and competitive course, so it's important you make your personal statement the best it can be.

Why is law important?

An effective law is foundational to an effective and safe society, and to this end, law is important to us all. The law, at its heart, creates order, and ensures vulnerable people are protected. Most people have real respect for the law, and law and order are often what people in corrupt nations most crave...

What is the meaning of law and justice?

Law and justice are the ever-increasing sense of importance and self-respect of the individual. True, there are different conceptions of the idea of what is fair, but the concepts of law and justice are one of the same (Solomon 1995: “A Passion for Justice” pg...

Why did I decide to read law in England?

I decided to read law in England because the country has one of the most historic and well developed educational systems in Europe. I chose courses at Universities with a great tradition, a tradition which can only be offered by English Universities...

What is the law and politics?

Law and Politics Personal Statement. Laws, in my opinion, are the cogs in the machinery of society ; they are guidelines and deterrents that are fundamentally essential for humanity to function. Law is the combined public conscience that tells us right from wrong...

Why is history and law important?

History and Law are critical to thedevelopment of society. The idea that the same mistakes will be repeated unless we learn to adapt and change, underlines the meaning of both subjects. As a civilisation we must find out where we came from and how we can and have changed...

Is law a hard job?

It is hard work and, at the beginning, not well paid...

How long should a personal statement be for law school?

Most law schools ask for a 2-page personal statement, but lengths can range from 2-4 pages. Georgetown, for instance, recommends a 2-page personal statement ...

Does length make a personal statement?

In general, length does not make a personal statement better. Rambling, meandering sentences and tiresome descriptions will only hurt the impact of your ideas, especially considering how many thousands of pages admissions committees have to churn through each year.

Is a personal statement a thesis?

The personal statement isn’t a standard 3-paragraph college essay with a spotlit thesis statement, but it conveys similar impact through presenting a central focus organically, without resorting to simply blurting out “the point” of the piece. Connected to this, this statement focuses on showing rather than telling.

What is a personal statement in law school?

The personal statement is an opportunity to showcase your personality, reflect on the experiences that led you to apply to law school, and demonstrate how you will make a great addition to the school’s incoming class.

What is a personal statement?

A quality personal statement—a short essay in which you articulate who you are and why you want to go to law school— allows an admissions officer to understand your motivation to attend law school, and the reasons why you want to attend their school, specifically.

What should a personal statement tell the admissions committee?

Your law school personal statement should tell the admissions committee something about you outside of your academic qualifications (i.e., GPA and LSAT score) or work experience (i.e., law school resume) The personal statement is an opportunity to showcase your personality, reflect on the experiences that led you to apply to law school, ...

What are the two most important things to consider when applying to law school?

But amid all the uncertainty, there’s one thing we know for sure: the two most important components of your law school application are your undergraduate GPA and your LSAT score. That means you should spend as much time as you’re able improving those two things.

What is Teresa's desire to be a lawyer?

Teresa’s desire to be a lawyer is tied to her background in engineering. She wants her future career to be technical, but she sees real appeal in the skills that practicing law would employ, which has her thinking that a career in IP law could be a good fit. When she writes her essay, she wants to make sure she refers to her engineering expertise. Her idea to write about her experience on a product design engineering team survives this scrutiny.

What is a commitment to justice?

A commitment to justice or the rule of law. A passion for a particular policy matter or issue (e.g. climate change, religious freedom) A strong ability to communicate, verbally or in writing.

What is the purpose of a concluding paragraph?

After telling a story and spending time articulating your goals more clearly, a concluding paragraph can leave the reader with an understanding of who you are and why you’re applying —the best result you can hope for from a good personal statement.

Why is personal statement important in law school?

That's why your personal statement is a critical part of your law school application: It's your chance to address the law school admissions committee directly and show us your character, what’s important to you, and why you’re a great fit for the school. It’s also an opportunity to set yourself apart in a sea of competitive law school applicants.

How to start a personal statement?

Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing anecdote, a surprising fact, or an intriguing line of dialogue. That being said, write like you normally would— don’t write in a style you haven’t mastered. In particular, jokes and other attempts at humor can easily get lost in translation, so be careful.

Can you write a personal statement about a weakness?

You can even write your personal statement about a mistake or a weakness—just make sure you turn it around to show how you ultimately overcame that mistake or weakness. Finally, this may go without saying, but don’t stretch the truth (ahem) in your personal statement. We can tell. And we will check.

Why is law important?

Law is of fundamental importance to our country, as well as shaping our modern evolving society. I felt that doing a Law degree can be both satisfying and help society in the future by…show more content…. This subject enhanced my organizational and presentation skills. Study skills project provide extensive knowledge in techniques ...

Why did I want to study law?

The main reason why I wanted to study Law was the importance it takes in the world. Law builds civilization, protect fundamental rights and protect ideas and inventions through patenting. Anyone can defend his or her right through the legal system.

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