Exploring Pre-Law

What You Can Do Now

Making a decision about whether or not to attend law school is a very important one that involves commitment as well as substantial time and financial investment.  In order to be confident about your decision, we recommend taking the time to evaluate the reasons why you are pursuing such a degree before taking the steps to get there. 

That said, what we recommend:

  • Develop a course of study that’s interesting and challenging for you
  • Take opportunities to explore interests, values, and passions, then decide on how you can engage these professionally
  • Learn about the legal field through classes, pre-law events, networking and internships
  • Concentrate on building yourself, not just a resume

If you decide on law, we encourage you to clarify your reasons.  Instead of asking yourself, “Do I want to go to law school?” Ask: “Do I want to be a lawyer?  If so, why?” To investigate this question further, consider taking the following steps: 

  • Do the inner work:
    • Before pursuing any career path, it’s important to Know your “I” and Why.  Take some time to evaluate your VIPS: values, interests, personality and skills.  Does a legal career allow you to honor these aspects of yourself?
    • If you need help with this, visit the Career Studio where you can meet with a Career Advisor who can help you navigate your career exploration.
  • Identify your career goals/consider your timeline
    • What are your career goals?
    • Do you want to go straight into law school or do you want to take some time off to gain experience?  Whether you take some time off or not has no bearing on the likelihood of you being admitted.  In fact, about two thirds of admitted law students do take time off after obtaining their bachelor degree.  However, it is important to make sure that you are spending your time off doing things that can enhance your application.  
  • Do your research
    • Talk to lawyers and conduct some informational interviews.  What could be more helpful in gaining insight into the legal profession than speaking to a lawyer?   Check out the alumni tab of the Northeastern LinkedIn page, which is a great tool to start building your network.  
    • Look into the various programs and schools that interest you.  You may want to start by looking at LSAC’s Official Guide to ABA-approved Law Schools.  Some of the factors you may want to consider: location, size, length of program, faculty, cost, etc.  

  • Informational Interviewing-networking conversations with lawyers
  • Job Shadowing-short-term observation at a law office or agency
  • Volunteering-informal service commitment, typically to non-profit; does not need to be law-specific.
  • Co-op/Internships-longer-term, formal placement in law firm, government agency or non-profit; paid or unpaid

1st and 2nd Years: Explore

  • Take interesting and meaningful classes, and explore interests, law-related and otherwise
  • Get involved, on-or off-campus
  • Connect with the pre-law advisor and attend events
  • Start talking to lawyers and being building relationships with professors and other mentors
  • Look into the PlusJD program and follow timeline/steps  to apply if interested. Any questions can be directed to lawadmissions@northeastern.edu.  

3rd and 4th Years: Clarify and Prepare

  • Investigate interesting legal career paths and specializations 
  • Network with attorneys and seek hands-on experience
  • Attend a law school fair or forum, and begin researching different programs
  • Begin preparing for LSAT or GRE

5th Year and/or Beyond: Apply

  • Take the LSAT or GRE- late enough to allow for adequate preparation; early enough to allow for a retake (if needed)
  • Aim to submit applications by October/November