2. University Complete a Bachelors Degree Usually a 4 year degree It doesn’t matter what you study in undergrad. Law schools accept students from diverse backgrounds Get good marks Most schools look for students with at least an 80% average Usually the best 3 of 4 years, so one bad year won’t ruin your chances Get involved Part-time jobs, volunteer work, internships and extra-curricular activities will boost your application
3. LSAT Standardized test that examines your reasoning skills It is not a knowledge test Scored on an adjusted scale from 120-180 It is required by most North American law schools Gives the schools a way of assessing applicants uniformly Consists of five 35-minute multiple choice sections (one of which is experimental) and a writing sample Scored Sections: Two Logical Reasoning (arguments) Reading Comprehension Analytical Reasoning (logic games)
4. Preparing for the LSAT Practice, Practice, Practice! Start studying at least 12 months before you want to start law school Law school applications are due in the fall of the year before you want to start LSAT tests are administered 4 times a year (June, September/October, December, February) You can take the test multiple time, but a maximum of 3 times in 2 years You can take a prep course They are expensive ($600-1500), so you should try the test on your own first
5. Applying to Law Schools Research 6 Ontario schools: U of T, Osgoode, Western, Queens, Windsor, Ottawa (common law/civil law) Every school has its own admission policy out-of-province/ international law schools Get your documents together Personal statement Transcripts Sketch/resume LSAT Score Reference letters* Submit your application OLSAS Application Due at the Beginning of November
7. Law School 3 Years of school Teaches you how to think like a lawyer Case method Core courses in first year, electives in upper year You don’t have to decide what area of law you want to specialize in Combined Programs JD/MBA JD/MSW JD/MGA JD/MA (crim, english, philo, Eurasian) JD/PHD (polisci/philo) Extra-Curricular Programs Clinics, journals, clubs, special projects 2L Summer Jobs
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9. Lawyer Other Law-related Careers It takes at least 7 years to become a lawyer Law school is hard work and expensive Lawyers are well-paid, but they work long and hard hours Not everyone who goes to law school ends up practicing as a lawyer Law clerk Paralegal Court Reporter Police Officer Border Agent Social Worker Law Teacher Politician Careers in Law
