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As we stated at the outset of this series, what's most
important is showing why you're unique and how you can
contribute to the class. Unlike medical schools, which
want to assess specific personal qualities in their
applicants, law schools use academic achievement as the
primary criterion in evaluating your ability to succeed
in law. Thus, you need not be concerned if nothing in
your essay directly addresses the issue of why you're
qualified for a legal career. However, if you have
substantive points to make within this area, you can
certainly help your case.
When Goals and
Qualifications Intersect
It's most essential to
discuss your background and qualifications when these
overlap with your current goals. In
this essay (also
referenced in the previous section), the applicant's
interest in intellectual property law makes sense to the
reader precisely because of his experience as a
scientist.
Similarly,
this applicant
discusses her interest in international law. She
succeeds in tying this interest to several aspects of
her background, from her multicultural upbringing to her
global work experiences. The commitment seems very
focused because she links her goals to specific programs
that the law school in question offers.
Experiences in Law
Applicants who have worked
in firms or other legal offices may want to describe
their experiences to demonstrate their relevant
abilities.
This applicant
describes her duties as a paralegal/legal secretary:
"I have done research and
court filings, interviewed clients, sat in on
depositions, and had the opportunity to become familiar
with a wide range of legal documents and procedures. It
is work that I love, even on the frequent occasions when
it is tedious, frustrating, and anything but glamorous.
I like trying to fit together pieces of a puzzle, doing
the necessary analysis, facing the challenge that any
case poses. I thrive on feeling productive. I find great
pleasure in arguing a point, whether verbally or in
writing, and am quite adept at doing this."
Note that she cites specific
work in which she has been involved, while offering
insight into both her skills and interests.
As always, the details you
provide will make or break your discussion. But the
strength of an Experiences in Law essay depends more
than usual on the originality of your experience. The
fact is that many people will have similar experiences
and even perform the same level of duties. While such an
essay can establish your competence, it will be unlikely
to make you stand out. Less conventional experiences,
however, are certainly worth highlighting.
This applicant
describes his judicial role within an academic
community. In discussing both his hands-on work and the
philosophical concerns that he has explored, he reveals
a perspective that is original and relevant.
Showing the Qualities of a
Lawyer
It's possible to demonstrate
qualities that are relevant to your future profession
without actually having direct involvement in law. You
may want to discuss, for example, intellectual pursuits
or activities in which you've shown analytical skills or
debate prowess.
This applicant
discusses his "passion for writing and politics."
Without forcing a connection to law (though you should
not hesitate to draw links that seem natural), he offers
details about the work he has done in journalism in
order to demonstrate his ability to think critically and
construct arguments. Essays like this can be very
effective because they serve the dual purpose of
highlighting unique experiences and providing evidence
for potential in the field of law.
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