4 answers
vidushi
Student
Union City, California
1
Question
Asked
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What can i do to be on the right path for law school if i want to be a prosectuter or something in the criminal law field?
Hello i am in middle school and i am wondering what i can do to be on the right path for law school when i grow up. I really want to major in criminal justice so i am wondering what classes i can do or extra curriculars and why? How would they be able to help me achieve my goal and how can they help me on resumes to apply for college? Thank you!
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4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey there! 🤗
Well, Adepoju gave a super solid road map, man really laid it out step by step, which is great! His advice about extracurriculars like mock trial, debate, and internships is spot on because those things are GOLD for building critical thinking and public speaking skills. Plus, mentioning the LSAT early is smart because law school planning starts way before you actually apply.
Now, let’s add some extra sauce to this because pizza without sauce 🤔 wondering! 🍕 So, Since Vidushi, you are in middle school, it’s all about laying the foundation without stress. 😉 Right now, just focusing on reading a ton (especially true crime, Supreme Court cases, and anything law-related) will help. Writing skills? Essential. Start a blog, write opinion pieces, or even keep a journal about legal topics that spark interest.
For extracurriculars, in addition to debate and mock trial, journalism club can be a great way to sharpen research and writing. Even joining a philosophy or ethics club can help with critical thinking, which is a big deal in law.
And while criminal justice is a great major, political science, history, or even psychology can also be strong choices since they all tie into law. 🤔 Some prosecutors actually major in completely different fields before going to law school!
One thing that could’ve been clearer is the criminal justice internships for high schoolers aren’t super common, but shadowing a local attorney or sitting in on a court case? Totally possible and way more accessible at this stage. Even visiting a law school for a tour or event can be a great way to get inspired.
So, Vidushi, no pressure! Just soak up all the legal knowledge you can, practice writing and debating, and keep an eye out for anything law-related at school or in the community. You’ve got YEARS to build up that future prosecutor energy! ⚖️🔥
Start a Legal-Themed Blog or TikTok – so basically, you can break down famous cases, explain weird laws, or even just rant about justice (in a smart way, of course). Engaging with legal topics early will set you apart, plus it’s a flex for college apps.
Volunteer for a Local Advocacy Group – Look for organizations fighting for social justice, human rights, or legal aid. Even if you are just stuffing envelopes or helping with events, you will get firsthand exposure to the real-world impact of law.
Learn to Speed Read & Take Killer Notes – Law school = a tsunami of reading. If you start training your brain now with speed-reading apps (or just practicing with dense articles), you will be way ahead when the workload hits.
Master the Art of Reading Between the Lines 📜👀 Legal texts are sneaky. They say one thing but mean five different things depending on context. Start training your brain now by analyzing tricky documents—news articles, contracts (even those "Terms & Conditions" you never read), or political speeches. Ask yourself: What’s really being said here? What’s left out? This skill will make legal reading feel less like deciphering ancient scrolls when you hit law school. Plus, you’ll never get tricked by shady fine print again. Win-win!
Participate in YMCA Youth and Government Programs: These programs offer middle and high school students hands-on experience in model governments at various levels. Engaging in such activities provides a deep understanding of governmental processes and hones leadership skills. It's an excellent way to immerse oneself in the practical aspects of law and governance early on.
Well, Adepoju gave a super solid road map, man really laid it out step by step, which is great! His advice about extracurriculars like mock trial, debate, and internships is spot on because those things are GOLD for building critical thinking and public speaking skills. Plus, mentioning the LSAT early is smart because law school planning starts way before you actually apply.
Now, let’s add some extra sauce to this because pizza without sauce 🤔 wondering! 🍕 So, Since Vidushi, you are in middle school, it’s all about laying the foundation without stress. 😉 Right now, just focusing on reading a ton (especially true crime, Supreme Court cases, and anything law-related) will help. Writing skills? Essential. Start a blog, write opinion pieces, or even keep a journal about legal topics that spark interest.
For extracurriculars, in addition to debate and mock trial, journalism club can be a great way to sharpen research and writing. Even joining a philosophy or ethics club can help with critical thinking, which is a big deal in law.
And while criminal justice is a great major, political science, history, or even psychology can also be strong choices since they all tie into law. 🤔 Some prosecutors actually major in completely different fields before going to law school!
One thing that could’ve been clearer is the criminal justice internships for high schoolers aren’t super common, but shadowing a local attorney or sitting in on a court case? Totally possible and way more accessible at this stage. Even visiting a law school for a tour or event can be a great way to get inspired.
So, Vidushi, no pressure! Just soak up all the legal knowledge you can, practice writing and debating, and keep an eye out for anything law-related at school or in the community. You’ve got YEARS to build up that future prosecutor energy! ⚖️🔥
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Adepoju Oluwatosin
freelancer
4
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Adepoju’s Answer
Pursuing a career in law, specifically as a prosecutor or in the criminal law field, requires dedication, hard work, and strategic planning. As a middle school student, you're taking the first steps towards achieving your goal. Here's a roadmap to help you stay on track:
Middle School (Current Stage)
1. Maintain a strong GPA: Focus on achieving excellent grades, especially in subjects like English, history, and social studies.
2. Develop strong research and writing skills: Practice writing essays, reports, and research papers to improve your critical thinking and writing abilities.
3. Explore extracurricular activities: Join debate clubs, mock trial teams, or student government to develop public speaking, leadership, and critical thinking skills.
High School
1. Take challenging courses: Enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) or honors classes in subjects like government, history, and English.
2. Participate in mock trial or debate teams: Continue developing your public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills.
3. Volunteer or intern: Look for opportunities to volunteer or intern at law firms, courts, or organizations related to criminal justice.
4. Prepare for standardized tests: Familiarize yourself with the SAT or ACT, and prepare for the tests to achieve competitive scores.
College
1. Major in Criminal Justice or a related field: Pursue a degree in criminal justice, pre-law, or a related field to gain a solid understanding of the criminal justice system.
2. Take relevant courses: Enroll in classes like criminology, forensic science, and constitutional law to develop a strong foundation in criminal law.
3. Participate in internships or externships: Gain practical experience by interning at law firms, prosecutors' offices, or organizations related to criminal justice.
4. Prepare for the LSAT: Familiarize yourself with the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and prepare for the test to achieve a competitive score.
Extracurricular Activities and Their Benefits
1. Debate or mock trial teams: Develop public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills.
2. Student government: Learn leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
3. Volunteering or interning: Gain practical experience, build your network, and develop a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system.
4. Research or academic teams: Develop research, writing, and critical thinking skills.
How These Activities Can Help with College Applications and Resumes
1. Demonstrate commitment and passion: Showcase your dedication to the field of criminal law and justice.
2. Highlight transferable skills: Emphasize the skills you've developed, such as public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership.
3. Build a strong network: Connect with professionals in the field, and leverage these relationships for recommendations or mentorship.
4. Stand out from the competition: Differentiate yourself from other applicants by highlighting unique experiences, skills, or achievements.
By following this roadmap, you'll be well-prepared for a career in law, specifically in the criminal law field. Stay focused, work hard, and remain committed to your goals. Good luck!
Middle School (Current Stage)
1. Maintain a strong GPA: Focus on achieving excellent grades, especially in subjects like English, history, and social studies.
2. Develop strong research and writing skills: Practice writing essays, reports, and research papers to improve your critical thinking and writing abilities.
3. Explore extracurricular activities: Join debate clubs, mock trial teams, or student government to develop public speaking, leadership, and critical thinking skills.
High School
1. Take challenging courses: Enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) or honors classes in subjects like government, history, and English.
2. Participate in mock trial or debate teams: Continue developing your public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills.
3. Volunteer or intern: Look for opportunities to volunteer or intern at law firms, courts, or organizations related to criminal justice.
4. Prepare for standardized tests: Familiarize yourself with the SAT or ACT, and prepare for the tests to achieve competitive scores.
College
1. Major in Criminal Justice or a related field: Pursue a degree in criminal justice, pre-law, or a related field to gain a solid understanding of the criminal justice system.
2. Take relevant courses: Enroll in classes like criminology, forensic science, and constitutional law to develop a strong foundation in criminal law.
3. Participate in internships or externships: Gain practical experience by interning at law firms, prosecutors' offices, or organizations related to criminal justice.
4. Prepare for the LSAT: Familiarize yourself with the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and prepare for the test to achieve a competitive score.
Extracurricular Activities and Their Benefits
1. Debate or mock trial teams: Develop public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills.
2. Student government: Learn leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
3. Volunteering or interning: Gain practical experience, build your network, and develop a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system.
4. Research or academic teams: Develop research, writing, and critical thinking skills.
How These Activities Can Help with College Applications and Resumes
1. Demonstrate commitment and passion: Showcase your dedication to the field of criminal law and justice.
2. Highlight transferable skills: Emphasize the skills you've developed, such as public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership.
3. Build a strong network: Connect with professionals in the field, and leverage these relationships for recommendations or mentorship.
4. Stand out from the competition: Differentiate yourself from other applicants by highlighting unique experiences, skills, or achievements.
By following this roadmap, you'll be well-prepared for a career in law, specifically in the criminal law field. Stay focused, work hard, and remain committed to your goals. Good luck!
Montserrat Rocha
Intern
3
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Montserrat’s Answer
Stay focused. Challenge yourself by taking the hard classes that will benefit your ultimate goal.
Bright Komor
Nurse
261
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
To prepare for law school and becoming a prosecutor, start by focusing on strong academics, taking challenging courses in English, History, and Government, and participating in mock trials, debates, or legal studies in high school. Join the debate team to develop public speaking, logic, and persuasive argument skills, which are crucial for a lawyer. Get involved in student government to show communication, leadership, and policy-making interest, which translate directly into a legal career. Volunteer or intern at legal organizations, such as courthouses, law firms, or legal aid centers, to gain experience. Stay informed by following major criminal cases, Supreme Court decisions, and legal news, and read books like "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson or "To Kill a Mockingbird" for legal inspiration. Take pre-law summer programs at universities to network and gain legal experience. Keep your GPA high and prepare for college with a strong pre-law or criminal justice program, and aim for a high SAT/ACT score to increase your chances of getting into competitive schools. Learn about the criminal justice system to understand how courts work, how laws are enforced, and how cases are prosecuted. This will help build a strong college application and show your passion for law early on.