3 answers
Fikayo
Student
Sykesville, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
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I am in middle school, and I want to be a lawyer when I grow up. What could I do to support that, or help me in the future?
I am in middle school. I don't know what to do.
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3 answers
Avinash Chandran p
Career Exert
20
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Avinash’s Answer
Here are some great ways to start preparing in middle school if you aspire to be a lawyer in the future:
Read voraciously - Develop your reading comprehension and vocabulary by reading books on diverse topics. This will help with the heavy reading required in law school.
Strengthen writing skills - Practice writing persuasive essays, research papers, and creative writing pieces. Strong writing is essential for lawyers. Join the school paper if possible.
Debate - See if your school has a debate club or team you can join. Debating will build critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation abilities.
Explore law - Read books, and articles, and talk to any lawyers you may know. Get a well-rounded idea of different types of law careers.
Take challenging courses - In high school, opt for honors or advanced classes in subjects like history, political science, and English. A rigorous course load is valued.
Consider volunteering - Look for opportunities to volunteer with legal aid clinics, nonprofit organizations, civil rights groups, etc. to gain exposure.
Develop study habits - Practice active reading, taking effective notes, staying organized, and managing your time wisely. Habits like these will be key in college and law school.
Stay curious - Follow current events and issues in the law and politics. Listen to educational podcasts related to law, history, and government.
You can also ask for help from career exerts and career counselors
Read voraciously - Develop your reading comprehension and vocabulary by reading books on diverse topics. This will help with the heavy reading required in law school.
Strengthen writing skills - Practice writing persuasive essays, research papers, and creative writing pieces. Strong writing is essential for lawyers. Join the school paper if possible.
Debate - See if your school has a debate club or team you can join. Debating will build critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation abilities.
Explore law - Read books, and articles, and talk to any lawyers you may know. Get a well-rounded idea of different types of law careers.
Take challenging courses - In high school, opt for honors or advanced classes in subjects like history, political science, and English. A rigorous course load is valued.
Consider volunteering - Look for opportunities to volunteer with legal aid clinics, nonprofit organizations, civil rights groups, etc. to gain exposure.
Develop study habits - Practice active reading, taking effective notes, staying organized, and managing your time wisely. Habits like these will be key in college and law school.
Stay curious - Follow current events and issues in the law and politics. Listen to educational podcasts related to law, history, and government.
You can also ask for help from career exerts and career counselors
Anasa Lattibeaudaire
Career Counselor
24
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Anasa’s Answer
Hi Fikayo,
I find it great that you're considering a career as a lawyer! First, you can visit your local library to read books about lawyers and learn about the different types of lawyers that are out there. Also, consider joining a writing club or a public speaking club that your school may offer as lawyers should have strong writing and public speaking skills. Should your school not have one, maybe you could be the one to start a writing club or a debate club. Seek mentorship as well from individuals that work in law. Talk to your parents, teachers, or administrators at your school about your interests. They may know someone, and they can introduce you to someone that would be of great help and can provide valuable insight about being a lawyer. Also, be sure to maintain good grades so that you will have a strong academic record when applying to colleges and law schools in the future. Finally, you have plenty of time to explore your interests. Enjoy the learning process of it all and remember to remain persistent as you achieve your goals!
I find it great that you're considering a career as a lawyer! First, you can visit your local library to read books about lawyers and learn about the different types of lawyers that are out there. Also, consider joining a writing club or a public speaking club that your school may offer as lawyers should have strong writing and public speaking skills. Should your school not have one, maybe you could be the one to start a writing club or a debate club. Seek mentorship as well from individuals that work in law. Talk to your parents, teachers, or administrators at your school about your interests. They may know someone, and they can introduce you to someone that would be of great help and can provide valuable insight about being a lawyer. Also, be sure to maintain good grades so that you will have a strong academic record when applying to colleges and law schools in the future. Finally, you have plenty of time to explore your interests. Enjoy the learning process of it all and remember to remain persistent as you achieve your goals!
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
472
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hello Fikayo,
First off, I want to applaud your curiosity about the field of law. It's a noble profession that often keeps you on your toes, and it plays a crucial role in society and the economy. If you're keen on exploring this path, I suggest having a chat with any lawyers you might know. You could even spend a day shadowing them to get a feel for their work and see if it's something you can picture yourself doing. In a year or two, you might also want to sit in on a few classes at a local law school to get a taste of the academic side of law. You could also visit a law school bookstore, flip through some law books, and maybe even strike up a conversation with a law student about their experiences.
But remember, at this point in your life, it's essential to keep your options open. You're looking at several more years of education, which is a great opportunity to discover your talents and passions, and to understand how the world operates. Follow your gut and delve into areas that resonate with your personality and interests. It could be anything from political science and literature to astronomy. Spend time exploring different subjects, noticing what comes naturally to you, what you genuinely enjoy, and what piques your interest. If you find that you love using your analytical and writing skills, and you're not put off by verbal disputes, then law might be the right path for you.
Before law school, though, you'll need to finish college. You're free to study any subject that captures your interest. Pre-law courses aren't really necessary, so focus on what you love. Good grades in college and a strong performance on the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT), which you'll typically take towards the end of college or after, are crucial for getting into a reputable law school. Given the competitive nature of the legal profession, attending a well-respected law school and performing well there can give you an edge when it comes to landing a good job after graduation.
First off, I want to applaud your curiosity about the field of law. It's a noble profession that often keeps you on your toes, and it plays a crucial role in society and the economy. If you're keen on exploring this path, I suggest having a chat with any lawyers you might know. You could even spend a day shadowing them to get a feel for their work and see if it's something you can picture yourself doing. In a year or two, you might also want to sit in on a few classes at a local law school to get a taste of the academic side of law. You could also visit a law school bookstore, flip through some law books, and maybe even strike up a conversation with a law student about their experiences.
But remember, at this point in your life, it's essential to keep your options open. You're looking at several more years of education, which is a great opportunity to discover your talents and passions, and to understand how the world operates. Follow your gut and delve into areas that resonate with your personality and interests. It could be anything from political science and literature to astronomy. Spend time exploring different subjects, noticing what comes naturally to you, what you genuinely enjoy, and what piques your interest. If you find that you love using your analytical and writing skills, and you're not put off by verbal disputes, then law might be the right path for you.
Before law school, though, you'll need to finish college. You're free to study any subject that captures your interest. Pre-law courses aren't really necessary, so focus on what you love. Good grades in college and a strong performance on the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT), which you'll typically take towards the end of college or after, are crucial for getting into a reputable law school. Given the competitive nature of the legal profession, attending a well-respected law school and performing well there can give you an edge when it comes to landing a good job after graduation.