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Erika
Student
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Questions
Asked
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What are some outside of school programs I can participate in as a high school student looking to branch into law/business?
I'm a high school student in Massachusetts, and I'm looking to break into law/business, so I was hoping for some recommendations on programs, internships, or leadership opportunities I can partake in that would give me an edge.
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Erika getting into law school is highly competitive, and strong academic performance alone may not be enough to secure your spot. Extracurricular activities can play a crucial role in making your application stand out. Here are some of the best extracurricular activities for pre-law students to enhance their law school applications.
🗣️ DEBATE CLUB: Joining a debate club is one of the most beneficial extracurricular activities for pre-law students. Debate clubs help you develop critical thinking, public speaking, and persuasive argumentation skills—abilities that are crucial for success in law school and legal careers. Participating in debates can also improve your ability to think on your feet and construct well-reasoned arguments.
⚖️ MOCK TRIAL: Mock trial programs simulate real courtroom experiences, providing students with a taste of what it's like to be a lawyer. You’ll have the opportunity to practice public speaking, learn courtroom procedures, and develop legal strategies. This hands-on experience is highly valued by law schools as it demonstrates your commitment to and understanding of the legal field.
🪙 STUDENT GOVERNMENTS: Getting involved in student government can help you develop leadership, negotiation, and policy-making skills. Serving in a student government role shows law schools that you are capable of handling responsibilities, working with diverse groups, and taking initiative—all of which are important qualities for a future lawyer.
ℹ️ LEGAL INTERNSHIPS: Interning at a law firm, courthouse, or legal aid organization provides direct exposure to the legal profession. Internships allow you to observe legal proceedings, assist with case research, and understand the day-to-day responsibilities of legal professionals. This practical experience can also help you network with practicing attorneys and gain valuable letters of recommendation for your law school application.
📅 VOLUNTEERING: Volunteering for community service projects, especially those related to legal aid or social justice, demonstrates your commitment to using the law to help others. Volunteering can also provide opportunities to develop empathy, a crucial trait for lawyers who work with diverse client bases. Whether it’s working with underrepresented communities, helping at a local shelter, or assisting with voter registration drives, volunteering can highlight your dedication to public service.
📚 RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIPS: Working as a research assistant for a professor in a field related to law or political science can enhance your research and writing skills. These positions often involve extensive reading, analysis, and writing—skills that are essential for law school success. Additionally, building a strong relationship with a faculty member can lead to a powerful letter of recommendation.
📝 STUDENT NEWSPAPER: Contributing to the student newspaper, especially as a writer or editor for the opinion or news section, can help you develop strong writing and analytical skills. Writing about current events, legal issues, or campus policies can demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
Engaging in these extracurricular activities can significantly enhance your law school application by demonstrating your commitment to the legal field, developing relevant skills, and providing practical experience. Law schools look for well-rounded candidates who show initiative, leadership, and a genuine interest in law. By participating in these activities, you can strengthen your application and increase your chances of gaining admission to your desired law school.
🗣️ DEBATE CLUB: Joining a debate club is one of the most beneficial extracurricular activities for pre-law students. Debate clubs help you develop critical thinking, public speaking, and persuasive argumentation skills—abilities that are crucial for success in law school and legal careers. Participating in debates can also improve your ability to think on your feet and construct well-reasoned arguments.
⚖️ MOCK TRIAL: Mock trial programs simulate real courtroom experiences, providing students with a taste of what it's like to be a lawyer. You’ll have the opportunity to practice public speaking, learn courtroom procedures, and develop legal strategies. This hands-on experience is highly valued by law schools as it demonstrates your commitment to and understanding of the legal field.
🪙 STUDENT GOVERNMENTS: Getting involved in student government can help you develop leadership, negotiation, and policy-making skills. Serving in a student government role shows law schools that you are capable of handling responsibilities, working with diverse groups, and taking initiative—all of which are important qualities for a future lawyer.
ℹ️ LEGAL INTERNSHIPS: Interning at a law firm, courthouse, or legal aid organization provides direct exposure to the legal profession. Internships allow you to observe legal proceedings, assist with case research, and understand the day-to-day responsibilities of legal professionals. This practical experience can also help you network with practicing attorneys and gain valuable letters of recommendation for your law school application.
📅 VOLUNTEERING: Volunteering for community service projects, especially those related to legal aid or social justice, demonstrates your commitment to using the law to help others. Volunteering can also provide opportunities to develop empathy, a crucial trait for lawyers who work with diverse client bases. Whether it’s working with underrepresented communities, helping at a local shelter, or assisting with voter registration drives, volunteering can highlight your dedication to public service.
📚 RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIPS: Working as a research assistant for a professor in a field related to law or political science can enhance your research and writing skills. These positions often involve extensive reading, analysis, and writing—skills that are essential for law school success. Additionally, building a strong relationship with a faculty member can lead to a powerful letter of recommendation.
📝 STUDENT NEWSPAPER: Contributing to the student newspaper, especially as a writer or editor for the opinion or news section, can help you develop strong writing and analytical skills. Writing about current events, legal issues, or campus policies can demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
Engaging in these extracurricular activities can significantly enhance your law school application by demonstrating your commitment to the legal field, developing relevant skills, and providing practical experience. Law schools look for well-rounded candidates who show initiative, leadership, and a genuine interest in law. By participating in these activities, you can strengthen your application and increase your chances of gaining admission to your desired law school.
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
41
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi Erika,
Doc Frick's response is pretty spot-on. You can probably reach out to your local bar associations/affinity bar associations and inquire about volunteering opportunities, which are usually available to college students. There's no harm in asking about opportunities for high school students though; if anything, your eagerness might set you apart from your peers. Volunteering at these organizations is an excellent use of your time since you get to meet practicing attorneys and learn about their careers and experience. Additionally, you get to build professional relationships with folks who might be instrumental in helping to launch your future career.
Since you're still in high school, I wouldn't worry so much about finding only law-related activities to immerse yourself in. At this stage of your education, it's important to be well-rounded and be opened to all sorts of learning opportunities.
All the best!
Doc Frick's response is pretty spot-on. You can probably reach out to your local bar associations/affinity bar associations and inquire about volunteering opportunities, which are usually available to college students. There's no harm in asking about opportunities for high school students though; if anything, your eagerness might set you apart from your peers. Volunteering at these organizations is an excellent use of your time since you get to meet practicing attorneys and learn about their careers and experience. Additionally, you get to build professional relationships with folks who might be instrumental in helping to launch your future career.
Since you're still in high school, I wouldn't worry so much about finding only law-related activities to immerse yourself in. At this stage of your education, it's important to be well-rounded and be opened to all sorts of learning opportunities.
All the best!