PRELAW PREPARATION:

Acquire A Rigorous And Well-Balanced Education
Prelaw students are encouraged to challenge their thinking and reasoning skills by pursuing a rigorous and diverse undergraduate program. There are no specific course requirements or recommended majors, and students are urged to choose a major in which they are truly interested. It is not so much a matter of what you study as it is a matter of selecting elective and major courses which motivate you, challenge you, and require you to use research and writing skills. In order to enrich your program of study you might wish to consider pursuing a double major or adding a minor or secondary emphasis of some kind, enrolling in honors courses, participating in an internship, study abroad program, or a research project in your major. Seek ways to distinguish yourself and enhance your academic experience.

Develop Important Basic Skills And Values*
Prelaw students should develop a foundation of basic skills and values through educational and life experiences which will prepare them to become competent law students and legal professionals.

Writing and Oral Communication Skills: Those seeking to prepare for legal education should develop a high degree of skill at written communication before entering law school. Language is the most important tool of a lawyer and lawyers must learn to express themselves clearly and concisely. Prelaw students should seek coursework and experiences that require rigorous and analytical writing, including preparing original work of substantial length and revising written work in response to constructive criticism. Excellent listening skills and the ability to speak clearly and persuasively are also essential. Before law school, students should develop basic speaking and listening skills by engaging in such things as debate, taking a public speaking course, making formal presentations in classes, speaking before groups in the community or workplace. Some suggestions for coursework: English literature, composition and writing, philosophy, journalism, communication, writing emphasis/intensive courses, Honors and LEAP programs.

Critical Reading Abilities: Substantial experience at close reading and critical analysis of complex textual material is essential for legal study. Much of what law students and attorneys do involves careful reading and sophisticated comprehension of judicial opinions, statutes, documents and other written materials of substantial length. Law students are also required to assimilate large amounts of material in short periods of time. Critical reading abilities may be developed in a wide range of experiences, including complex material in literature, political or economic theory, philosophy, or history.

Analytic and Problem Solving Skills: Lawyers are called upon to exercise critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations in which there are no absolute answers, but rather better and worse alternatives whose identification requires careful analysis of various options and outcomes. The ability to "think like a lawyer" requires skills in research, use of facts, logical reasoning, critical analysis, and structuring and evaluating arguments. Courses in philosophy, logic, ethics, mathematics, computer science, statistics, and physical and life sciences can help you to develop basic skills before entering law school.

General Research Skills: As a foundation for law school, students should select courses or projects, which require significant library research and analysis of large amounts of information obtained from that research. Completing research projects for classes, an independent research project with a professor, or an Honors degree thesis are excellent ways of developing these skills. A basic ability to use a personal computer is also increasingly important for law students, both for word processing and for computerized legal research.

Task Organization and Management Skills: The study and practice of law require the ability to organize large amounts of information, identify objectives, and create a structure for applying that information in an efficient way to achieve desired results. Many law school classes are graded primarily on the basis of one examination at the end of the course, and many projects require the compilation of large amounts of information from a wide variety of sources. Experience can be obtained through undertaking school projects that require substantial research and writing or through preparation of major reports for an employer or civic organization.

The Values of Serving Others and Promoting Justice: Each member of the legal profession should be dedicated to serving others honestly, competently, and responsibly, and to the goals of improving fairness and the quality of justice in the legal system. Before coming to law school students are strongly advised to participate in public service projects. The U of U Bennion Center provides a variety of opportunities to get involved in community service (80 Union, 581.4811).

BASIC AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE*
In addition to the above fundamental skills and values, a broad range of knowledge and information from other disciplines are relevant to lawyering and to any full understanding of the legal system. A lawyer must understand how disputes might be resolved, how to understand and apply various legal principles and standards, and to appreciate the context in which a legal problem or dispute arises. Some areas of knowledge which are most useful:

• History (particularly American history)

• Political Science (particularly the American political system)

• Ethics (an understanding of ethical theory and theories of justice)

• Economics (particularly micro-economics and an understanding of the interaction between economic theory and public policy)

• An understanding of human behavior and social interaction. Coursework suggestions: sociology, psychology, ethnic studies, anthropology, and women's studies

• An understanding of diverse cultures within and beyond the U.S., international issues, and the increasing interdependence of nations (ethnic studies, sociology, comparative politics, international relations, economics, foreign languages and literature)

• Basic precalculus mathematics and an ability to analyze financial data

*From "Preparation for Legal Education" by ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar

ASSESS YOUR CAREER DECISION
Before embarking on a career involving hard work and dedication to the law, thoroughly investigate your career decision. Try to take an undergraduate course that gives you some exposure to law. Talk with law students, attorneys, and/or judges; visit courtrooms and observe trials; read articles and books on the study of law and the legal profession. A law degree can provide you with many different career opportunities, some of which do not involve the actual practice of law. Regardless of the specific direction you intend to take after the receipt of your J.D. (Jurisdoctorate) you should attempt to determine if you would be suited to and enjoy the study of the law.

GAIN EXPERIENCE OUTSIDE OF CLASS
Many of the important basic skills mentioned above plus valuable experience in communication, leadership, and organization skills, can also be gained through extracurricular activities and employment. Some ideas for involvement include:

• Internships with the Hinckley Institute of Politics, 253 OSH. , 801.581.8501

• Internships, COOP, or job experience through Student Employment, Career Services, 350 SSB, 801.581.6186, http://careers.utah.edu/

• Over 200 student organizations and ASUU student government, 234 Union, 801.581.2788, http://www.asuu.utah.edu

• Prelaw Student Society, http://www.utah.edu/prelaw/; or Prelaw Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta (see advisors)

• Student Advisory Committee (SAC) in your major department

• Community service, and Service Learning Scholars program, Bennion Center, 80 Union, 801.581.4811, http://www.sa.utah.edu/bennion/

• Office of Student Advocacy (staffed by students), 234 Union, 801.581.8613

• Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (research with a professor), 132 Sill Center, 801.581.8070, http://www.ugs.utah.edu/urop/

PLAN FOR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Most law schools require 2-3 letters of recommendation. At least one should be from a faculty member who is able to make specific observations about your personal and academic achievements and your potential for graduate study. It is important to choose recommenders who know you well. The best letters often come from faculty from whom you have had one or more classes that have required research papers and/or oral presentations. Help your faculty recommenders to get to know you by also visiting during office hours. Other possibilities for letters might include your major advisor, a special mentor, an internship or project supervisor, or an employer.

BECOME INFORMED ABOUT LAW SCHOOLS AND THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Law schools evaluate applicants according to many criteria, including academic performance, quality of program, Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores, extracurricular activities and/or employment, overall accomplishments, and letters of recommendation. You should apply to law schools in the fall, one year in advance of the intended date of enrollment. To maximize your opportunities, you should plan ahead to research your school selection, carefully prepare your applications, and practice for the LSAT. Ideally, the LSAT should be taken no later than the fall, when you are submitting your applications. The LSAT is offered four times per year (February, June, September or October, December) and consists of a writing sample and four sections of multiple-choice questions in reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning. For preparation there are many workbooks, sample tests, and preparatory courses available. The prelaw advisors can provide you with helpful information on law school admissions, including statistics on previous U applicants, tips on getting ready to take the LSAT, preparing your application, and suggestions for informative publications.