Pre-Law Prep: Steps for High Schoolers

If you’re certain that law is definitely for you there are steps you can take in high school to be proactive about the pre-law track. This can be done in school and through other methods. Being proactive will start students off on the right foot and allow them to get the best out of the experiences before law school.

1. Take Relevant Courses

While high school may not have the same academic freedoms as college, there are still opportunities to develop skills relevant to law. Some advanced placement (AP) classes in topics like history, English, government, economics, and research can create a foundation for students to build on. Also, consider your school’s electives. A semester of debate or public speaking may benefit you more than you know. 

2. Extracurricular Activities

The obvious extracurriculars to look at are mock trial and debate clubs. Mock trial simulates a court situation while debate clubs allow members to think on their feet and create arguments. Student government can also be a valuable way to gain insight into legal careers if your interest is in government. If school-based extracurriculars do not interest you, volunteering may be your thing. There are many options for high school students to consider volunteering for, including legal aid societies, law firms, and organizations like LawMinds.

3. Practical Experience

Practical experience is also something valuable to consider before college. These experiences will help determine whether or not law is the right choice for you. This can be through internships, job shadowing, workshops, and seminars. Another way of doing this is through networking with legal professionals on LinkedIn or networking events. 

Overview

Being proactive can benefit high school students in many ways. Pre-law can be considered directly through coursework, extracurricular experiences, and through experiences with professionals. These steps can show your dedication to law or help you realize that law may not be the choice for you. Finding this out early may save you both money and time.