Researching Steps to Law School

Thinking about becoming a lawyer? Getting into law school is a big step, and doing the right research early on can make the journey smoother and more successful. Whether you’re still in high school or finishing your undergraduate degree, here’s a step-by-step guide to researching your path to law school.

1. Understand What Law School Involves

Before anything else, get a clear picture of what law school really means:

Length: In most countries, law school takes 3 years (postgraduate in the U.S., undergraduate in some countries like the UK or Australia).

Subjects: You’ll study areas like constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, and legal writing.

Workload: It’s intense—expect lots of reading, analysis, and writing.

Talk to law students or professionals to understand the lifestyle and expectations.

2. Know the Entry Requirements

Law schools have specific entry requirements, depending on your country:

In the U.S.:

A bachelor’s degree in any field

LSAT (Law School Admission Test) or GRE

Strong GPA, letters of recommendation, and personal statement

In the UK:

Apply after high school for an LLB undergraduate law degree, or

If you have a non-law degree, take a conversion course (PGDL)

LNAT required by some universities

Tip: Make a list of target schools and compare their admissions criteria.

3. Research the LSAT (or Equivalent)

If you\’re applying to law school in the U.S. or Canada, the LSAT is a key part of your application.

Test areas include reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking

Start prepping at least 6–12 months in advance

Consider prep books, courses, or tutoring if needed

Look at sample tests to get familiar with the format and difficulty.

4. Explore Different Law Schools

Not all law schools are the same. Consider these factors:

Reputation and rankings

Location and cost

Specialties (e.g., environmental law, international law)

Bar passage rates and employment outcomes

Scholarships and financial aid

Visit campuses, attend info sessions, or take virtual tours to get a feel for each school.

5. Prepare Application Materials

Start preparing your application early:

Personal statement: Explain why you want to study law

Letters of recommendation: Choose people who know you well academically or professionally

Resume/CV: Highlight leadership, internships, and relevant experience

6. Understand Costs and Funding

Law school is expensive. Research:

Tuition and living expenses

Scholarships and grants

Loan options and repayment plans

Work-study or part-time job opportunities

Use cost calculators offered by schools to estimate your total expenses.