There is no single path that will prepare you for a legal education. The LSAT is a skill-based test that assesses an applicant’s critical reading, logical reasoning, and analytical reasoning skills. However, accomplished legal professionals come from many different personal, professional, and educational backgrounds that adequately foster these skills. Remember there is no specific major required to pursue law school.
The practice of law is a diverse profession where skills and strengths may differ across areas of practice. Each lawyer works with different types of clients and different legal problems. However, there are core competencies that are required of all lawyers:
There is no single path that will prepare you for a legal education. Accomplished legal professionals come from many different personal, professional, and educational backgrounds. While the LSAT is a skill-based exam that assesses an applicant's analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and critical reading skills -- skills deemed predictive of success in law school -- the practice of law is a diverse profession where strengths and skill-application may differ across areas of practice.
Practitioners work with different diverse clientele and legal issues, yet their work draws on core competencies that are required of all lawyers:
- Close reading and critical analysis of complex texts
- Clear and concise written and oral communication skills
- Research, organize, and synthesize information in a clear and logical manner
- Ability to challenge one’s own personal belief systems, and develop comfort and tolerance for uncertainty
- Effective negotiation and creative problem solving
- Time management
- Integrity and trustworthiness
For more information visit LSAC.org
Students may find it beneficial to conduct informational interviews with professionals working in the legal field to help identify additional skills (such as active listening, creative problem solving, or a tolerance for uncertainty) that they may want to hone while preparing for their future. UCAN and LSA Connect are helpful tools to connect with University of Michigan alumni working in the legal field.
Prospective law students should reflect on skills and traits that may make someone a successful law applicant, law student, and future attorney.
