Hello:
I recently spoke on a panel to high school students .... there were a number of very highly successful individuals from different disciplines, not just law.
A lot of themes, ideas shared at that program are very similar to the suggestions of UPGRADE and CABRA . . .There is wonderful advice here.
It's great that while you are in high school you are looking ahead to your future. Still, one thing I want to impress on you is that there is so much opportunity and time for you still to work your way to where you want to be. Goodness, for many of us, being in the work force can span more than 40 years! And switching careers is common; I recall reading somewhere that most switch careers more than three times in their lives. Most of my classmates have moved from firm to firm, some have left the law. I've stayed in the same area for approximately 18 years, which is rare I know. The thing is, what you decide to do now is not set in stone. You can adjust, or totally change the direction you are going. There is nothing wrong with that.
Most of us didn't start at the top; we had to claw and fight our way there! Many of us weren't even sure of where we wanted to go, and who we were -- we had to experiment and try to figure that out.
The undergraduate majors of those I went to law school with were from every discipline. There may have been a handful more English majors. I agree with what the others have said about finding an area you are truly interested in; simply because you are more likely to do better and get good grades. You'll need good grades to get into the better schools. The harsh reality is that going to a good university for your undergraduate work, as well as an upper-tier law school opens many more doors for you than going to lesser known schools. I originally went to a law school back east which was a fine school, but the law firm that I clerked for my second summer of law school suggested that I transfer to a more prestigious law school in the area. I did transfer to the upper-tier law school. I believe the name of the school was a big factor in my hiring at the next firm where I applied (it wasn't my grades!). I teach at a small progressive law school now part-time; the same school that Mayor of LA Antonio Villaragiosa went to. My students have soul - they want to get into the law for the right reasons, they love the law, and are a joy to teach. Still, I see them struggling to get that first job, and work in a big law firm is not a realistic possibility for them. Law school is extremely difficult no matter where you go, as well as landing that first law job - you might as well try to go to one that will give you more options in the future.
If your grades aren't very good now, go to a city college where tuition is very low and you can save money. You'll need to KICK BUTT there, and then transfer to a good school. Two of my good friends went to Santa Monica City College, and then transferred to UC Berkely and UC Davis. One left law, was a journalist for the LA Times for a bit and is now working for National Public Radio.
Ah, which leads me to another important point touched on by the others: An ability to write is important. Do well in your English and composition classes. You'll need to write many essays - to get into law school, for law school exams, and the bar examination.
Grades and LSAT are the primary factors the law schools consider, true. BUT they aren't the only considerations. THANK GOODNESS! My grades and LSAT score were far from impressive, but I was able to distinguish myself by the extracurricular activities I was involved in. You may want to consider school government, school newspaper, Forensics / debate team, volunteer work.
My acceptance letter into law school mentioned something about the diversity of my experience. I had interned at several businesses while I was in college, and had a glowing letter of recommendation from a prior boss. Later in law school I was an intern for several non-profits as well as for a Federal judge. I had a substantial amount of experience that other recent law school graduates didn't have. I still involve myself in extra curricular activities, causes that I am passionate about. I've not only found my involvement satisfying in these organizations, but I've met a number of wonderful people who have gone out of their way to assist me in my own career. Through these contacts I have been asked to speak to many groups, and write for different publications. More importantly, I've made many life long friends.
Mentorship is important. I agree with what has been said about getting to know your professors so that you will feel comfortable asking for a reference letter from them. Finding a mentor, especially one who is doing what you want to do would be great. My own mentors have had a tremendous impact on my career. I've worked closely with lawyers / judges for several years, some jerks, and some that love the law and are a credit to the administration of justice. Because I knew lawyers, it was easier to envision where the law could land me (as well as what type of lawyer I didn't want to be).
A law degree is a wonderful background for a career in politics, as it is for other careers. I've had the honor of meeting many politicians over the last few years...and some fit the stereotype of being in politics for the power, money and their own ego...Still, I've also met many who truly cared about their community and were doing some very good things. I can think of three off hand who are very influential, courageous and respected CA politicians, who went out of their way to help me, when I couldn't do anything to help them. (Two of the three who immediately sprang to mind went to law school - one I believe went to Berkeley and one to UCLA). There are good politicians and bad ones, just as their are good and bad lawyers. It is wrong to over generalize and say that politics is not a noble profession, because it definitely can be, as can the law.
Good luck to you.
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