Many candidates find it challenging to respond convincingly when asked “Why law school?”. This question helps admissions officers gain insight into your motivations and career aspirations.
When responding to this question, it’s essential that you provide specific details and evidence in support of your position. For instance, if you indicate your desire to help people by volunteering your services, provide examples as to how this might take place.
Case method
The case method, in which students learn by studying court decisions instead of textbooks, has become the dominant form of instruction at most law schools. Pioneered by Harvard Dean Christopher Columbus Langdell, it relies on the idea that students learn best when reading prior cases and trying to “find” or understand their judge’s reasoning behind his or her decisions.
Though the case method provides several advantages, it also has some drawbacks, including insufficient focus on analysis and the need to spend a great deal of time reading. Furthermore, this form of pedagogy may not produce comparable levels of learning as other approaches.
The case method also serves to obscure future lawyers from potential injustices within the system by leaving opinions uncontextualized, leading students to believe that law is fair and impartial.
Moot court
Moot court competitions allow law students to simulate legal/appellate advocacy contests at national or international moot court competitions, competing against schools from around the globe. Each round features either an appellate hearing reenactment where students assume either appellant or appellee roles – with case problems typically covering unresolved areas of law that offer room for interpretation.
Moot court, unlike mock trial, doesn’t involve witnesses and doesn’t permit cross-examinations; however, the judge may interrupt during oral argument to clarify points or provide other comments.
Participating in moot court can help students build research, writing and oral skills. Many employers – especially large law firms – value students who have participated in moot court as it shows interest and competence in advocacy.
Reading court cases
To excel in law school, reading and interpreting court cases are key skills you’ll need. Not only will these be applied across every course you take but will help prepare for exam questions as well.
Reading cases allows you to gain more of an understanding of their procedural history. This will enable you to understand why a judge made certain decisions about a case, as well as situating it in its wider legal framework.
Writing your “Why Law School?” essay requires demonstrating an extensive knowledge of legal matters. This will demonstrate to admissions officers that you are passionate about law school and qualified to attend; furthermore, this will make your application stand out from others.
First-semester exams
“Why Law School?” essay questions offer you an opportunity to demonstrate your interest and dedication to legal studies. A great way to create a powerful essay response is by weaving an engaging tale that resonates with a law school’s values and curriculum – this might include emphasizing unique academic programs, extracurricular activities or faculty members as examples.
Though less widely utilized these days, Socratic questioning remains a mainstay in law school teaching. Professors employ it to help their students analyze cases and deepen their understanding of law. Furthermore, professors use it to teach thinking on your feet skills which will prove invaluable as future lawyers.
While this method may seem daunting, remember that your professors were once students themselves and won’t judge you harshly for whatever mistakes are made during testing. Stay calm and focus on developing your knowledge of law rather than your nerves.
Critical thinking
Critical thinking as an intellectual discipline involves understanding logical connections and arguments, as well as recognizing any discrepancies or errors in reasoning. Critical thinking skills can be learned and applied across many subjects; its principles encompass universal intellectual values such as clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency relevance sound evidence and good reasons.
Critical thinkers are self-guided individuals who strive to provide an objective view on matters. They recognize their egocentric and sociocentric tendencies and work to diminish them, while remaining open to new ideas which might challenge existing views and resist being easily persuaded by bias or propaganda; all qualities which contribute to better citizenship as well as providing them with a sense of realism.
