advice for mid-career candidates?

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  LegallySummer Alum Member

  November 14 edited November 14 34 karma

  This has been my journey: attending law school fairs and conferences has been a huge help for me in getting this kind of information, what certain law schools are looking for, what the chances are for admitting splitters (like myself - 3.5 GPA, LSAT: Unknown, 8 years out of traditional college working a nonlegal job), and what the student body/culture is like. LSAC has been advertising free Law School Forums all year and the schools you're interested in will send you emails as to when their open conferences and information sessions are (some are virtual, so even better!) It all depends on how much time you have to invest researching schools; 7sage has a nice breakdown too of the hard numbers colleges are looking for from students. That being said, a Yale representative at a law school fair told me they are also open to admit students who are changing careers and have significant work/life experience behind them. So... it seems to be a mix of numbers, effort, and experience and it all seems to depend on what the college is looking for and what you are personally looking for in a school. I've been grateful to make connections by networking this way, but it still takes individual effort and study time to actually get a good score and do well on the LSAT. In Frank Sinatra's words: It's up to you! You got thissssss!!!
• SubpoenaColada Core Member

  November 21 edited November 21 185 karma

  Each law school posts ABA info from their previously admitted class on their website, so you can see the average age at matriculation. This can help inform you how much certain law schools might factor work experience into their decisions (e.g. average age 22 vs 24 vs 26) although take it with a grain of salt. At the end of the day, it's another factor amongst the many that admissions officers take into consideration, so it's hard to say how much your experience will be weighed.

  Your work experience is very likely to help with your GPA, but it won't supersede it. I recommend tying your experience into your personal statement to help you stand out. Even if it isn't the main focus of your statement, try to highlight how your experience will make your own self better in law school, how it's led you apply for law school, etc.