WHAT SKILLS DO I NEED TO SUCCEED IN LAW SCHOOL?

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Includes critical thinking, tolerance for ambiguity, ability to structure and evaluate arguments, ability to apply principles or theories to new situations and developing solutions to new problems.

Critical Reasoning Skills

Includes experience reading and critically analyzing complex texts, whether in literature, politics, economics, history, or philosophy and the ability to read and assimilate large amounts of material in short amounts of time.

Writing Skills

Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, mastery of language, grammar and syntax. Includes analytical and interpretative writing and writing works of substantial length.

Oral Communication and Listening Skills

Ability to speak clearly and persuasively, to understand and interpret others’ communications quickly, and to respond in an organized, critical, and composed manner.

Research Skills

Ability to complete projects involving substantial library research and the analysis of large amounts of information. Skill at planning a research strategy, analyzing, organizing and presenting a large amount of material, as well as familiarity with computerized tools of research.

In general, you should consider taking courses in the following areas, as your major permits: English, Literature, History, Political Science, Philosophy, Economics, mathematics, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, non-Western studies, languages, natural sciences.

Adapted from the Pre-law Committee of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar