Students in classroom taking notes

Prepare for Law School


Hands-on experiences can help you confirm your interest in law and develop the core competencies law schools value—such as communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and ethical judgment.

Legal experience is not required for admission, but it can shape your goals, increase your confidence, and help you stand out. Law schools and future employers value students who enter the field ready to make an impact.


  • Gain experience in legal or related roles before applying to law school
  • Shadow attorneys or judges to observe the legal profession in action
  • Connect with UCSC alumni and legal professionals for insights and mentorship
  • Volunteer or intern with law offices, government agencies, or public interest organizations
  • Volunteer in the Santa Cruz Community 
  • Join a student organization

A strong elevator pitch can help you stand out. It should include:

  • Your availability (without negatively impacting academics)
  • Your name, school, and year
  • Why you’re interested in their office or organization
  • Your legal career goals
  • How you can contribute or what you hope to learn

See the Networking page to learn how to expand your network

Core competencies


Use this guide to reflect on the key skills and qualities law schools look for in applicants. It’s a great tool to assess your strengths, identify areas for growth, and shape meaningful academic and co-curricular experiences.

Most law schools require you to apply about a year before you plan to begin. For example, if you hope to start law school in the fall, you should aim to apply the previous fall—ideally between September and November. Applying early in the cycle is important, as many law schools use rolling admissions, reviewing applications as they arrive rather than waiting for the final deadline.


Last modified: Oct 08, 2025