The Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS) put together a panel discussion entitled “Exploring Careers in the Law,” featuring three Harvard College alumni at different stages of the profession. The conversation offered insight into how they navigated their paths to law, what their work looks like day-to-day, and how students can explore the field before applying to law school.
Here are five top takeaways from the event.
1. There is not a single “pre-law” path
Unlike the pre-med path, there is no set curriculum that students interested in attending law school must take to prepare for it. The panelists emphasized that students should pursue courses and extracurriculars that genuinely interest them, rather than trying to build a resume that seems tailored for law school admissions.
While some students explore law-related activities, such as the Harvard Undergraduate Law Review, the Political Review, or the Crimson, these are far from required.
In summary:
- Study subjects that excite you and develop your thinking skills.
- Don’t feel pressured to fill your schedule with government or law-focused courses.
- Strong reading, writing, and analytical skills are the most valuable preparation.
2. Legal careers can look very different depending on the field
As the panelists each touched on the day-to-day of their careers, it became clear just how diverse the profession can be. From corporate law to entertainment law and criminal defense, each experience contains very different responsibilities. The job can be dynamic and unpredictable, depending on the cases or clients involved, so get ready to learn new skills and subject areas quickly.
For example, public defender work often involves close relationships with clients and advocating for individuals navigating the criminal justice system. This work can be deeply rewarding but also emotionally demanding. As a result, think thoroughly about what kind of law you want to work on, and why! Whether it’s banking or a public defender’s office, law work can materialize through a lot of different mediums.
3. Internships and conversations are fantastic ways to explore law
Because the legal profession is so broad, our panelists strongly encouraged students to explore through internships and networking before committing to law school.
Students can encounter lawyers in many different settings, from government offices and nonprofits to large law firms and entertainment companies.
Here are some suggestions:
- Attend advising sessions and programs through the Mignone Center for Career Success
- Cold email attorneys to ask about their experiences — many are happy to respond, especially to Harvard students
- Use summer and term-time internships to test different interests
4. Plan for the law school application process
When discussing law school admissions, the panelists were very candid: GPA and LSAT scores matter. Preparing for the LSAT takes time and sustained effort, and you should expect to seriously study for the exam.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Use the free LSAT practice tests and preparation materials available online
- Remember that LSAT scores remain valid for five years, so taking the test early can provide flexibility
- Develop a clear narrative in your application explaining why you want to attend law school, and why now
- Consider taking the GRE, especially if you are applying to other graduate programs
5. You don’t need to go straight to law school
The panelists emphasized that many students benefit from taking time off before applying to law school. In fact, the majority of students at Harvard Law School — 84% of the JD class of 2028 are at least one year out of college! — did not go straight through.
Taking time off allows you to build professional experience and the perspectives that come along with it. This may allow you to explore industries you might not otherwise encounter. In addition, you can confirm whether law school is truly the right path for you! Because law school represents a significant financial and personal commitment, panelists encouraged students to be confident in their decision before applying.
Overall, there are many paths into the legal profession. By following your interests, gaining real-world experience, and thoughtfully considering your goals and plans, you can position yourself to pursue a legal career that aligns with your values and aspirations!
By Dev Ahuja ’27
