How to Get Into Law School

by Susan Estrich

Whether you’re is a college junior facing the LSATs, a senior sitting with disappointing test scores, or someone who has always dreamed of a career in the law, there is too much at stake not to ask the hard questions about what lies ahead.

In How to Get Into Law School , Susan Estrich lends her unique point of view and far-ranging experience-as ace law student, tenured professor, renowned legal scholar and analyst-to the life and career questions applicants will face, and answers them in the frank, no-nonsense manner that is her trademark. Featuring anecdotes from admissions directors, professors, veteran attorneys, and adventurous students alike, this is your indispensable how-to guide.

Genres: Law, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2004

About the author

Susan Estrich is a Professor of Law at the University of Southern California. She has worked in politics as a congressional consul and a presidential campaign manager. She is a commentator on law and politics for FOX News.

Reviews

[Drake Finlay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good overview with some practical advice but the specifics it gets into are incredibly dated. Particularly in regards to the amount of debt people go into and the attitude that there is a guaranteed job at the end of the light. Also very US specific, not so helpful for a Canadian like me.

[Keaton Wenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book has good advice and reads very easily, much of the advice, unsurprisingly, is outdated. As law schools change and as society has evolved over the 20ish years since this book was originally published, it is good to take its advice with an entire shakers worth of salt.

[Shanae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have an overwhelming feeling of excitement after finishing this book. The foreword from Prof. Sullivan is very telling. Undoubtedly, Prof. Estrich is very good at teaching and inspiring people. I never sensed any bias in this book, despite the very fact that she graduated from and teaches at amazing schools. I recommend this book for anyone thinking of applying to law school, individuals preparing for the LSAT, people preparing to apply to law school (like me), and new attorneys. The book is filled with great information and testimonials from Prof. Estrich's colleagues and students. The book is like an insider's guide. I worried about having very low LSAT scores, I worried about writing a decent personal statement, I worried about applying early enough, etc. but this book definitely eased my fears. This is a great book to have on your shelf and I am recommending that you go out and buy it - brand new. And I encourage you take a ton of notes and highlight and jot down your opinions...you will find that actively reading this book is invaluable.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insider’s guide written by the first woman president of the Harvard Law Review and current law professor at USC, this book is a great resource for any perspective student. I’m currently weighing the pros and cons of grad school vs. law, so my lawyer brother sent me this book to help in the decision. It didn’t really help me decide, but it did give me a lot to think about.
LSATs, what school, where, and how to get in are all covered with humor and depth. She includes helpful hints on what admissions staff are looking for and what shouldn’t be your reasons for applying. There is also a helpful reading list to gauge your interest and or love of law. It’s kind of a guided tour of your own personal interests and motivations. Basically “What do you want to be when you grow up and why?” What is her advice for those who don’t know yet? Take some time off. Join the Peace Corps.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"How to Get into Law School" is perfect for anyone in law school, applying to law school, or thinking about maybe applying to law school. As indicated, I first read this book three years ago, and at that time I was thinking about maybe applying to law school. "How to Get into Law School" not only convinced me that law school was the right decision for me, but it also provided a road map. By carefully following the advice in this book over the course of a few years, I am pleased to report that I will be attending one of the finest law schools in the country as the recipient of a substantial merit scholarship. Overall, I fared better in the application process than friends of mine with better grades, better LSAT scores and better careers. Take it from me, this book is gold.

[Edy · Rating 5 out of 5]

-LSAT courses and intense preparation for LSATs
-memorable personal statement of overcoming great life odds
-you can finagle your way into getting an interview at all law schools even if interviews aren't their policy
-try to get personally acquainted with the dean

-briefing cases obsessively while in law school is mostly a waste of time and doesn't really prepare you for exams

a few top law firms:
Holland and Knight
Foley and Lardner
Kirkland and Ellis

"the absolute best job you can possibly get coming out of law school is a judicial clerkship...A recommendation from a judge makes your next job much easier to get." (265)






-U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee
-City attorney
-Justice Department Honors Program

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two key points about this book: first, Susan Estrich is an incredibly annoying and abrasive woman. Her constant name-dropping is paired with an antagonistic and condescending attitude towards her readers that I found extremely off-putting. Secondly, this book is really only useful to prospective law students who have their hearts set on a "reach" school they can't get into based on their LSAT and GPA. Some "secret" tactics include being nice to the receptionists and trying to score a phone call with the Dean of Admissions to beg for a spot. For the average, well-qualified candidate, these tactics are not necessary to get into a good school. Your time is better spent working on your personal statement than reading this book.

[Billjustbill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sure seemed like great advice, but (because of this book and others AND talking to working attorneys) I decided NOT to go to law school. But if you're trying to get in, this was really one of the (if not THE) best summary of what you need to do.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice and inside look to the process....especially after undergraduate graduation.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valuable and honest insight into law school from an admissions officer's perspective.

[Des · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very informative about the law school admissions process. There's a also a part 2 which gives some information about law school life.

[Brendan Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful book with some pointers for the law school application process. I would recommend to anyone considering applying to law school.