LSAC's "Law Forums" are coming up. Should I attend?

Yes. The LSAC Law Forums can be a good use of the law school applicant's time. In a short period of time, you can meet key admissions officials, pick up the latest law school material and attend valuable workshops.

When attending a forum, look for an opportunity to spend a few minutes with each target law school's admissions representative, ideally when the crowd around that law school table is small. Let him/her know that you will be applying. Listen carefully to the response. Ask a thoughtful question. One example: "Tell me something about the most persuasive application you've ever read." Or, "What mistakes drive you crazy in the applications you review?" You may gain some powerful and valuable insights from the answers receive.

Try to get the business card of the representative. Thank him/her for the time given. Don't extend the conversation in a manner insensitive to others if they are right there with you, eager to talk as well. Shake hands and say goodbye with a firm, dry handshake and good eye contact. Later, write a short, handwritten thank you note, expressing appreciation for that person's time and interest in you. You are hoping to create a bit of an "inside advocate" for you, built from the foundation that first Law Forum conversation.

For more information about my ideas, please see my website www.PrelawAdvisor.com.

Can I really go to law school as a second or third career choice?

Yes, you can. Law schools like to have at least a few mature, experienced adults in each law school class. Mature adults can bring a valuable perspective, with insights gained from life and work experience far beyond that of the typical 23-year-old law student. Here are the key factors to consider when thinking about law school as a second or third-career choice. First, go to law school part time. Plan to accomplish earning your J.D. degree over four years. You'll need and want to continue working at least some of the time during the day. And part-time law students tend to be older and more mature. You don't really want to be in full-time day law school surrounded by a bunch of 23-year-olds. Second, do not apply until you've mastered the LSAT. Take as many timed practice LSATs as you need to to reach--ideally-- at least the 75th percentile of the enrolling students at your target law school. Such an LSAT will reduce law school concern about your ability to succeed. Nothing speaks as emphatically to a law school as a powerful LSAT score. Third, gain ground by submitting a brilliant personal statement. Aim for the Yale Law School standard of "subtle, complex and nuanced." For more information and assistance, see my website www.PrelawAdvisor.com.