Taking a Gap Year Before Law School: Pros and Cons
Are you considering taking a gap year before law school? This article explores the pros and cons of taking time off to travel, work, or pursue other interests before diving into law school.
Posted March 24, 2025
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Many students decide to take a gap year before law school or go straight from their undergraduate degree into a law school program. Some law students choose to enter immediately, while others take time to gain experience, improve their law school application, or explore other interests.
This article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of taking a gap year, what to do during this time, and how to use it to strengthen your legal career.
What Is a Gap Year Before Law School?
A gap year before law school is when a student takes time off between finishing an undergraduate degree and attending law school. Some students take one year off, while others take multiple years before applying.
This time is often used for work experience, travel, volunteering, or improving a law school application. Many students use a gap year to:
- Study for the LSAT and improve their LSAT score.
- Gain hands-on experience by working as a legal assistant, paralegal, or research assistant.
- Explore other career options before committing to a law degree.
- Build savings through a full-time job to become financially prepared for law school.
- Work in a law office, law firm, or a political campaign to strengthen their application.
Note: A gap year is not required for law school admissions, but it can be beneficial for students who need extra time to build a strong application, confirm their interest in law, or prepare financially. Some law students go straight into law school after college, while others take time off to focus on personal goals and professional growth.
Why Do Students Decide to Take a Gap Year Before Law School?
Some law students take a gap year to strengthen their law school application, gain work experience, or confirm that law school is the right path. The admissions process is competitive, and a well-used gap year can improve an application. Others take time off to save money, as law school is expensive. A full-time job can help students become financially prepared before starting law school. Some students also pursue personal growth by traveling, volunteering, or working in a different field.
Common Reasons for a Gap Year
| Reason | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Improve LSAT score | More time to prepare can increase the law school admissions chances. |
| Gain legal experience | Working in a law firm, law office, or public policy helps build a strong resume. |
| Build savings | A full-time job before starting law school helps students become financially prepared. |
| Explore other life goals | Traveling, teaching English, or learning a new language before committing to law school. |
| Strengthen law school application | More experience can lead to stronger recommendations and personal statements. |
Pros of Taking a Gap Year Before Law School
Improving Your Law School Application
A strong law school application includes good grades, a high LSAT score, and relevant work experience. Taking a gap year allows students to:
- Retake the LSAT for a better score.
- Gain work experience as a legal assistant, paralegal, or research assistant.
- Secure better letters of recommendation from legal professionals.
- Strengthen a personal statement by demonstrating growth and experience.
Gaining Valuable Experience in the Legal Field
Working in a law firm, law office, or public policy setting before starting law school helps build skills and connections. Some gap year jobs include:
- Legal Assistant – Assists attorneys with case preparation.
- Paralegal – Conducts legal research and prepares documents.
- Research Assistant – Works on legal projects at universities or law schools.
- Administrative Assistant – Gains experience in a law office.
- Political Campaign Work – Builds connections in public policy and government.
Earning and Saving Money
Law school is expensive, and many students graduate with debt. A full-time job before attending law school helps students become financially prepared by:
- Reducing reliance on loans.
- Covering law school application fees.
- Saving for living expenses during law school.
Exploring Other Interests and Life Goals
A gap year before law school provides time to explore other interests such as:
- Traveling before committing to a demanding career.
- Teaching English abroad.
- Learning a new language to benefit a future legal career.
Networking Opportunities
A year before law school allows students to connect with legal professionals before applying. Opportunities include:
- Attending networking events at a law firm or public policy organization.
- Building relationships that may lead to job offers after graduation.
Cons of Taking a Gap Year Before Law School
Losing Academic Momentum
After spending years in college, stepping away from academics can make it harder to adjust when starting law school. Law school requires:
- Intense reading and writing.
- Structured study habits.
- Consistency in coursework.
Gaps in Your Resume
Admissions committees expect students to gain experience during a gap year. Gaps without meaningful work experience or volunteer experiences can hurt a law school application.
Risk of a Gap Year Turning Into Multiple Years
Some students take a gap year and never return to school. Risks include:
- Losing letters of recommendation from professors.
- Letting an LSAT score expire.
- Struggling to leave a full-time job to return to legal education.
Fewer Networking Opportunities in Law School
Delaying law school means missing early networking opportunities with classmates and professors. Many students build connections in law school that lead to job offers.
How to Make the Most of a Gap Year Before Law School
Gain Experience in the Legal Field
| Job Role | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Legal Assistant | Hands-on experience in a law firm or law office. |
| Research Assistant | Strengthens analytical and writing skills. |
| Administrative Assistant | Develops organizational and communication skills. |
| Public Policy Work | Experience in government and legislation. |
| Paralegal | Prepares for legal research and case management. |
Strengthen Your Law School Application
- Retake the LSAT if necessary.
- Write and refine personal statements.
- Gain recommendations from legal professionals.
Pursue Other Meaningful Experiences
- Volunteer experiences that demonstrate commitment to public service.
- Develop skills useful in legal education, such as critical thinking and writing.
- Balance career exploration with personal growth.
Making an Informed Decision
Taking time before law school can provide real-world experience, financial preparation, and personal development. The decision should be based on personal goals, professional ambitions, and the strength of a law school application. Some students benefit from taking a gap year, while others may prefer to apply straight from college.
Final Thoughts
A gap year before law school can provide real-world experience, personal development, and financial preparation. Careful planning ensures that the year before law school adds value to a law degree and future legal career. Students should base their decision on personal goals, professional ambitions, and the strength of their law school application.
Related Articles
- The Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year Before Starting Undergrad
- Gap Year Before Medical School: Pros & Cons, Timeline, and How to Make the Most of It
- How to Get Into Law School as a Gap-Year Candidate
Get Expert Guidance from a Law School Admissions Coach
Not sure if a gap year before law school is the right choice? A law school admissions coach can help you strengthen your application, improve your LSAT score, and gain the right experience. Get expert guidance to make the best decision for your law school journey.
FAQs
What Year in Law School Is the Hardest?
- The first year of law school (1L) is widely considered the most difficult due to its rigorous academic demands and competitive grading. Students must quickly adapt to case law reading, legal writing, and the Socratic method used in class discussions. Unlike undergraduate studies, where coursework is spread across multiple assignments, law school grades are often based entirely on final exams. The workload is extensive, requiring hours of reading and analysis each night. Many law schools also enforce strict grading curves, adding pressure to perform well. The challenge of 1L is reflected in high dropout rates and the significant impact first-year grades have on job opportunities, especially for those seeking positions at prestigious law firms.
What Is the Easiest Year of Law School?
- The third year of law school (3L) is generally considered the least challenging because most required courses are completed, and students have more control over their schedules. Many students focus on electives, externships, or practical experiences such as working in a law clinic or part-time at a law firm. By 3L, students are also more comfortable with legal research and writing, reducing the academic stress that defines the earlier years. Those who secure post-graduation job offers during their second year often experience less pressure to earn top grades. However, students preparing for the bar exam may still find their final year demanding, depending on their workload and level of preparation.
What Type of Lawyer Makes the Most Money?
- Lawyers in corporate law, intellectual property, and trial litigation tend to earn the highest salaries, especially those working at large law firms. According to the National Association for Law Placement (NALP), first-year associates at top law firms (Big Law) can earn salaries starting at $200,000, with bonuses significantly increasing total compensation. Intellectual property lawyers, particularly those specializing in patents, often command high salaries due to the complexity of their work in technology and pharmaceuticals. Medical malpractice attorneys can also earn substantial amounts, especially those handling high-profile cases with large settlements. While public defenders and government attorneys typically earn less, some private lawyers in specialized fields make well over six figures annually.
