Pursuing opportunities before law school can contribute significantly to an applicant’s success and offer tremendous benefits personally, academically, and professionally. Whether you ultimately decide to pursue an opportunity before law school or go “straight through”, future applicants should consider how a timeline that includes a “gap year(s)” might enhance their application and contribute to their ultimate success as a law student!
Below is a collection of resources to assist in your decision-making!
View this brief virtual workshop discussing Gap Years!
(Click on the image to view)
Watch! Gap Year Perspectives Panel
PLAS welcomed a panel of Illinois pre-law alumni to share perspectives and insights about their experiences taking time to pursue opportunities before law school. The Gap Year Perspectives Panel was hosted on November 19, 2024. Learn more about our accomplished groups of panelists below!
Meet the Panelists
Sarine Kalayjian ’24
Project Assistant at Kerkonian Dajani LLP
“Considering that I graduated in three years, I wanted time to gain a better understanding of the legal field. Working at a firm has given me insight into the intricacies of the law and made me appreciate attorneys’ work on a deeper level. This gap year has given me time to craft my applications and expanded my interests in the law, as well.”
Mia Macias ’24
Teach for America & Masters In Education
“I decided to take a gap year because I knew I wanted to have work experience prior to attending law school. I also knew I wanted to help give back to my community in ways outside of the legal field.”
Mariama Mwilambwe ’23
Fulbright Scholar
Yale Law School, Class of 2027
“Taking a gap year is a great way to try something new, explore a passion, or learn more about yourself and your reasons for going to law school. You can bring fresh perspectives and experiences to your legal education that will help inform the type of lawyer you want to be.”
Daryl Salinas ‘ 24
Congressional Intern
“Going to law school is a huge commitment, so I wanted to explore my career options before making that commitment. In my gap year, I am able to gain professional experience that goes beyond what is taught in a classroom, which is helping me discover my true passions!”
Najeeb Syed ‘ 24
Illinois JusticeCorps Fellow
“Every attorney I’ve worked for has given me the same advice: Law school teaches you the law, but you don’t learn how to be a proper lawyer until you’ve actually worked in the field. Working in the field prior to law school, in my opinion, can give you a big advantage, as it teaches the practical application of the law, and helps you decide if law school is something you actually want to commit to.”
Links referenced in the video:
Illinois JusticeCorps – Illinois Bar Foundation
Find Your Purpose | Teaching Programs | Teach for America
Congressional Fellowships and Internships – Senate Employment Office
College Internships | house.gov
USAJOBS – Federal Internship Portal
National and International Scholarship Program – For Fulbright and other Scholarships and Fellowships
Congressional Internship Program | CHCI
Internships » Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Congressional Internship | APAICS
Are you interested in hearing additional perspectives? Watch the Fall 2023 Panel to hear from additional alumni about their diverse experiences!
