My Journey to Law School
I didn’t always want to be an attorney; truthfully, I vaguely knew what an attorney was until midway through college. I didn’t grow up knowing or seeing any Black or Hispanic attorneys. I did, however, have an inclination towards the law. As an undergrad, I majored in Psychology and Criminal Justice. I was a research assistant for a professor whose research focused on the trauma children experienced within the legal system. At the time, I wanted to be a Forensic Psychologist. The intersection of Psychology and Law intrigued me (and still does).
My first job out of undergrad was at a mental health facility as a Rehabilitation Specialist. I cared for adults experiencing mental health disorders and developed treatment plans to help them better cope with their symptoms. It was challenging work, and as an empath, I couldn’t handle the emotional burden. I stayed there for half a year and left.
I then moved to Los Angeles. Admittedly, I was lost in life without direction or passion. I had just left a job I thought was going to be my career. I felt I didn’t have a purpose, so starting fresh in a new city seemed like a good idea. Within a month of being there, I landed a job at a litigation firm as a Legal Assistant.
It was about 6 months before I realized I wanted to be an attorney. I loved my job. I’ve always known that I wanted to live a life in which I would be of service to others.
It was about 6 months before I realized I wanted to be an attorney. I loved my job. I’ve always known that I wanted to live a life in which I would be of service to others. The firm specialized in personal injury and employment law. I took a greater liking to employment law because we had many gender and race discrimination cases. Many of our clients were Hispanic or Black. I loved that I was directly helping my community minus the emotional burden of my previous job.
I quickly started researching the requirements for law school and began self-studying for the LSAT. That same year, I was promoted to Paralegal, and my responsibilities, along with my hours, increased a lot. It was hard balancing both obligations. There were so many late nights and early mornings. I was exhausted, but quitting my job wasn’t an option as I was financially independent at the time.
The LSAT– to no one’s surprise– was extremely difficult. I did the best I could, but after 2.5 years, 2 prep courses, countless sleepless nights, and a whole lot of stress later, I finally took the LSAT. I told myself I would apply with whatever score I got– I just wanted to be done! After crying about my 145 score, I pulled myself together and applied to 15 schools.
Things turned out well for me. I got into my Top 3 law schools, Northeastern University School of Law. I ended up taking 3 years off school before starting law school and I’m so glad I did. That was an invaluable time I used to figure myself out, grow, and have some fun (!) before buckling down for law school.
Despite folks telling me I would never get into law school with my score, and the numbers not being in my favor, I persevered and excelled!
Everyone’s law school journey is unique. Looking back on my journey, there’s nothing I would have done differently. Not even retake the LSAT! I’m proud of my story. Despite folks telling me I would never get into law school with my score, and the numbers not being in my favor, I persevered and excelled! All glory to God and the Universe that answered all my prayers and affirmations. My faith was greater than my reality, and that’s a testimony!
Wondering how I got into law school with a low LSAT score? Read this post.
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