| Summary |
Law school extracurriculars are more than just resume boosters—they are essential tools for building the skills, experience, and networks that lead to long-term legal career success. From prestigious opportunities like law review and moot court to hands-on experiences in legal clinics and pro bono work, the right activities help students develop practical skills, showcase leadership, and demonstrate a commitment to the profession. Choosing extracurriculars strategically allows law students to stand out to employers, prepare for specialized practice areas, and gain real-world exposure before graduation.
| Questions Answered in This Article |
- Why are extracurriculars important in law school?
Extracurriculars show employers that a student can balance academics with practical experience, leadership, and real-world skills—qualities that are highly valued in the legal profession.
- Is law review worth the time commitment?
Yes. Law review is one of the most prestigious extracurriculars, signaling strong research and writing abilities, which are crucial for clerkships, top law firms, and academic careers.
- How does moot court or mock trial help with career success?
Moot court and mock trial provide hands-on advocacy experience, developing skills like oral argument, teamwork, and critical thinking—essential for litigation and trial-focused careers.
- What are the benefits of participating in legal clinics?
Legal clinics allow students to work directly with clients under supervision, giving them practical experience in interviewing, drafting, and courtroom exposure—making them more job-ready.
- Which extracurriculars are best for networking opportunities?
Joining student bar associations, affinity groups, and local or national bar associations helps law students expand professional networks, find mentors, and connect with future employers.
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Why Law School Extracurriculars Matter
Law school isn’t just about attending lectures and passing exams—it’s about preparing for a competitive legal career. Employers often look beyond GPA when evaluating candidates, focusing on practical experience, leadership roles, and specialized skills. Participating in the right extracurriculars demonstrates initiative, commitment, and a passion for the law.
1. Law Review and Journals
One of the most prestigious law school extracurriculars, law review and academic journals are highly sought-after by students who want to distinguish themselves academically and professionally. Being selected to join law review is competitive and often based on academic performance, writing competitions, or a combination of both.
Why It Matters
Employers, especially top law firms, federal judges, and legal academia, view law review membership as a mark of excellence. It signals that you can handle complex research, advanced writing, and rigorous editing—skills that translate directly into practice. As emphasized in The Value of Law Review for Securing Legal Jobs participation in law review is often a decisive factor in hiring for clerkships, academia, and top-tier firms.Skills You Gain
- Legal Research Mastery: Members learn how to dive deep into statutes, case law, and academic commentary.
- Precision Writing & Editing: You’ll develop the ability to craft well-structured legal arguments and edit complex documents with a keen eye for detail.
- Critical Thinking: Reviewing and critiquing scholarly articles sharpens your ability to evaluate arguments.
- Time Management: Balancing law review with coursework tests your ability to prioritize and meet tight deadlines—an essential skill in legal practice.
Career Impact
- Judicial Clerkships: Almost all federal judges and many state judges prefer candidates with law review experience.
- Big Law Firms: Prestigious firms often see law review membership as a signal of strong analytical skills and intellectual rigor.
- Academic Careers: For those pursuing teaching or scholarly work, publication opportunities through law review are invaluable.
Pro Tip
If you don’t get onto the flagship law review, consider joining a specialized journal (e.g., International Law Journal, Environmental Law Review, Business Law Journal). These publications still carry weight on your resume and allow you to build expertise in a specific practice area.2. Moot Court and Mock Trial
While law review highlights your research and writing skills, moot court and mock trial put your oral advocacy and litigation abilities to the test. These extracurriculars simulate real-world legal proceedings, allowing law students to practice crafting arguments, presenting cases, and thinking on their feet in front of judges or juries.
Why It Matters
Moot court focuses on appellate-level advocacy, where students prepare written briefs and present oral arguments before panels of judges. Mock trial, on the other hand, emphasizes trial-level advocacy, including direct and cross-examination of witnesses, evidence presentation, and courtroom procedure.Both activities demonstrate to employers that you can analyze legal issues under pressure, communicate persuasively, and work as part of a litigation team—qualities that are essential for success in litigation-heavy practice areas. According to How Moot Court and Mock Trial Help Shape Legal Careers, employers frequently consider moot court and mock trial to be real-world training grounds, with skills that often carry as much weight as GPA during interviews.
Skills You Gain
- Public Speaking & Persuasion: Gain confidence in delivering compelling oral arguments.
- Legal Analysis & Strategy: Learn how to break down statutes, case law, and precedent to form strong arguments.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Moot court and mock trial often require working closely with teammates, mimicking the collaborative nature of litigation.
- Adaptability Under Pressure: Judges often ask tough, unexpected questions. The ability to think quickly and respond effectively is invaluable.
Career Impact
- Litigation Firms & Trial Practice: Employers in trial-heavy practices value students with proven advocacy skills.
- Public Interest & Government Work: Positions like public defenders, prosecutors, and legal aid attorneys often favor candidates with mock trial or moot court experience.
- Judicial Clerkships: Moot court demonstrates strong oral argument skills that are appealing to judges.
- Alternative Career Paths: Even outside litigation, skills like public speaking, negotiation, and quick thinking benefit transactional attorneys, in-house counsel, and policy professionals.
Pro Tip
If you’re unsure about pursuing litigation, consider joining negotiation or arbitration competitions. These provide similar advocacy training but in the context of settlement, mediation, and dispute resolution, which are increasingly important in modern legal practice.3. Student Bar Association (SBA) and Leadership Roles
Why It Matters
Lawyers are often expected to lead—whether managing teams, guiding clients, or influencing policy. SBA and similar leadership positions allow students to develop organizational, communication, and management skills early on. Employers notice candidates who have not only excelled academically but also proven their ability to lead, negotiate, and inspire others.Skills You Gain
- Leadership & Decision-Making: Gain experience in policy-making, event planning, and organizational governance.
- Networking: SBA leaders often liaise with alumni, local bar associations, and even judges—expanding their professional connections.
- Conflict Resolution: Managing student concerns, disputes, or policy debates builds mediation and negotiation skills.
- Public Speaking & Advocacy: Representing your peers enhances communication and advocacy skills—valuable in both litigation and transactional practices.
Career Impact
- Law Firms: Employers value leadership experience because it reflects initiative and the ability to handle responsibility.
- In-House Counsel Roles: SBA experience shows strong teamwork and business-minded organizational skills.
- Public Sector & Policy Work: Students with leadership backgrounds often transition more easily into roles that require negotiation with multiple stakeholders.
- Long-Term Career Development: Many SBA alumni continue into leadership roles in state bar associations, nonprofit boards, and even politics.
Pro Tip
Don’t limit yourself to the SBA. If you’re passionate about a specific practice area, consider running for leadership roles in specialized law societies (e.g., Business Law Society, International Law Association, Criminal Law Society). Not only do these positions build leadership skills, but they also signal commitment to a specific field, which can be a valuable asset when interviewing for internships or post-graduation jobs.4. Legal Clinics and Pro Bono Work
Few extracurriculars prepare law students for the realities of practice as effectively as legal clinics and pro bono projects. These opportunities allow students to represent real clients under the supervision of licensed attorneys, often tackling pressing legal issues in areas like immigration, family law, criminal defense, housing rights, or civil litigation.
Why It Matters
While moot court or law review showcase academic and advocacy skills, legal clinics demonstrate real-world readiness. Employers often value candidates with clinical or pro bono experience because it proves that the student has not only learned the law in theory but also applied it in practice. In fact, Why Law School Clinics Are Essential for Career Development highlights that clinic participation provides courtroom exposure, client interaction, and ethical awareness—qualities that make graduates more practice-ready and attractive to both firms and public interest employers. For students pursuing careers in public interest, government work, or socially driven legal practice, clinic participation is often considered essential.Skills You Gain
- Client Interaction: Learn how to interview, advise, and build trust with clients facing real legal challenges.
- Drafting Legal Documents: Gain hands-on experience preparing pleadings, motions, affidavits, and contracts.
- Courtroom Exposure: Some clinics allow students to represent clients in court, building advocacy skills and confidence.
- Problem-Solving & Strategy: Work through complex cases, applying classroom knowledge to practical, often unpredictable scenarios.
- Ethical Awareness: Exposure to professional responsibility issues prepares students for the challenges of real-world practice.
Career Impact
- Public Interest & Nonprofit Careers: Clinics and pro bono service are highly respected in public interest law and can open doors to fellowships and advocacy positions.
- Government & Clerkships: Judges and agencies value students who have demonstrated courtroom and client-facing experience.
- Private Practice: Even large law firms appreciate candidates with clinic experience, as it shows they can handle cases efficiently from day one. Many firms also have strong pro bono commitments, making this experience especially relevant.
- Long-Term Career Development: Pro bono involvement helps students develop a reputation for service and commitment, qualities that strengthen professional networks and personal branding.
Pro Tip
If your law school offers multiple clinics, select one that aligns with your career goals. For example:- Interested in litigation? Choose a criminal defense or civil litigation clinic.
- Thinking about corporate or transactional work? Look for a business law or entrepreneurship clinic.
- Passionate about social justice? Consider immigration, housing rights, or human rights clinics.
5. Moot Negotiation, Arbitration, and Mediation Teams
While litigation skills are critical, many legal disputes are resolved outside the courtroom. Moot negotiation, arbitration, and mediation teams provide law students with experience in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), equipping them with valuable negotiation and conflict-resolution skills that are increasingly in demand across all areas of law.
Why It Matters
Dispute resolution outside of trial—through negotiation, arbitration, or mediation—is a fast-growing field. Law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies often seek professionals who can resolve disputes efficiently, protect clients’ interests, and maintain professional relationships. Participation in ADR competitions demonstrates your ability to handle complex problems collaboratively and strategically.Skills You Gain
- Negotiation & Persuasion: Learn techniques to reach mutually acceptable solutions while protecting your client’s interests.
- Conflict Resolution: Develop strategies for managing disputes, defusing tension, and achieving consensus.
- Cultural & Cross-Border Awareness: Many international competitions require understanding of different legal systems, business cultures, and cross-border negotiation tactics.
- Problem-Solving & Creativity: ADR challenges often require innovative thinking to resolve cases without litigation.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with teammates to analyze facts, formulate strategies, and present solutions effectively.
Career Impact
- Corporate & Transactional Law: Skills in negotiation and mediation are invaluable for contract drafting, mergers, acquisitions, and corporate governance.
- Family & Labor Law: Conflict resolution skills are essential for mediating disputes in domestic, employment, and labor cases.
- Government & International Law: ADR experience is valued in diplomacy, policy, and international legal affairs.
- Litigation Practice: Even trial attorneys benefit from ADR skills, as many cases settle before reaching the courtroom.
Pro Tip
If your school offers multiple ADR-focused extracurriculars, consider:- Negotiation Competitions: For honing client advocacy and deal-making skills.
- Arbitration Teams: To practice formal dispute resolution procedures.
- Mediation Teams: To focus on collaborative problem-solving and stakeholder engagement.
ADR competitions not only enhance your resume, but they also demonstrate versatility, showing potential employers that you can handle both courtroom and out-of-court strategies effectively. Combining extracurriculars with strategies to excel in law school and beyond can maximize your career outcomes.
6. Affinity Groups and Bar Associations
Building a professional network and finding mentorship opportunities are key components of law school success. Affinity groups—such as the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), Women’s Law Caucus, or LGBTQ+ Law Association—offer community, advocacy, and career development opportunities. Similarly, local, state, and national bar associations connect students with practicing attorneys, judges, and legal professionals. Participation in these organizations can significantly enhance your career trajectory and professional visibility.
Why It Matters
Employers value students who are actively engaged in the legal community. Affinity groups and bar associations provide opportunities to:- Build networks with peers and professionals.
- Gain mentorship from experienced attorneys.
- Learn about practice areas, trends, and career pathways.
- Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Skills You Gain
- Networking & Relationship Building: Meet professionals across various practice areas and gain access to job opportunities and internships.
- Leadership & Organizational Skills: Take on committee or executive board roles to plan events, lead initiatives, and manage projects.
- Advocacy & Public Speaking: Participate in panels, workshops, or community outreach programs.
- Cultural Competency: Engage with diverse communities, improving your ability to work with clients from varied backgrounds.
- Professional Development: Gain insights into bar exam preparation, practice area specialization, and continuing legal education.
Career Impact
- Private Law Firms: Employers appreciate candidates who have built a professional network and shown commitment to service and DEI efforts.
- Government & Public Interest Law: Bar association involvement often opens doors to clerkships, internships, and fellowship opportunities.
- Corporate & In-House Roles: Membership in affinity groups signals strong interpersonal and leadership abilities, critical in collaborative work environments.
- Long-Term Career Development: Active participation can lead to lifelong mentorship, sponsorship, and professional visibility within the legal community.
Pro Tip
Seek leadership roles in affinity groups early in law school to maximize networking and career benefits. Additionally, attending bar association events, conferences, and CLE seminars can provide exposure to potential employers and mentors—giving you a competitive edge when applying for internships or post-graduation positions.7. Research Assistantships and Faculty Collaboration
Beyond classroom learning and extracurricular competitions, working closely with professors as a research assistant (RA) or collaborating on scholarly projects offers law students a unique opportunity to deepen their legal knowledge, sharpen analytical skills, and gain mentorship from experienced faculty. These experiences not only strengthen your academic profile but also enhance your professional credibility.
Why It Matters
Faculty collaboration is particularly valuable for students considering:- Judicial clerkships
- Academic or teaching careers
- Specialized practice areas that require deep subject-matter expertise
By assisting professors with legal research, writing, and publication, students demonstrate intellectual rigor and the ability to contribute meaningfully to complex legal scholarship—qualities that employers, judges, and law schools highly value.
Skills You Gain
- Advanced Legal Research: Learn how to navigate case law, statutes, and secondary sources at a deeper level.
- Scholarly Writing & Editing: Develop the ability to draft, critique, and refine high-level legal writing for publication.
- Critical Thinking & Analysis: Evaluate arguments, identify gaps, and propose innovative solutions.
- Project Management: Manage timelines, communicate effectively with faculty, and handle multiple research tasks simultaneously.
- Mentorship & Networking: Build strong relationships with professors who can provide references, guidance, and professional introductions.
Career Impact
- Academic & Clerkship Opportunities: Research assistantships are often stepping stones to prestigious clerkships, fellowships, or academic positions.
- Specialized Legal Practice: Students who collaborate on research in areas like tax law, intellectual property, or international law gain expertise that can differentiate them in niche markets.
- Publication Credibility: Co-authoring articles or contributing to journals can significantly enhance your resume, signaling expertise and dedication.
- Long-Term Mentorship: Faculty connections often extend beyond law school, providing guidance throughout your legal career.
Pro Tip
To maximize the benefit of a research assistantship:- Choose a professor whose expertise aligns with your career goals.
- Be proactive in seeking opportunities to contribute to publications, conferences, or legal projects.
- Treat every task—no matter how small—as a chance to demonstrate diligence and intellectual curiosity, which faculty often translate into strong recommendations and professional support.
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