Loyola University Chicago

Pre-Law Advising

Career Services

Ways to Explore

Intentional Online Research 

Start your exploration of the legal field with some creative Google searching. There is often a disconnect between idealistic views of the profession and the realities of the profession, so conducting online research intentionally to clarify some of the realities of the field is highly recommendedYour research may be guided by the following questions: 

  1. What does a lawyer actually do day-to-day? Are the skills lawyers use ones that I am interested in using? 
  1. Is a J.D. required for the career paths I am most interested in?  
  1. What personality traits or personal attributes align well with the legal profession?  
  1. What are the most rewarding and challenging parts of being a lawyer?  
  1. What are realistic salary expectations for law-related careers?  

Be sure to visit the Resources page to view a number of helpful sources specific to the legal profession.  

Informational Interviewing 

One of the best ways to explore any career is through talking to people who are doing the work you’re interested in doing. This offers a human and practical perspective to our theoretical understanding of any field and is an important step in shaping a real-world understanding of the profession. For more information about how to conduct an informational interview, review the Career Services Informational Interviewing Guide or schedule a meeting with a Pre-Law Advisor to discuss this strategy in more detail.  

Experiential Learning 

As you continue to build your understanding of, and interest in the legal profession, it is important to complement research with hands-on learning opportunities. Whether through internships, job shadowing, volunteer opportunities, or student clubs and organizations, building experience has benefits that will help you to further evaluate the legal profession as a viable career path. Visit the Leadership and Involvement page to identify specific experiential learning opportunities available to you at Loyola.