<p>First, many law schools look askance at applicants who have criminal infractions, including minor ones. Why do they care? Many states have "good character" requirements for admittance to the bar. States ask law schools to opine regarding a law school graduate's character. When choosing between two good candidates, law schools will take the good over the bad any day of the week. My point is that the next time you are invited to a stoner party or a keg party, realize your moment of excess may be the turning point in your legal career. </p>
<p>Second, think about where you would like to practice law when choosing among law schools. Of course if you get into Harvard you can write your own ticket, but very few people get into Harvard. Most lawyers graduate from regional law schools. If you graduate from Pepperdine law school, you may have a great education but have difficulty explaining the quality of your education to a North Carolina law firm hiring attorney who thinks you graduated from Peppermint law school. If you want to practice in North Carolina, you will likely find an abundance of North Carolina schools meeting your needs.</p>
<p>Third, what you see on TV does not accurately represent what lawyers do. (maybe Court TV comes closest, but they choose cases based on sensation). If you want to see what some lawyers do, call the clerks office of your favorite courthouse and ask when traffic court is scheduled. Sit through several hours of traffic court paying close attention to the type of defendants appearing in the court. See if any of the drunk driving defendants show up wearing "Brew Thru" T-shirts. These are the type of "winner" clients who you may end up representing.</p>