If you're dreaming of becoming a lawyer, getting involved in law clubs in high school and other law extracurricular activities high school students can join is one of the best ways to prepare early. These experiences not only help you build essential skills like critical thinking, public speaking, and research, but they also show colleges and future law schools that you're serious about your path. Whether you're joining a law club high school chapter, volunteering, interning with a law firm, or competing in mock trials, these extracurriculars allow you to explore your interest in law, build a strong application, and start shaping your professional goals well before college. Continue learning about the subject of choosing Law as a career after high school.
| Activity | Skills Developed | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Student Government | Leadership, project management, community service | Shows ability to take charge, demonstrates peer respect, develops leadership qualities vital for law |
| Model United Nations | Diplomacy, negotiation, mediation, international relations | Diplomacy, negotiation, mediation, international relations Develops understanding of international community, improves diplomatic skills, highly valued by admissions committees |
| Starting Your Own Club | Initiative, organization, leadership, policy development | Provides insider view of legal system, exposure to different areas of law, strengthens resume |
| Job Shadowing | Professional awareness, industry understanding | Clarifies career interest, provides practical insights into daily legal work |
| Mock Trial Programs | Critical thinking, teamwork, public speaking, courtroom procedures | Teaches courtroom procedures, case analysis, effective argumentation |
| Law-related Volunteering | Empathy, communication, social impact | Demonstrates commitment to service, builds networks with professionals, shows initiative |
| Moot Courts | Oral advocacy, legal research, brief writing | Prepares for courtroom advocacy, develops persuasive skills |
| Negotiation Workshops | Negotiation, conflict management, collaborative problem-solving | Builds essential skills for transactional law and dispute resolution |
| Legal Publications/Journals | Legal writing, research, analysis | Demonstrates scholarly interest, builds knowledge of legal concepts |
Activities in High School and College/ University
As we already mentioned, extracurriculars are an essential part of our education because they show us the things and subjects we have an interest in and are passionate about. What should I study in high school to become a lawyer?
However, if you already know that your passion is the law, then you should plan your extracurriculars around the skills you will need as a law student. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities available for you. For example, three major activities can be extremely helpful, and those are getting involved with student government, participating in a United Nations Model, or starting a debate team or group. If you feel like there could be more you should be in contact with a university counselor and see what they have to say.
Student Government
Being part of the student government will help you develop your leadership skills, something highly required for law students.
Ask yourself, how can you help your school? Do you have any projects in mind for the good of the student body?
If you do, then you should start a campaign and run for the president, vice-president, treasurer, or secretary position.
Being one of the members and participating in student government will show every admissions committee that you can take charge and that you are respected by your peers. Keep in mind that being elected is only one of the things that matter.
The other one is being able to prove that you kept your promises and did an outstanding job. Serving is not enough! You should accomplish the goals that you set out to achieve and contribute positively to your school community.
Model of United Nations
The model of the United Nations is a very popular program both in American schools and universities. It is a perfect extracurricular activity for future law students because you'll develop skills in diplomacy, negotiation, and mediation. Learning about the international community is of great value for future lawyers, and any admissions committee will appreciate your United Nations background. Students prepare with months of anticipation for these sorts of competitions, aside from keeping track of their academic calendar and education.
Debate Team
Learning to debate can be an excellent opportunity for future lawyers because it will help them develop communication skills, as well as teach them how to form and defend a powerful argument. Most of the common work that comes with getting a law degree has to do with argument building.
As a law student, you must learn to interpret and analyze legal documents, and as a debater, you will also have to interpret and analyze different texts.
Law schools will also notice a debater's skill to take complex facts, turn them into understandable arguments, and present them in front of an audience.
This overlap in skills makes debate one of the most valuable extracurriculars for aspiring lawyers. It sharpens your ability to think on your feet, respond to counterarguments, and remain composed under pressure—skills that are essential in any courtroom setting.
Participating in debate also demonstrates your commitment to critical thinking and advocacy, both of which are highly valued in law school admissions.
Start Your Own Club
If you feel uncomfortable or unsatisfied with the clubs in your school or college, why not take your own initiative to foster new relationships and start something of your own. For example, you can start a pre-law society (like the one you mentioned above), a debate club, a student's law organization or association, a Bar Exam or LSAT preparation group, and more. Keep in mind that the organization of a club takes a lot of hard work. You would need to find staff and members, ask for resources and support from your student government or institute, find an office or a place on campus to gather, create a policy document or bylaws, and so on.
If you don't know how to get started, you can always ask a faculty member to support you in your project. It doesn't matter what you do, but that you show in your law school application that you are passionate and dedicated to the field. Remember that the activity doesn't necessarily have to be directly related to the law. You can show your leadership skills as a women's rights activist, an active member of your community, a volunteer at any organization, or join many other programs at a national and international level.
Activities Outside of School
If the academic life or being stuck in school events is not something you enjoy, then there are plenty of options outside an institution's campus. For instance, young students usually search for internships or job opportunities in local or family businesses as well as big corporations. It can be useful to work as a lawyer's assistant and get to know the job from within or work for a firm that would require your services.
Getting an internship as a high school or university student is very important, and showing that you are work-driven can get you a long way. You may also want to look into what universities would suit you, so you may be inclined to ask -- What USA universities are best for law majors?
You should also try to attend your college's alumni cocktails or alumni events and try to find a lawyer or someone who went to law school and see if they would like to mentor you. Mentorships are great ways of advancing one's education, and all you have to do is make space on your calendar and go to social events to network.
Alumni networks are valuable for law students and firms. For students, they provide valuable insights into law school life, career advice, and networking opportunities. For firms, alumni networks can boost reputation, generate client referrals, and attract talent, all contributing to business growth.
Finally, you can also look for a law students' community, society, or association close to where you live. These types of societies are a little rare, but they do exist, and they offer activities such as moot courts, mock trials, negotiation workshops, and cross-examination exercises. These activities will not only prepare you for your degree but also will prepare you for court (if that's a field of the law you're interested in). You can also work for legal publications, a law journal, or any journal for the law section, and do some research, write some articles, and gain some knowledge about justice and the law.
Legal Internships at Law Firms or NGOs
High school students may not be able to take on full legal cases, but many law firms, legal clinics, or non-governmental organizations welcome young interns to assist with basic tasks like organizing documents, attending public hearings, or conducting preliminary research. These internships can give you an insider’s view of how the legal system works on a day-to-day basis and expose you to different areas of law like criminal justice, corporate law, or human rights.
Interns gain practical experience, enhance their resumes, and build confidence while contributing to impactful work. NGOs also benefit from the fresh perspectives and enthusiasm interns bring, according to The Intern Group.
Working closely with professionals in the field not only strengthens your resume but also helps you understand the culture and work ethic of the legal profession. Plus, many internship mentors can provide strong recommendation letters when it’s time to apply for college or law school.
Job Shadowing Legal Professionals
If you’re unable to commit to an internship, job shadowing is another great way to explore legal careers. Shadowing a lawyer, judge, or paralegal for a day or two allows you to observe how legal professionals work, how they prepare for court, interact with clients, or handle legal documents. This type of exposure helps clarify whether a legal path genuinely interests you.
There are currently over 1.3 million active lawyers in the United States. This number has grown steadily over the past decade, with an increase of over 41,000 lawyers, representing a 3.2% growth from 2014 to 2024. While the overall number of lawyers has increased, the growth has slowed in recent years.
You can arrange job shadowing opportunities through family connections, school counselors, or local legal organizations that offer student outreach. Afterwards, consider writing a reflection on what you learned—it could even turn into a great college essay topic.
Participating in Mock Trial Programs or Competitions
Mock trial isn’t just for students who want to be lawyers—it’s a dynamic and educational experience that builds critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking skills. Outside of school, you can join mock trial teams run by regional legal organizations or summer programs. Participants play roles like attorneys, witnesses, and jurors while preparing and presenting fictional cases in front of real or retired judges.
These simulations help you understand courtroom procedures, case analysis, and effective argumentation. Participating also demonstrates initiative and passion, especially if you’re applying to pre-law programs or schools with strong debate and legal studies tracks.
Law-related Volunteering
Giving back to your community through law-related volunteering opportunities can set you apart from other applicants. You might assist at legal aid clinics, community centers, or non-profits focused on social justice, civil rights, or advocacy. These roles expose you to the practical side of law and help develop empathy, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the justice system.
You could help coordinate events, support legal research, assist with intake procedures, or even participate in awareness campaigns. Volunteering demonstrates your initiative and commitment to social impact—two qualities that admissions committees value. It also helps you network with professionals and gain valuable mentorship. Whether it’s assisting with paperwork or educating the public about their rights, volunteering teaches you that law is about service and problem-solving, not just rules and arguments.
Skills You'll Need for Law School
Society will tell you that you have to go into whichever field you have a talent for. However, talent isn't the only thing you need, and many times, hard work trumps talent. So, if you don't feel like you have "the talent" to become a lawyer but justice is something you are passionate about, then forget society and work hard to develop your legal skills and ask yourself - What kind of law path is best for you?
Becoming a lawyer means working for people and using the law as one of your most important resources to reinforce what is legal in America. If you are passionate about people's rights or fighting for justice, and it doesn't matter if you're at a legal association, different organizations, working for the state, or freelancing, then you should become a lawyer.
Here is a list of some of the skills you'll need to develop to graduate from law school:
- Critical reading
- Good writing
- Public speaking and communication
- Research and investigation
- Organization and time management
So, What's the Verdict?
At the end of the day, becoming a lawyer isn't just about natural talent—it's about determination, purpose, and the drive to advocate for others. If you’re willing to put in the work, build the right skills, and stay committed to the cause of justice, then law might just be the path where you thrive. Whether you’re still in high school or already mapping out your future, it’s never too early or too late to make a start. Let your passion fuel your progress, and let your pursuit of justice shape the kind of lawyer you aspire to be.
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