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How important is work experience in terms of boosting an application? Does the fact that I've taken a year off to work internationally help my application significantly, or does it depend on the type of work that I do? Also, is it bad that there will be a gap in my application, seeing as I intend to apply this upcoming admissions cycle but have left my job (contract ended and chose not to sign on again) and haven't been working anymore? What law schools are known for preferring candidates with work experience (if any). Thanks!

There do seem to be more K-JDs underperforming their numbers. It's still probably not a MUST have, but significant work experience is definitely nice to have. I have about five years of post-college civilian work experience and military service and I seem to be outperforming my numbers.

Obviously, how much of a "boost" you get will depend on how cool your work experience is. Working at Taco Bell is not going to drop any adcomm panties.

Doesn't seem to matter too much at most schools. Northwestern is a major exception, though.

pdgeese wrote:How important is work experience in terms of boosting an application? Does the fact that I've taken a year off to work internationally help my application significantly, or does it depend on the type of work that I do? Also, is it bad that there will be a gap in my application, seeing as I intend to apply this upcoming admissions cycle but have left my job (contract ended and chose not to sign on again) and haven't been working anymore? What law schools are known for preferring candidates with work experience (if any). Thanks!

The fact that you've been working can show that you can actually get a job, which is an important quality given how important post-grad statistics are. I just posted this in another thread, but I think schools are valuing applicants with work experience because they're probably likely to find a job after law school which would help that school's employment statistics.

I applied this cycle with a year of experience working in business, and I honestly think it wouldn't have meant much except that I used it in my personal statement to support why I'd decided to go to law school and why it would fit my career needs. I think it can give you a leg up over K-JD's if you can demonstrate that you've gained real world experience and that's led you to the decision to go to law school and aren't just doing it because you're scared of the economy (no offense, K-JD's; I'm sure you're all brave people).

If you're applying to start fall 2015 I'd recommend going ahead and finding a job for now though, even if it's just scooping ice cream. You'll need that money later in law school.

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