

Online Sites for Law School Applicants

  • Reddit
  • Above The Law
  • Nolo
  • Martindale
  • Kaplan

What are the best online resources for law school applicants? The answer depends on the applicants' goals. Some sites offer excellent LSAT prep materials. Others give insight into practicing law on a day-to-day basis. In general, applicants should visit a variety of sites to learn as much as possible about their future career. Here are five popular sites to get started.

See our ranking of the 30 Best Value Schools for Pre-Law.

1. Reddit

Reddit's sub-forums contain a wealth of information for prospective law school applicants. The /r/legaladvice sub-reddit is a place to ask for legal advice; it provides a snapshot at the questions a practicing lawyer will encounter. Plenty of attorneys answer questions there, so readers can learn about the thought processes a typical lawyer uses to assess a case. The /r/lawschool sub-reddit has frequently asked questions and resources for applicants, and /r/law covers news related to the profession. It's free to use Reddit, so anyone can create an account, start reading and even ask questions.

2. Above The Law

This long-running blog is one of the most popular law-related sites online. It posts gossipy articles on law, current events and perspectives from practicing lawyers. It's not as easy to use as Reddit, but determined readers will find useful information. Above The Law also hosts job postings and post-graduation statistics. This lets pre-law students get a good picture of the salaries and working conditions of practicing lawyers. The contributors also compare different places to work and answer questions on whether big law is everything it's cracked up to be or how to be successful as a private practice attorney.

3. Nolo

Why is a do-it-yourself legal website on a list of great resources for law school applicants? Because shows how the information age has changed the practice of law. A generation ago, clients would have to trudge to a law library and dig through confusing textbooks to file their own motions. Now, templates are everywhere online. Nolo offers advice for writing demand letters, filing for divorce or bankruptcy and creating a legal will. It's a good lesson for future lawyers to start thinking about the unique value they can add to clients.

4. Martindale

Where do environmental lawyers work? What city has the highest number of immigration law firms? has the answers. This site is the largest directory of attorney and firm listings available. It's an excellent way for future lawyers to research their specific interests. After all, a patent lawyer and a women's rights attorney will be looking for very different jobs in very different markets. For candidates who want to avoid moving for a job, it's imperative to understand what the market will look like after graduation. Martindale lets readers learn what jobs will be available.

5. Kaplan

The LSAT is one of the most important factors in getting into law school. Applicants must take this multiple-choice, five-part test and receive a good score to be admitted to a prestigious school. That's why Kaplan's test prepping site is a good resource for law school applicants. Kaplan provides practice questions, important tips on scoring and a breakdown on how to succeed on the LSAT.

Before applying for a JD, applicants should have a basic understanding of every aspect of the legal profession. These five online resources for law school applicants give a helpful and broad overview.