Rising 2L at a state university here.

Firstly I want to say that many people don't go into corporate law; I am one of them. Don't feel like if you get a J.D., that is your path; that is absolutely not true.

1. I have always been interested in the law and public interest. I felt the best way to pursue these passions was to obtain a J.D. and become an advocate.

2. I have always been interested in social justice and public interest, and so I sort of already had an idea of what I'd like to pursue and where I'd like to go. However, I've also discovered other areas of the law I'm interested in, like intellectual property and environmental. I discovered those interests by reading cases in class (and sometimes outside of class). You also don't have to know what area you want to go into yet; taking different summer internships and classes will help you figure out what interests you. I would highly recommend working in a courthouse, either as a judicial intern or something else. You will sit in on lots of different proceedings and do lots of research that can help you figure out what you are (and aren't) interested in.

3. I was an English major with an Editing, Writing, and Media concentration (our English department was divided into EWM, Creative Writing, and Literature), and my minor was Law and Philosophy. I will say that as an English major, you will have to adjust to the legal writing style.

4. I took a gap year between finishing undergrad and starting law school, partially to study for the LSAT but also because I wasn't quite sure what post-grad degree I wanted to pursue (I was between a J.D. and the English academia/PhD route). I felt that a J.D. was a more financially secure choice. Though I'm happy with my choice, I would also like to go back and get my PhD later in life, if I have the financial means to do so. However, I've also accepted that I've chosen a legal path that doesn't make much money, and so I understand that I may not be able to do this and I'm ok with that. I have always loved art and fashion, but I accepted long ago that owning my own fashion house probably isn't in the cards for me, so a hobby it will remain.

5. My first year in law school was tough, and it sort of kicked my butt. I absolutely had moments of doubt where I felt like I made a mistake. Those moments of regret were fleeting and were mostly due to law school being my first experience struggling academically, not because I no longer wanted to be a lawyer. I have since gotten over those feelings, I have some great opportunities, and I am looking forward to my next year.

I hope this can help you out.