For those ROTC Cadets applying to law school -

Here's more info that I wish I knew back when I was in your shoes...

If you think putting your application together with the basics - gpa/lsat/essay/ and letter of recommendation from x is going to be enough to make you competitive for acceptance... then you should talk with the other 10,000 students who are applying this cycle and see what's in their packet. It all looks the same.

Here's another tip I hope you quickly use to your advantage.

1) Find the nearest law school (hopefully your undergrad has a law school, and hopefully this school is also the law school you want to attend). Even if this isn't your DREAM school, go to your nearest school out of convenience and if you have time goto your dream school.

2) Do a search on that school's website or on google to find a faculty member that was in the military (hopefully a former/retired Army Officer). 

3) Then send a professional email to this Professor/faculty member and request 15-30 mins of their time to talk with them about : their military/law career, etc (avoid asking "recruiter" questions, as you would want to gain valuable personal info from this senior officer. this is a time to be mentored, not learn facts you could get online)

dress respectfully, tell them your story, ask to sit in their class to listen to their lecture, get to know them and vice versa.

WHY: Like I said, this is a golden opportunity to be mentored by a senior officer who is a lawyer and has a lot of invaluable experience. You never know, he/she may offer you a recommendation. But don't go there asking for something UNLESS THEY OFFER.

Don't feel intimidated - yes, these professors may be senior retired officers with countless achievements and the ability to make grown adult 1L's cry, but they were once young LT's too and more than likely would be happy to help guide a new soon-to-be officer.

GET OUT THERE AND DO IT!

MY Experience:

As the president of a student club at my law school, I began to meet NUMEROUS professors/judges/attorneys who were military/JAG officers from O5-O7, who warmly welcomed me when they found out I was a 1LT. They've been very generous - offering advice, mentorship, and one even came to my class as a guest speaker when I asked him for his help. (O7-JAG, former law professor at West Point, and retired Justice). I'm just amazed by the generosity of these retired officers!

GOT Questions? brandonphillip81@hotmail.com