Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
York U | Career

Law School Preparations for Pre-Law Undergraduate Students: A Guide to Mastering the LSAT and Moot Court Excellence

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar
Kailyn Hanlon Jackson Student Contributor, York University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at York U chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

The Art of Preparation

In the hallowed halls of academia, few paths command as much reverence and discipline as the journey to law school. It is a pursuit defined by intellect, focus, and endurance. For pre-law students, the undergraduate years are not simply about earning a degree, they are about building a foundation of reasoning, rhetoric, and resilience.

Unlike many programs, pre-law is not confined to one department. It is a tapestry woven through Political Science, Philosophy, History, and English. Each discipline sharpens the mind in different ways, teaching students to analyze, argue, and articulate with clarity. From the moment they step into their first seminar, future lawyers are cultivating the very skills that will one day define their practice.

Conquering the LSAT

The LSAT, often viewed as the gatekeeper to law school, is more than an exam; it is a test of character and cognition. Designed to measure logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and analytical thought, it mirrors the very essence of legal problem-solving.

The most successful LSAT takers treat preparation as a steady ritual rather than a sprint. They engage with logic games as if they were mental workouts, read dense materials to strengthen focus, and analyze arguments until reasoning becomes instinct. Beyond studying, they cultivate habits, discipline, time management, and the confidence that will serve them well in both the courtroom and the classroom.

Excelling in Moot Court

While the LSAT tests mental agility, moot court competitions test the soul of advocacy. They are the arena where theory meets performance, and argument transforms into art.

In moot competitions, students embody the essence of legal practice, crafting persuasive submissions, anticipating rebuttals, and thinking on their feet. The best advocates understand that success is not about theatrics, but authenticity. Each argument must be rooted in logic, yet delivered with conviction and grace.

Preparation goes far beyond memorizing case law. It demands empathy, creativity, and confidence. The strongest mooters tell a story within their arguments, connecting the law to the human experience behind it. Like poetry or debate, moot court is about rhythm, timing, and presence, qualities that distinguish a good lawyer from a great one.

Building Your Legal Foundation

The pre-law years are not a waiting period; they are the foundation of your future legal identity. Every class discussion, essay, and competition sharpens your advocacy and shapes your professional ethos. By combining intellectual preparation for the LSAT with hands-on advocacy through moot court, pre-law students cultivate a rare balance of analytical rigor and eloquence.

Success in law school, and indeed in law itself, begins with preparation. To study the law is to commit to excellence, to embrace the craft of argument, and to develop the discipline of lifelong learning. Those who begin early, think critically, speak persuasively, and study diligently step into law school not as novices, but as emerging professionals already fluent in the language of the law.

In the pursuit of justice, preparation is everything.

For those who master the LSAT and moot court early on, the journey to becoming an exceptional lawyer has already begun.

Kailyn Hanlon Jackson is a part-time writer for Her Campus at York University, where she passionately delves into topics that intertwine with her academic pursuits, timeless elegance, and modern sensibilities. Her deep love for poetry and creative expression shines through her diverse body of work, seamlessly bridging the realms of creativity and academia.

Beyond her contributions to Her Campus, Kailyn serves as the CEO of Elegant Ladies by Kaitlyn Without the T, a brand dedicated to designing timeless accessories for the modern, elegant woman and refined gentleman. Additionally, she is the founder and president of the York Poetry Society, which provides a vibrant platform for artistic expression and literary exploration on campus.

Kailyn’s creative talents were recognized early in her academic journey. In her first year, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre showcased her podcast video on Japanese Canadians during their Nostalgia Night in August 2023. Her work was later featured on YouTube by York University's Anthropology Department, cementing her reputation as a dedicated and innovative contributor to her field.

Kailyn’s leadership extends across a wide range of campus organizations. She began her leadership journey in her first year as Treasurer of the Anthropology Student Association and subsequently rose to Vice President of the association in her second year. She has also held roles as VP of Finance for the Criminology Society and Student Success & Engagement Coordinator for the Women in Law Association. Currently in her third year, Kailyn balances several prestigious roles, including founder and president of the York Poetry Society, co-president of the Mock Trial Association, News Channel Host/Director for Nexus of Advocacy, and third-year representative for the Latin American Law Association.

Academically, Kailyn is pursuing an honours double major in Criminology and Anthropology, with additional certificates in German Language and Medical Anthropology. In her free time, she leads an active lifestyle, enjoying golf, Pilates, tennis, and ballet. Her musical tastes include Flamenco and Classical genres, with artists such as Arelys Henao, Rosalía, and Lana Del Rey holding special significance for her.