Winter break is a welcome pause in the academic year—a time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with family and friends. But it can also be a valuable opportunity to take small, intentional steps toward your law school goals. Whether you have two weeks or a full month off, here are some meaningful ways to make the most of your winter break as a pre-law student.
1. Reflect on Your Academic and Career Goals
Use this quieter time to check in with yourself. What classes or experiences have sparked your interest in law? Are there areas you want to explore more deeply? Journaling or talking with a mentor can help clarify your goals and shape your next steps.
2. Update Your Application Materials
Even if law school is still a few years away, it’s never too early to start building your professional toolkit:
- Refresh your resume with recent experiences.
- Draft or revise your personal statement or law school essay ideas.
- Create or update your LinkedIn profile with academic projects, coursework, upcoming internships, etc.
- Brainstorm your letters of recommendation—think about who might write them and how you can strengthen those relationships.
3. Pursue a Short-Term Internship or Volunteer Opportunity
While full internships may be rare during winter break, some organizations offer micro-internships, remote projects, or volunteer roles that can be completed in a few weeks. Or, you could parlay these opportunities into the spring semester. Look for opportunities in:
- Legal aid offices
- Nonprofits and advocacy groups
- Local government or court systems
- Policy research organizations
Where to look:
- Handshake
- Policorner.com
- Idealist.org
- Local government or court websites
- Schedule an appointment at the Career Center to explore additional opportunities
4. Conduct Informational Interviews
Reach out to attorneys, law students, or professionals in legal-adjacent fields for a 20–30 minute conversation. Ask about their career paths, what they enjoy about their work, and what advice they have for aspiring law students. These conversations can offer insight—and may even lead to future opportunities. Use either Nova Network or the Villanova LinkedIn Alumni tool.
5. Read Widely
Law schools value critical thinking and a broad worldview. Winter break is a great time to read:
- Legal memoirs or biographies (e.g., Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson)
- Books on current events, history, or political theory
- Supreme Court decisions or landmark case summaries
- Articles from reputable legal publications like SCOTUSblog or ABA Journal
Browse our Pre-Law Reading list for more suggestions!
6. Practice the LSAT (If Applicable)
If you’re planning to take the LSAT in the next year, winter break is a great time to start or continue your prep. Even just a few practice sections or logic games a week can build your confidence and skills. Browse Free LSAT Resources here, as well as take a look at LSAC’s free tests that you can take to build your baseline score.
7. Rest and Recharge
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of rest. Law school is demanding, and so is the path to get there. Taking time to care for your mental and physical health now will help you return to campus focused and energized.
Final Thoughts
Winter break doesn’t have to be packed with productivity to be meaningful. Even one or two intentional actions—like updating your resume or having a conversation with a legal professional—can move you closer to your goals. And remember, your pre-law advisor is here to help you navigate your journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you return to campus!
