Law school is difficult for almost all students, even those with a history of academic success and a passion for legal affairs. If English is not a student's first language, and the student is seeking a law degree, the student has an additional barrier to overcome. However, with practice, patience and study, the ESL student will overcome this barrier as well. Understanding how to be successful as an ESL student in law school is key.

Effects
Being an English language learner in law school can make learning the necessary legal terms and theories even more difficult. Most students taking law classes are subjected to an entirely new vocabulary. As English language learners, students are being subjected to new legal vocabulary words, as well as English words and constructions with which they may be unfamiliar. According to the American Bar Association, many of the skills related to completing law school successfully are language skills. These include writing, reading, listening, analytic and oral presentation skills. As English language learners, students will suffer in law school if they are not committed to becoming proficient in these and other areas in English.

Prevention/Solution
Although being an English language learner can make law school challenging, ESL students have many ways they can succeed in their legal educations. First, ESL students should make an effort to communicate in English often, both with native and non-native speakers. Like any other skill, a language can't be learned if it is not practiced. According to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab, ESL students have some areas of American academic writing they may not understand. Practicing and making an effort to understand these issues, such as directness and formal language, is necessary for the ESL law student. Second, ESL students should seek extra help by taking advantage of study groups, partners and university ESL resources. Third, ESL students should try to improve their listening skills by recording lectures and summarizing verbal arguments to a native speaker. This can help students improve the amount of learning they take from their professors.

Resources
Some law schools have special resources for their ESL students. For example, Northwestern Law School offers discussion groups, tutors, writing workshops and other tools to prepare ESL students for success. If an English language learner's law school offers these resources, ESL students should take advantage of them. Not only will these resources help ESL students improve as law students, but they will also help students succeed in their careers.

Considerations
ESL students should take the fact that they are English language learners into account when they are applying to and choosing law schools. ESL students should find out what resources exist for them on the campuses before making a decision, and, if possible, interview a few current students to get their input as to how ESL students might succeed on that particular campus.

Benefits
While being an English language learner in law school might seem like a hindrance, this position also has benefits. The American Bar Association makes it very clear that diversity is of value to law schools. According to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab, diversity is important to the institution of higher education in the United States. The experiences and backgrounds of ESL students differ from that of other students. This allows the ESL student to be a welcome part of a community that thrives on diversity.