timeline for law school applications

hello!! i am a first-gen prospective law student, and know the basics about applying to law school. i know i can google the following questions (and i have/will keep doing so), but i wanted to hear recommendations from people who have already gone through the process or at least know the timeline very well. thanks in advance!!

1. where can i find essays required for each school before applications even open? i want to start over the summer so i can submit as soon as i have my lsat score in the fall

2. where can i find the requirements for this year's personal statement/general essays?

3. what is the best timeline / rough deadlines for the application process to be early? i am taking the lsat late(ish) (september) because i only plan to take it once (knock on wood) and i cannot take the august one

4. any other tips for being "ahead of the curve" wherever possible / general application advice!!

thank you so much!