how does having a political science degree help you become a lawyer

by Leonora Brekke 8 min read

A degree in political science prepares you for success in law school and in a professional capacity by improving reading, writing and public speaking skills. In-depth knowledge about the Constitution and its founding principles as well as the development of the court system also provide strong benefits. 6. Economics

The Relevance of Political Science to Law School
You'll receive preparation in the research and analytical skills that are vital for a legal education. And since the degree is so focused on the context of law, the systems that surround it and leadership within public service, it's a strong fit.
Nov 5, 2014

Full Answer

How can a political science degree prepare you for Law School?

The American Bar Association (ABA) outlines some of the most common core skills, values, knowledge and experience for students to focus on in order to prepare for law school: A number of these skills are highlights of a political science degree. You’ll receive preparation in the research and analytical skills that are vital for a legal education.

What are the benefits of a law degree in politics?

That’s a really good skill, particularly in politics at the moment where anger and fear seem to drive a lot of the main parties’ policies.” Furthermore, as a law graduate working in politics, you have greater awareness of the implications of what parliament does.

How is political science used in the legal field?

Political science offers an in-depth understanding of government, from its formulation to its implementation. As governments are the source of laws, this has wide applications to the legal field.

What can you do with a degree in politics?

There’s a huge range of rewarding and interesting jobs in politics for law students – working in public relations, communications, consultancy, or even in the civil service. Law is a noble profession, but studying it needn’t limit your career options.

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What does political science have to do with law?

Political science is a rigorous discipline that can benefit both legal scholars and lawyers. Public Law—the subfield of political science that studies law and courts—has much to offer in understanding how judges make decisions and how larger political and institutional contexts affect the legal system.

Is a political science degree worth it for law school?

You want to lay the groundwork for law school or graduate studies. As you pursue a bachelor's degree in political science, you may increase your abilities in research, writing, speaking, communicating, and critical thinking. These skills may assist you in your pursuits of graduate studies or law school.

Why do lawyers major in political science?

Attorney. Many lawyers majored in Political Science in their undergraduate years, because the major provided them with an ample understanding of the way law and government systems function in the United States.

Is political science the best major for law school?

Approximately 81 percent of the 12,693 law school applicants who majored in political science were admitted. The average LSAT score for this major was 153.4. Political science is overwhelmingly the most popular major for pre-law students.

Can I become a lawyer with political science?

After studying political science, can it be use for Masters in Law and go to Law school after Masters ? You have to study law as a 2nd degree. An MSc in law cannot get you to law school. You have to spend another 4-5 Years studying it excluding 1year in law school.

What is the most regretted major?

5 most regretted college majorsEnglish and foreign language. About 42% of survey respondents who had this major regretted their choice, ZipRecruiter found. ... Biological and physical sciences. ... Education. ... Social sciences and law. ... Communications. ... Computer science/mathematics. ... Business. ... Engineering.More items...

Can you work in a law firm with a politics degree?

You might be interested in a career in central or local government, the Civil Service or charity work after finishing your politics degree, but there are also plenty of other careers open to you, including law and business.

Can I do law after BA political science?

Although there is a graduate level 5-year LLB course to enter the field of law, you can still enter the field after completing BA (H) Political Science by pursuing a 3-year LLB course and passing the All India Bar examination conducted by the Bar Council of India.

What majors do lawyers most?

The most popular major of law school candidates is political science. There's a reason why many successful politicians are lawyers—the link between law and political theory is very strong. Political science is the study of government systems, political behavior, and how the judicial system works.

Can a BA political science student become a lawyer?

The candidates must have passed the Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 45- 50% of marks. Candidates will have to clear national or state-level law entrance exams. Candidates will have to clear national or state-level law entrance exams to be eligible for the admission process.

Is political science a good major?

As part of a liberal arts education that enhances skills in analytical reading, research, analysis, and writing, political science makes students good candidates for a job in almost any area, including business, finance, consulting, government work, the foreign service, and teaching.

What can you do with a bachelors in political science?

Career Choices for Political Science Majors.Policy Analyst.Legislative Assistant.Public Relations Specialist.Social Media Manager.Marketing Research Analyst.Political Consultant.Attorney.More items...•

Can I study political science after law?

Hello, Yes of course you can pursue PhD in law after doing ma in Political science. It's up to you which course you want to follow. Just work hard to achieve what you want to achieve.

Why do people study law?

Luckily, the skills gained from studying law can be applied to other careers. Many people say they study law because of an innate sense of justice and public service – values that can go hand-in-hand with a career in politics. “Studying law teaches you how to construct arguments, think critically and challenge policy – all valuable skills needed ...

Why is it important to study law?

Studying law isn’t just about learning what the law is, it can also involve critically analysing why it is the way it is, and thinking about what it should be. Law develops your ability to see both sides of the argument, in order to ascertain what’s right and wrong.

What are the jobs for law students?

There’s a huge range of rewarding and interesting jobs in politics for law students – working in public relations, communications, consultancy, or even in the civil service.

Who is the UK attorney general?

Jeremy Wright, the UK’s current attorney general, is a former barrister, which obviously helps as the government’s chief legal officer. The former attorney general Dominic Grieve is also a barrister and QC.

Did Hillary Clinton go to law school?

Bill and Hillary Clinton met at Yale law school, while Barack Obama and a host of other renowned US politicians all went to law school before going into politics. In Britain, according to statistics on the social backgrounds of MPs, around 14% of MPs in 2010 were formerly barristers or solicitors.

How many pre-law students choose political science?

Approximately 12,000-13,000 pre-law students choose political science as an undergraduate major, making it the most popular major by a wide margin. One in five applicants has a bachelor’s degree in political science.

What is the best major for a lawyer?

Bachelor’s in Economics . Economics is an excellent major for aspiring lawyers, especially for those intending to work in corporate law, intellectual property, or another niche where an understanding of economic theory and the levers that drive capitalism can be useful.

What is a business administration degree?

A bachelor’s degree in business administration is well suited for law school, especially those applicants considering a corporate law track where knowing business fundamentals is helpful . The coursework is rigorous in reading, writing, and quantitative analysis, which is also helpful in preparing for the LSAT.

What is a criminal justice degree?

Because the criminal justice and legal systems are so intertwined, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice serves as an excellent undergraduate major in preparation for law school. Those considering work as a prosecuting or defense attorney may find the degree especially helpful, as the coursework and internships will give students a strong familiarity with the criminal justice system. Potential law students can also form helpful relationships with current lawyers that can provide insight into what it’s like to work in the criminal justice system. Helpful courses include criminology, criminal psychology, law & the criminal justice system, and social science research.

What are the courses required to take the LSAT?

Courses such as business law, contract negotiations, and public speaking are just a few that have proven to be helpful.

How do psychology and law intersect?

Psychology and law intersect well, as both deal with human thought and behavior. Psychology experts are relied upon heavily as witnesses and experts in many different legal cases and contexts. Having an understanding of psychological theory and its application can be helpful when it comes to preparing for law school.

What is a bachelors in public policy?

Bachelor’s in Public Policy. Public policy is a major component of law. In fact, public policy is nothing more than systems of laws, regulatory measures, and funding allocations that drive the policy out into society. Law shapes public policy and vice versa.

Why do lawyers need an English major?

The English major is a very popular major for law school because of its immediately obvious benefits: advanced reading comprehension and persuasive writing skills. Students of the English major study dense and complex literature and are then required to process the information, make connections and create organized analytical arguments and defend positions. In this light, the critical thinking skills required of English majors mirror the skills required by law students. Strong reading and writing skills are required by all lawyers, so the English major is a no-brainer when it comes to selecting a major for law school.

What is political science?

Political science is the study of government systems, political behavior, and how the judicial system works. This is where a political science degree shows its advantage in law school. Students in this field often have a better understanding of how laws are created and executed as well as the history behind them.

What are the skills required for an English major?

In this light, the critical thinking skills required of English majors mirror the skills required by law students.

What is psychology major?

Through the psychology major’s coursework, students develop a solid understanding of how people can make correct or incorrect judgments that can lead to things like stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination. Psychology courses also teach students how to network and prepare for negotiations.

Why is sociology a good major?

Sociology is a great major for potential law students because it studies the big picture of society. It looks at the social issues we face in our society like poverty, economic justice, racial discrimination, and LGBT rights. Sociology looks at the way the law can help, and how to develop solutions to fight inequality. In this light, sociology is a great area of focus for students that hope to one day end up using the law to affect public policy.

Why is it important to know a specialized field?

Knowledge in a specialized field will almost certainly help you in a career as a lawyer because there are so many different types of lawyers. Embrace the difference and be yourself. Don’t make your choice of an undergraduate program based on what you think law admissions officers favor.

Is philosophy a difficult major?

Philosophy is a difficult major.

What can lawyers learn from science?

By learning about science, future lawyers can develop the skills they need to understand various pieces of evidence, use them to investigate cases and connect all the available information to come up with a reasonable conclusion. 5. Mathematics.

What are the skills required to become a lawyer?

Close reading and reasoning. Lawyers often need to quickly familiarize themselves with relatively large passages of previously unknown text, so classes that involve reading literature very important for developing these skills.

What are the duties of a lawyer?

Their exact duties and responsibilities are: 1 Providing expert advice to clients regarding potential legal issues that they may expose themselves to or ongoing litigations 2 Analyzing all documents involved in a legal case against their clients, such as witness accounts, police reports, accident reports and other official documents 3 Using their knowledge of the law to find passages and precedents that may then be used in the defense of their clients 4 Working with their clients to develop the most appropriate strategy for each situation, based on the particularities of each legal case 5 Preparing various civil legal documents, such as wills, deeds and contracts 6 Appearing in court before a judge and using legal rhetoric to defend their clients' interests

What do lawyers need to know?

Lawyers generally need to have extensive knowledge of any subject that can describe and influence society, such as economics, history, politics, government affairs and other similar ones. Taking a social studies class can help you understand concepts like how laws and regulations are made, how legal procedures and precedents work and other similar concepts that are vital for successfully practicing law.

Why is math important in law?

Therefore, mathematics is an important aspect of the job, as the skills you acquire when learning how to solve math problems are usually transferrable to several aspects of the law.

What is a lawyer?

Lawyers, also called attorneys, are tasked with advising their clients and representing them in civil and criminal cases. Their responsibilities span from simply offering legal advice to preparing legal documents on behalf of the client and ultimately representing the client in front of a court of law.

How long does it take to get a Juris Doctor degree?

You can earn a Juris Doctor degree by graduating from a law school that's accredited by the American Bar Association, which takes three years. During law school, you can choose to focus on one particular area of the law, such as criminal, environmental, tax, property, real estate or family. Pass the bar exam.

What are the majors in law school?

However, some of the most common undergraduate majors include criminal justice, English, economics, philosophy and political science. Spend your undergraduate time taking classes related to the area of law you think you would like to practice.

What are the best courses to take to become a lawyer?

Some courses you can expect to take while earning your J.D. are: 1 Constitutional law 2 Courtroom procedures 3 Criminal law 4 Civil law 5 International law 6 Torts 7 Property and real estate law

What is the last step to become a lawyer?

The last step in becoming a lawyer is passing the bar examination. You will need to pass the bar exam for whichever states you would like to practice law in. For example, if you want to practice law in New York, you will need to pass the New York State Bar Exam.

How much does a lawyer make?

Average lawyer salary. The average salary for a lawyer in the United States is $70,336 per year, though some salaries range from $14,000 to $201,000 per year. Salaries may depend on experience level, field of legal practice and a lawyer's location.

What is the next step after a bachelor's degree?

After earning your bachelor's degree, your next step is to take the LSAT. It consists of five multiple-choice sections that cover topics such as reading comprehension, critical thinking and argumentation. It is administered at a testing location on a specific date through electronic tablets.

What is the best degree for law school?

A degree in political science prepares you for success in law school and in a professional capacity by improving reading, writing and public speaking skills. In-depth knowledge about the Constitution and its founding principles as well as the development of the court system also provide strong benefits. 6. Economics.

What is the best major for pre-law students?

Business. Majoring in business, such as in business administration or corporate business, may be a smart path for some pre-law students to follow. Business degree plans are often rigorous, which may make business majors more appealing to law schools.

What is the benefit of majoring in English?

If you thrived in high school English classes, majoring in English may enable you to earn a higher GPA in college than you may earn in other areas of study. This major may provide other substantial benefits as you prepare for the future. Consider that 3,549 law school applicants held a degree in English in 2016 and 2017. The average LSAT score for these applicants was 154.4, and approximately 80 percent of applicants with this degree were admitted to at least one law school.

How many law school applicants majored in philosophy?

Philosophy often falls into this group. According to LSAC statistics, 2,294 law school applicants majored in philosophy.

What is the acceptance rate for law school?

Leading law schools have an acceptance rate well below 20 percent with an average GPA of admitted applicants close to or higher than 3.8. Your undergraduate-level education directly impacts your ability to get ...

What are the areas of study that are considered science?

These areas of study provide students with a strong background that can be essential for success in various legal niches. For example, chemistry studies may be essential for a successful career in pharmaceutical law. Ecology coursework is beneficial for pre-law students who intend to focus on environmental law.

Is a business degree good for law school?

While a business degree may be well-suited for many potential law school applicants, the coursework may be most relevant for those who intend to pursue a career in corporate law or other similar areas. The specialized business degree obtained may make this major more or less relevant.

What is the role of an attorney in society?

Attorneys have stood at the center of society for centuries. They're in a unique position to affect societal change as lawmakers and thought leaders. They write the laws, rule the courts, and hold influential positions in government.

Why are lawyers important?

Lawyers are in a unique position to help individuals, groups, and organizations with their legal problems and to further the public good. Public interest lawyers champion legal causes for the greater good of society and help those in need of legal assistance who might not otherwise be able to afford attorneys.

Why do lawyers do pro bono work?

Lawyers in private practice often perform pro bono work to help low-income individuals and underserved portions of the population , such as the elderly, victims of domestic abuse, and children. In fact, many bar associations require that attorneys commit to a certain number of pro bono hours each year.

Where do lawyers work?

Work Environments and Perks. The majority of lawyers work in law firms, government, and for corporations. In an age where cubicles have become the mainstay of the modern workplace, lawyers typically work in offices with four walls.

Do lawyers make big bucks?

Keep in mind, however, that not all lawyers make big bucks. It can depend on employer size, experience level, and geographic region. Lawyers employed in large law firms, major metropolitan areas, and in-demand specialties generally earn the highest incomes.

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Political Science

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Average LSAT Score: 153.8 Average GPA: 3.39 The most popular major of law school candidates is political science. There’s a reason why many successful politicians are lawyers—the link between law and political theory is very strong. Political science is the study of government systems, political behavior, and how …
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Psychology

  • Average LSAT Score: 152.59 Average GPA: 3.35 Want to understand why people think, believe, and act the way they do? Psychology is the study of human behavior and the mental processes that fuel how people interact with each other and the world around them. Since the law is a system designed to govern human behavior, psychology can help lawmakers understand what ki…
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Criminal Justice

  • Average LSAT Score: 145.90 Average GPA: 3.22 Criminal justice is a natural fit for law school since coursework focuses on criminal justice topics. These programs often include courses on court proceedings, the correction systems, and many other aspects of the legal system. Criminal justice degrees emphasize strong research, analysis, and writing skills which are a necessity in l…
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English

  • Average LSAT Score: 155.25 Average GPA: 3.42 The English major is a very popular major for law school because of its immediately obvious benefits: advanced reading comprehension and persuasive writing skills. Students of the English major study dense and complex literature and are then required to process the information, make connections and create organized analytical …
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History

  • Average LSAT Score: 156.22 Average GPA: 3.45 A significant part of being a lawyer is understanding past precedent on different legal cases in the past. Is it any surprise then that history is a great major for law students? History studentsnot only study the events of the past, but also study the way different legal systems have evolved, court rulings, treaties, and other leg…
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Economics

  • Average LSAT Score: 158.93 Average GPA: 3.47 Economics is a topic that has drastically altered the shape of the law. This is because many laws are enacted to adjust and correct economic behavior by businesses and individuals in the marketplace. Legal studies focus on topics that are rooted in economic analysis—torts, contracts, property rights, antitrust, business organizations, …
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Philosophy

  • Average LSAT Score: 157.53 Average GPA: 3.43 The granddaddy of all mind-stretching mental exercises, philosophy is a fantastic major that builds a student’s ability to think critically and argue. Law is heavily based on philosophical elements like ethics, and human nature—subjects that are commonly taught in a philosophy major. Philosophy is a difficult major. It requires stude…
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Sociology

  • Average LSAT Score: 150.71 Average GPA: 3.29 Sociology is a great major for potential law students because it studies the big picture of society. It looks at the social issues we face in our society like poverty, economic justice, racial discrimination, and LGBT rights. Sociology looks at the way the law can help, and how to develop solutions to fight inequality. In this light, sociology …
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Communications

  • Average LSAT Score: 151.2 Average GPA: 3.32 Students with a passion for writing, public speaking, or negotiation often gravitate to the communications major. This major focuses on team building, organizational communication, and conflict management as well as developing critical thinking skills. These are all transferable skills when it comes to transitioning into law stu…
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Science

  • Average LSAT Score: 148.4 Average GPA: 3.21 When it comes to college admissions, the name of the game is usually to stand out from among your peers. There is no better way to stand out from the pack of law school applicants than with a science degree. While the degree may seem completely irrelevant to law, different areas of scientific study lend themselves well to specialize…
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