how to become a lawyer with a philosophy degree

Full Answer

Can a philosophy major become a lawyer?

Philosophy majors frequently become lawyers since they have many of the needed skills, including the ability to construct arguments and analyze and interpret difficult texts. In order to become a lawyer, you must go to law school after earning your bachelor’s degree.

How to become a lawyer?

Head to our degree database to view the leading online law degrees, all properly accredited, to help you become a leader in the legal profession. With the right education, you’ll have a strong understanding of the legal profession and be prepared for the bar exam, the most important test to become a lawyer.

How to become a philosopher?

Get a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Going to an accredited university to earn your BA in philosophy is the first step in becoming a Philosopher. It is where you learn and develop the transferrable skills mentioned above which are important for step two. Go to graduate school to earn your master’s degree or PhD in philosophy.

What can you do with a Philosophy degree?

Since philosophy majors are very well educated in culture, society, and human interpretation, they make very valuable marketing professionals in areas such as advertising, branding, and sales promotions. The average annual salary for a marketing professional with a philosophy degree is approximately $58,818.

Why philosophy is good for pre-law?

Philosophy courses can provide students with skills necessary to excel in law school; they can also fit the interests of those concerned with social justice, rights, argumentation, and law and its practice. Philosophy courses can provide practical benefit in law school admissions for pre-law students, as well.

Do lawyers use philosophy?

Philosophy Helps You Develop the Right Skills for Law School In the list, you can find “Philosophy,” but there are less-than-subtle clues that point to the philosophy major as the perfect fit for aspiring lawyers.

Can you get into law school with a philosophy degree?

Classes that stress research and writing are excellent preparation for law school, as are courses that teach reasoning and analytical skills." The acceptance rate for philosophy majors applying to law school is higher than the acceptance rates for all other pre-law majors (and second overall, behind physics majors).

Do philosophy majors do better on the LSAT?

On the LSAT, philosophy majors rank significantly better than any other humanities degree, with an average score slightly lower than economics for the second highest of any field with more than 2,000 students taking the exam for the 2017-2018 year.

Is philosophy a good law major?

There can be little doubt that the philosophy major provides the best preparation for an education and career in the law. First, philosophy consistently ranks first among pre-law majors in average LSAT score, surely the most important criterion for admission to law schools.

What are the 4 philosophies of law?

They are Natural, Positive, Marxist, and Realist Law theories. You may deal other theories in detail in your course on jurisprudence.

Can you make money with a philosophy degree?

Philosophy majors are commonly found working for non-profit organizations where they can pursue their interest in ethics and social or political philosophy and practice their writing and speaking skills. The average annual salary for a non-profit worker is approximately $47,000.

What can I do as a philosophy major?

What can you do with a philosophy degree?Writer. Parlaying your philosophical skills and expertise into a career as a writer seems like a no-brainer. ... Entrepreneur or analyst. ... Legal specialist. ... Human resources. ... Healthcare professional. ... Teacher or Professor. ... Counselor or mediator. ... Political scientist.More items...•

What is a legal philosopher?

Legal philosophy is about the analytical and normative study of law and legal concepts. This includes questions of “what is law?” concerning the nature of law and fundamental questions about the law's reach and authority.

What major has the highest LSAT score?

Math majorsFor an updated look at this analysis, here are the LSAT scores and GPAs by major for 2017-2018 law school applicants based on numbers reported by the LSAC. The general trends identified by Muller remain the same with one notable difference—Math majors' LSAT scores and GPAs are now the highest among all the majors!

What majors score the highest on the LSAT 2021?

Muller found that Classics majors are the best law school applicants, numbers-wise; this small group of students earned both the highest average LSAT (159.8) and the highest average GPA (3.477).

Does philosophy prepare for LSAT?

LSAT statistics show that philosophy students produce some of the highest scores among all majors, coming in second only to physics/math majors. The study of philosophy provides a statistically proven path to success in law school.

Is it good to go to law school with a new experience?

I think that you should go for it as any new experience would be good for a law degree as it would give you a deeper insight to what you are doing.

Is philosopy a first degree?

A significant number of those who eventually become barrister and solicitors (or legal executibes I 'spose) don't have law as their first degree. Philosopy is one of the most popular "other" degrees to have due to the obvious relevant transferable skills it offers.

What is the best career choice for a philosophy major?

Professor. Philosophy professors are a popular career choice for philosophy majors. This includes giving lectures and presentations on specialized topics to students in undergrad and graduate college, as well as writing and co-writing scholarly journals.

What are the different types of philosophy degrees?

There are three different types of philosophy degrees that can be obtained: bachelor’s, master’s, and a doctorate.

What Do Philosophers Do?

The typical day for a philosophy professor includes writing and answering emails, teaching lectures in the classroom, researching, grading, and several other tasks. Philosophers communicate with their colleagues and other fellow philosophers to discuss important topics, ask/answer questions about research, and to organize conferences.

How much does a philosophy major make?

Philosophy majors are commonly found working for non-profit organizations where they can pursue their interest in ethics and social or political philosophy and practice their writing and speaking skills. The average annual salary for a non-profit worker is approximately $47,000.

What does it take to be a public policy?

Working in public policy requires communicating with others, creating arguments, and unraveling the arguments of others, skills that philosophy majors are well equipped in . Public policy professionals often work at the government level to analyze and solve problems that affect masses of people.

What is the salary of a philosophy major?

The average annual salary for a health care professional with a philosophy degree is approximately $73,305.

Why is philosophy important?

As a philosophy major, it is crucial to develop transferable skills. Learning these skills will not only help you grow as a professional, but they will help those around you gain a better and more beneficial understanding. The transferrable skills are as follows:

How to become a lawyer in Texas?

This state does not mandate undergraduate education, but, like most states, they do require that you graduate from a school that is accredited through the American Bar Association to be eligible to sit for the Bar exam. Additionally, all applicants must meet certain moral standards set by the Texas Board of Law Examiners.

What Does a Lawyer Do?

Then we can move into the education. Lawyers provide advice and recommendations to clients of all type regarding their legal options and rights. They are versed in the laws of their area, and use this knowledge to represent individuals, businesses, organizations, or groups of people.

How much does a lawyer make in 2020?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a lawyer in May of 2020 was $126,930. (This mean that half of all lawyers surveyed make more!) By comparison, the median for all occupations was below $42,000. The highest 10% in this career make over $208,000, so there is clearly the potential for excellent incomes.

How much will the legal profession grow in 2020?

Not only is the pay strong, there should be excellent opportunities for skilled lawyers. The BLS says that job growth for lawyers between 2020 and 2030 should be 9%. Legal services will be required by many individuals, and organizations are more likely to hire in-house attorneys.

How many days are there for bar exam?

The Bar Exam contents and format varies by state. Some states use a standard test. This format includes two days of testing. Day 1 starts with two 90-minute performance tests. In the afternoon, you’ll have to complete six 30-minute essay exams. The second day does not get any easier; the morning features a 100-question multiple-choice test, while the afternoon features yet another 100-question multiple-choice test.

What is the difference between civil law and criminal law?

One of the defining factors of civil law is that it’s one person or group vs another , while in criminal cases, it’s the government vs a person or group.

When will Saint Mary's University start online law school?

Additionally, in September of 2021, the ABA has granted approval to first fully online law school in the country— Saint Mary's University School of Law. The first cohort of 25 part-time students will begin in Fall of 2022.

What is the path to becoming a lawyer?

Though the path to becoming a lawyer isn’t simple, it ultimately leads to a career that is rewarding financially and professionally. From the first class a freshman student takes, a lawyer’s education is primarily about developing the core capabilities that make a person an analytical thinker and a compelling, persuasive communicator.

What percentage of law school applicants are philosophy majors?

In fact, philosophy majors had the best numbers, with 82 percent of law school applicants admitted.

What are the best courses to get into law school?

For example, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recommends studying history, economics, English, and public speaking, among other courses. History courses can help students understand how laws came to be. Coursework in economics and mathematics prepares aspiring attorneys to understand the financial aspects of law. English and literature studies get students used to reading massive amounts of text, as they will have to do when they are lawyers studying laws and preparing for cases. Skills in public speaking are necessary for trial lawyers. Ultimately, students should seek to build fundamental skills like in-depth analysis, critical thinking, written communication, and oral communication.

How often do attorneys need continuing education?

Nearly every state requires attorneys to participate in approved continuing education training and courses either annually or every three years. Classes and training all vary by state and typically cover a specific area of law like healthcare, personal injury, taxation, and the like. It is becoming more common for states to allow online classes and training.

How much do lawyers make in 2020?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for lawyers is $126,930, as of May 2020. The bottom 10% of lawyers earn $61,490, with the top 10% bringing in $208,000. As with other occupations, industry matters.

What are the requirements to become an attorney?

Regardless of which major aspiring attorneys choose during their undergraduate educational careers, there are two absolute requirements for entering law school. Students must earn top grades to gain admission to an accredited program. They must also get an acceptable score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

What do you learn in law school?

During their law school education, students will learn how to write legal documents and how civil procedures are conducted. They will also learn various types of law, including tax law, constitutional law, corporate law, property law, and labor law. They must then pass their state’s bar exam, a written test, to be admitted to ...

What are the steps to become a lawyer?

Prospective lawyers must undertake a series of steps to practice law, including completion of undergraduate and graduate degrees, examinations and licensing processes. Prior to embarking in this journey, those interested should ask themselves why they want to become a lawyer and if they are willing to commit several years to studying law in order ...

What Does a Lawyer Do?

Lawyers are licensed by their state’s bar association to represent clients on a wide range of legal matters. Law is a broad field, but professionals typically provide legal advice, perform research, gather information, draft legal documents, and more. A spectrum of options is available, allowing legal professionals to pursue opportunities in corporate, private, government, and international settings.

How much do lawyers make in 2020?

The BLS reports that the median annual wage for lawyers was about $126,930 in 2020, with the top 10 percent of earners taking home more than $208,000 per year. Those working in state and local government tend to earn less while lawyers specializing in financial and insurance law are in the top bracket.

What majors do prelaws have?

Common undergraduate majors for prelaw students include English, political science, economics, business, philosophy, and journalism.

How long does it take to become a barrister?

The degree typically takes about three years of full-time study to complete. According to the ABA, there are currently 205 approved higher education providers.

Do law schools prepare students for the bar exam?

Traditionally, law schools prepare students to take the bar examination in the state the institution is located . Prospective students should consider where they want to practice law as that will influence where they attend school. However, some states have reciprocal agreements allowing graduates from one state to practice law in another after passing the bar examination.

Is law a dual degree?

The practice of modern law does not occur in a vacuum, but at an intersection of multiple disciplines . Universities and law schools recognize that the field draws upon different areas. As a result, many offer dual or joint degree programs allowing students to earn an additional professional degree to complement their law education. Through these concurrent degree programs, students gain specialized expertise that prepares them for a range of professional opportunities. Some of the most common dual and joint degree programs include the following:

What is the best career for a philosophy major?

Marketing careers are especially good for philosophy majors who want to be creative at work. To become a marketing manager, you often need experience as a marketing coordinator, analyst, and/or assistant. Find marketing manager and other marketing jobs on The Muse. 3. Reporter.

What can a philosophy major do?

Philosophy majors can use their analytical, critical thinking, and listening skills to learn about their target market and their writing and persuasion skills to develop an effective campaign that takes into account what their customers need and want. They’ll also excel at analyzing the results of past and ongoing campaigns and making changes for the future. Marketing careers are especially good for philosophy majors who want to be creative at work. To become a marketing manager, you often need experience as a marketing coordinator, analyst, and/or assistant.

Why is philosophy important?

Adaptability and innovation: “ Philosophy prepares people to think about and understand the fundamental nature and broader purpose of the work they are doing ,” says Mitchell Muncy, Founder and Principal of Prospera LLC, a consultancy for mission-driven organizations, who holds a master’s in philosophy and has hired candidates with philosophy degrees for a range of positions. The ability to see “beyond specific functions or tools” helps philosophy majors not only adapt to new environments but also come up with new strategies and ideas and make observations others may not have considered, Muncy says. “I would say that the great virtue of philosophy majors is not that they are particularly good at certain jobs, but that they can be good at any job and, more important, make extraordinary contributions.”

Why do philosophy majors make good teachers?

Philosophy majors make good teachers due to their communication skills and their ability to break down complex ideas and evaluate concepts from different points of view. They’re also good at communicating the “why” behind different ideas, lessons, and even teaching strategies.

What is critical thinking in philosophy?

Critical thinking and problem solving: The bulk of philosophy is critical thinking—really breaking down a problem, idea, or other concept to its core components and examining it from every angle. The skills you honed doing this will help you to “provide a creative, inquisitive approach to problem-solving,” Savage says.

How much does a psychologist make?

Psychologist. Average salary: $78,724. Psychologists study human behavior, emotions, and thought processes. They may also counsel individuals, couples, and other groups on their mental health. As a philosophy major, you’ve developed a lot of the critical thinking and analysis skills needed to study psychology.

What is the study of philosophy?

Analysis: A large part of the study of philosophy is interpreting and analyzing difficult texts, ideas, and larger concepts and societal issues. In your classes, you likely analyzed the merits and strengths of different texts and got to the root of what they were trying to say before using them to inform your own ideas.

What is the primary job of a lawyer?

Primary duties: Lawyers give legal advice and represent people and companies in court. They might specialize in a specific type of law, such as criminal, civil or corporate. Lawyers must have a thorough understanding of legal institutions and laws and be committed to justice.

What are the requirements to become a psychologist?

Requirements: Psychologists must earn a master’s or doctorate in psychology after receiving a bachelor’s in a related field, such as philosophy.

How much does a paralegal make?

National average salary: $50,212 per year. Primary duties: Paralegals assist lawyers by organizing contracts and paperwork, performing research on legal cases and preparing for trials. These individuals typically have strong writing and problem-solving skills and can make good arguments.

What are the primary duties of a professor?

Primary duties: Professors teach college classes and might also do research or publish scholarly books and articles. They prepare lectures, seminars and coursework for either undergraduate or graduate students in their area of experience. They must be able to balance their teaching duties with their research.

What degree do you need to be a data analyst?

Requirements: Data analysts need a bachelor’s degree in a critical-thinking field such as philosophy or statistics.

What degree do you need to be a teacher?

Requirements: Teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree, and public school teachers must complete a certification program in their state.

What is philosophy 2020?

December 15, 2020. Philosophy is the study of reasoning, truth and existence. People who earn philosophy degrees have strong foundations in critical thinking, problem-solving, writing and speaking skills. These skills are useful in a wide range of jobs and industries, giving philosophy graduates career options in a variety of fields.

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.

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 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 is law important?

Laws have material consequences on every person and structure. They influence outcomes across the life course, making the field extremely important to the stability and progress of society. The work done by law professionals is competitive and pays well. Because of these things, students wishing to pursue a career in law are faced ...

Business

A business major is a great option for those who are entrepreneurial-minded. Students interested in corporate law might find that classes in management and economics are well-suited to their postgraduation career needs. Word of warning, business majors should be careful not to focus solely on the fundamentals.

Economics

An economics major spends a lot of time summarizing large amounts of quantitative data. This is great training for law school as an econ major will be well-prepared to sort information and evidence in order to build a case backed by evidence.

English

Lawyers must be well-versed with the English language as they spend a lot of their time researching, writing, and speaking in court. English majors will learn how to analyze and synthesize large bodies of text, developing a command of written and verbal language (sometimes more than one).

Philosophy

Is there a more “prelaw school” major than philosophy? It’s no surprise that students majoring in philosophy dive deep into logic, ethics, and morality, which are all big, existential questions relevant to the study and practice of law.

Political Science

Political science majors should be prepared to study political systems, public policy, and the relationship between types of government and the law. This major is probably the closest to a law school curriculum in undergrad that a student will find.

Psychology

Psychology is the study of human behaviors and this major gives students insight into the human psyche. For instance, students might apply their psych studies to criminal cases, questioning how human error could possibly lead to wrongful convictions or how innocent people sometimes make incorrect judgments.

Bottom Line

For students considering a career in law, some majors are a reliable source of the skills and knowledge central to the profession. However, no major will guarantee a law school acceptance letter — and no major will disqualify a student, either.