if a person wants to become a lawyer what bachelors degree should they pursue

by Brown Bernier 6 min read

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

Law School Admission Test

The Law School Admission Test is a half-day standardized test administered six times each year at designated testing centers throughout the world. The Law School Admission Council administers the LSAT for prospective law school candidates. It is designed to assess reading comprehension as well as logical and verbal reasoning proficiency. The test is an integral part of the law school a…

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Technically, students can get into law school with any kind of bachelor's degree. While there is no required major, it will be easier for students to get accepted into law school if they take courses like public speaking, history, mathematics, English, government and economics.

Full Answer

What to know before becoming a lawyer?

Sep 07, 2011 · You may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics, or business, or you may focus your undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science, mathematics, computer science, engineering, nursing, or education.

What are the professional requirements for becoming a lawyer?

Mar 16, 2011 · Becoming a lawyer usually takes 7 years of full-time study after high school-4 years of undergraduate study, followed by 3 years of law school and receipt of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Law...

Which degree do you need to become a lawyer?

Oct 20, 2021 · Most law schools require that applicants possess a bachelor's degree. Law students typically complete programs in economics, government, or history. Aspiring medical lawyers might consider completing a degree program in health care administration, health studies, or health humanities.

What is the best undergraduate degree for lawyers?

Mar 11, 2014 · Try working six months in your dream field without a law degree before considering the pros and cons of applying to law schools. iStockphoto Many who obtain a law degree do so to become a lawyer.

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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 is the bar exam?

To legally practice law in any state, prospective lawyers must pass the licensing exam commonly referred to as the “bar exam.”. Passing this exam means the individual is admitted to that particular state’s bar association. Some states require that multiple exams are successfully completed.

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.

How many standardized items are required for a bar exam?

The most common bar exam consists of a two-day test with 200 standardized items covering six areas of law, including constitutional law, contract law, evidence, real property law, and torts.

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 percentage of law school applicants are philosophy majors?

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

DegreeDazed Member

What bachelor's is best to get into law school? My friend says that an English degree is fine, but I'm not sure about that. Should you get a degree in communications or is there a pre-law degree somewhere?

NorCal Active Member

An undergraduate degree in English is usually the best choice from what I understand. Its not mandatory, you can major in anything, but I've been told it helps.

TEKMAN Semper Fi!

I agree with NorCal, because attorney requires high level of language communications. However, also depends what kind of law you want to practice. If you want to be an Intellectual Property Lawyer, Science and Engineering would be recommended. If you plan to do Taxation Law, then Finance/Accounting.

atrox79 New Member

I don't know too much about law school but I know lots of people who major in English, Philosophy, Political Science & History for their undergrad degrees with the goal of going on to get a J.D..

Psydoc New Member

According to a local judge, who I was on a high school career panel with, "the best degree for law school is a degree that will allow you make a living doing something you enjoy if you fail to get into or out of law school." Makes a lot of sense to me.

Hokiephile New Member

Anything that requires you to do a lot of reading, writing, and thinking. Engineers and scientists often have trouble at first because they're used to more concrete thinking. I teach law students and they mostly have abysmal reading and writing skills, so work on those. Don't avoid classes because they require a lot of reading or a research paper.

CalDog New Member

Law school admissions are heavily controlled by two factors: LSAT score and GPA. So if the only consideration is law school admissions, then it could be argued that: "the best major for law school is the one that will maximize your GPA."

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

Most law schools require that applicants possess a bachelor's degree. Law students typically complete programs in economics, government, or history. Aspiring medical lawyers might consider completing a degree program in health care administration, health studies, or health humanities.

Take the LSAT

To get into law school, applicants must take and pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Undergraduate students usually complete the LSTAT during their junior year. The LSAT is a half-day exam that tests an aspiring lawyer's critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and reading skills.

Complete Law School

About three years of full-time study is required to complete law school. Programs emphasize basic law concepts during the first year, such as criminal, constitutional, and property law, as well as torts. In the final two years, students can take elective classes, like medical research ethics and the law, medical malpractice, and public health law.

Earn a Master of Laws Degree

Licensed lawyers can earn a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Health Care Law or Global Health Law. These programs often include clinical experiences or internships in addition to coursework. Classes may cover topics like law and science, health care reform law, the fundamentals of health law, and public health law.

What is a law degree?

You will obtain an understanding of legal processes, logical reasoning skills and critical thinking and analysis capabilities. A law degree can even be helpful in your everyday life when you need to sign contracts or other legal documents with complex language. [Ask four questions to determine if law school is the right move .]

Why do people go to law school?

Many students go to law school because they aren’t sure what they want to do and they figure a law degree can’t hurt. This can land you with student debt and no job to pay it off. It’s a good idea to have some backup options as well, as the job market can fluctuate.

Is a law degree required?

An understanding of the law is helpful in a variety of careers, from mediation to politics. A law degree may not be a requirement to break into these careers, but it can set you apart from other candidates when it comes to hiring decisions.

Is law school good for you?

There are several pros and cons of going to law school for those who do not intend to practice law. [ Think hard about the benefits of law school for your career.] Pro: Versatility is one of the most beneficial aspects of a law degree. An understanding of the law is helpful in a variety of careers, from mediation to politics.