what kind of lawyer can i be with a chemistry degree

by Joannie Haag 4 min read

The field of intellectual property and patent law offers a variety of opportunities for attorneys with a specialization in science and chemistry. These lawyers help to protect clients' claims to copyrights, innovations, product designs, and computer programs.

Full Answer

What can I do with a chemistry degree?

A chemistry degree can open up rewarding professional pathways in the life, physical, and social sciences. The chemistry field challenges professionals to develop improvements to medicines, manufacturing processes, and health and safety measures.

Should a chemistry graduate consider a career in patent law?

For chemistry graduates considering a career in patent law, Padget advises exploring the different private practice and in-house roles. ‘They are really different – if you want a variety of clients then you want to be in private practice, but an in-house role allows you to gain more commercial experience.’

What do you study in an associate degree in chemistry?

An associate degree in chemistry is typically a 60–credit, two-year program where you will gain an introductory-level education in various chemistry topics, including organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular chemistry. You will also study closely-related subjects like physics, geology, and calculus.

What are the different types of Chemistry degrees?

What Kinds of Chemistry Degrees Are There? 1 Associate Degree in Chemistry. An associate degree in chemistry is typically a 60–credit, two-year program where you will gain an introductory-level education in various chemistry topics, including organic chemistry, biochemistry, ... 2 Bachelor of Chemistry. ... 3 Master of Chemistry. ... 4 Ph.D. ...

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Is chemistry a good major for law school?

These include biology, ecology, chemistry and more. 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.

What type of careers would a person with a chemistry degree have?

Chemistry has numerous applications that contribute to a wide range of careers for an analytical chemist, forensic chemist, or even an environmental chemist in government positions as well as the private sector.

What are 5 careers that involve chemistry?

Top 10 Chemistry JobsAnalytical Chemist.Chemical Engineer.Chemistry Teacher.Forensic Scientist.Geochemist.Hazardous Waste Chemist.Materials Scientist.Pharmacologist.More items...•

What is the best major to become a lawyer?

The Best Majors for Aspiring LawyersBusiness. A business major is a great option for those who are entrepreneurial-minded. ... Criminal Justice / Criminology. Criminal justice is the identification and explanation of criminal behavior patterns. ... Economics. ... English. ... Philosophy. ... Political Science. ... Psychology.

Is chemistry a useless degree?

A chemistry degree can be worth it for many people because it leads to a range of well-paid and in-demand careers. Be be aware that university-level chemistry is reasonably tough, so it's best to make your choice based on interest as well as future job prospects.

Which field of chemistry pays the most?

Forensic chemistryForensic chemistry is also home to some of the highest paid jobs in chemistry, including medical examiners, forensic engineers, and crime lab analysts. Therefore, if you are looking for a hands-on career in chemistry that also pays well, forensic chemistry ticks all the boxes.

What should I do after BS in chemistry?

Here are the most popular career options after BSc Chemistry:Safety Health and Environment Specialist.Professor or Tutor.Lab Assistant.Scientific Data Entry Specialist.Research & Development Manager.Product Officer.Production Chemist.Water Quality Chemist.More items...

How can I make money with a chemistry degree?

How To Make Money With Chemistry Degree?Healthcare and Pharma Industries. If you are looking for a stable job and earnings, then you can try to get jobs in a pharmaceutical company or healthcare. ... Research and Academics. ... Quality Control and Quality Assurance. ... Fiverr for Scientific writing.

What can you do with a Bachelor of Science chemistry?

Here is a list of 15 jobs you may consider that require a chemistry degree:Hazardous waste chemist.Chemical technician.High school chemistry teacher.Pharmacologist.Laboratory manager.Chemical engineer.Laboratory technician.Forensic scientist.More items...•

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.

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice areaTax attorney (tax law): $122,000.Corporate lawyer: $115,000.Employment lawyer: $87,000.Real Estate attorney: $86,000.Divorce attorney: $84,000.Immigration attorney: $84,000.Estate attorney: $83,000.Public Defender: $63,000.More items...•

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.

What is the job of an attorney in chemistry?

One of the primary responsibilities of attorneys is to advise clients and represent them and their legal rights. Skills that attorneys in chemistry-related fields need for the job include:

What are some jobs that don't require a law degree?

There are many opportunities in the legal field that don’t require attending law school or becoming a lawyer. Paralegal, legal assistant, patent specialist, searcher, or other entry-level position - Requires a technical degree (bachelor's in natural sciences, technology, or engineering)

What is the background of a patent attorney?

Patent attorneys must have the technical background to understand the inventions they are supporting. Intellectual property law firms also employ non-attorneys who conduct background research, investigate new technical areas, and even help draft patents.

Why are scientists important?

Perseverance, creativity, and reasoning ability are essential for lawyers who analyze complex cases and handle new and unique legal problems. Patents in the life sciences can involve highly sophisticated inventions, and people with scientific backgrounds have an advantage when it comes to understanding the material and solving problems in the context of current applicable regulations.

Why is the competition for an attorney so high?

Competition for job openings as an attorney is high due to the large number of students graduating from law school each year. Employment opportunities in intellectual property and patent law are more favorable for those with strong technical backgrounds.

How many legal professionals choose to work in the legal field?

About one-third of legal professionals choose to work in the legal field for a period of time before going back to law school. Relocation for legal professionals can be difficult, since regulations and licensing requirements vary by state or territory.

Can a scientist become a patent agent?

At some companies, a scientist can transition from a bench researcher position to a patent liaison position and eventually to a patent agent position . Following are common career paths for lawyers with a background in chemistry.

Patently waiting

Once qualified, Padget says ‘the surprising thing was just how varied the job is.’ As well as drafting patent applications, it involves what is called ‘prosecution’, the process of defending your application to patent offices around the world; ‘it’s pretty rare that applications fly through, there is usually something that you have to fix before a patent is granted.’ It is here that you need a confident grasp of your subject and be able to argue why your particular invention differs from others in the literature..

Going it alone

The wide range of experience came in handy when Padget decided to start-up her own practice this summer, when AstraZeneca moved from its Cheshire base. In partnership with another patent attorney, she set up Alembia Intellectual Property.

What is a chemistry degree?

Chemistry degree programs can provide you with the necessary knowledge base and skill set to become successful in virtually any field that's even remotely related in some way to chemistry.

What are the skills required to become a chemist?

You can apply these skills to many careers not directly related to the field. These skills include: • Effective listening skills. Presentation skills.

Can I become a chemist with a chemistry degree?

Perhaps when one thinks of what they can do with a chemistry degree, they think, "Well, I can go on to graduate school and become a chemist". And yes, they can! But, that's just one of many, many careers options with this degree! Chemistry degree programs can provide you with the necessary knowledge base ...

What jobs can you get with a chemistry degree?

Many graduates with chemistry and other science degrees don't work in science, but take positions in retail, at grocery stores, in restaurants, in family businesses, or any of a host of other careers. The college degree helps graduates rise to management positions. Chemistry majors are detail-oriented and precise.

What degree do you need to teach chemistry?

Teaching. A chemistry degree opens doors to teaching college, high school, middle school, and elementary school. You'll need a master's or doctoral degree to teach college. Elementary and secondary teachers need a bachelor's degree plus courses and certification in education.

What is a bachelors in chemistry?

A bachelor's degree in chemistry positions you perfectly for a career in research because it exposes you to key lab techniques and analytical methods, teaches you how to conduct and report research, and integrates all of the sciences, not just chemistry.

What is a chemistry major?

A chemistry major covers all the bases of science since you take courses in biology and physics in addition to chemistry. 07. of 10.

What is a chemist's nose for business?

Chemists with a nose for business may start their own companies or work as sales representatives or technicians for instrument companies, consulting firms, or pharmaceutical companies. The science/business combo is extremely employable and powerful. 05. of 10.

What is the best undergraduate degree for dental school?

One of the best undergraduate degrees for medical or dental school is chemistry . You'll take biology and physics classes while pursuing a chemistry degree, which puts you in a great position to excel at the MCAT or other entrance exams. Many med school students say chemistry is the most challenging of the subjects they needed to master, so taking courses in college prepares you for the rigors of medical school and teaches how to be systematic and analytical when you practice medicine.

What do you need to know when looking for a chemistry degree?

When looking for a chemistry degree, students should first consider the accreditation status of potential institutions and programs. For chemistry, colleges and universities need to hold regional accreditation to ensure they meed educational standards for the field.

What is a chemistry major?

Chemistry majors earn a strong grounding in lab work, an understanding of higher math, and a rigorous interdisciplinary science education. Chemistry explores the composition, structures, and properties of elements and compounds. Chemists look at types of matter and their interactions to understand existing substances, develop new ones, ...

What is the difference between a bachelor's degree and an associate's degree in chemistry?

An associate degree in chemistry prepares students for roles as research technicians and laboratory assistants, while a bachelor's degree leads to more advanced roles such as chemist, engineer, and chief technician. Graduate degrees in chemistry lead to roles like consultant or college or university instructor.

What is a bachelors in chemistry?

Bachelor's degrees in chemistry include introductory and advanced coursework in natural science and mathematics. Through four years of laboratory and lecture courses, students explore basics of the five subsets of the field: organic, analytical, physical, inorganic, and biochemistry.

How long does it take to get a chemistry degree?

An associate degree in chemistry takes roughly two years, bachelor's degrees in chemistry include four years of coursework, and most master's degrees last two years. Doctoral programs in chemistry can take as many as 10 years, depending on area of focus and program format.

What is the difference between biochemistry and environmental science?

For example, chemistry classes in environmental science and ecology emphasize substances and processes related to water, air, and land, while coursework in biochemistry focuses on the chemical basis of biological systems.

What is the purpose of chemistry?

Chemistry explores the composition, structures, and properties of elements and compounds. Chemists look at types of matter and their interactions to understand existing substances, develop new ones, and identify useful chemical processes.

What is the primary responsibility of a chemistry teacher?

They are responsible for ensuring the effective transfer of knowledge to their students through lectures, tests, projects and more.

What is the job of a water chemist?

Primary duties: Water chemists are responsible for studying and monitoring the presence of chemicals in water. They might perform tasks like ensuring water purification processes are safe, collect and analyze water from various ecosystems and make projections to help determine various rules, regulations and policies.

What is analytical chemistry?

Primary duties: Analytical chemists study substances for toxicology examinations, developing pharmaceuticals, answering forensic questions and more. Analytical chemists might work for a particular lab or organization , and might also adopt particular specialties like forensics or toxicology.

What is the job of a chemical technician?

Primary duties: Chemical technicians are responsible for ensuring research chemists are able to properly and efficiently perform studies in a lab. They might complete items such as monitoring equipment or using techniques to help in specific research tasks.

What are the primary duties of a materials scientist?

Primary duties: Materials scientists study and analyze both natural and manmade items to learn more. Their findings might be used to develop new materials, alter materials or make decisions about using materials in a different way.

What are the duties of forensic scientists?

Primary duties: Forensic scientists collect and analyze evidence from a crime scene. This might include items like dirt samples, blood samples, fingerprints and more. They are responsible for using their expertise to report on and present their findings in legal cases.

What is the primary job of organic chemist?

Primary duties: Organic chemists research, manipulate and study materials that contain carbon. They might perform various scientific studies to identify or find applications for materials. Many different professions might employ organic chemistry like chemical engineers, veterinarians, pharmacology and more.

What is the career choice of a chemist?

Laboratory science is a classic career choice for chemists. Medical laboratory scientists prepare and analyze medical specimens and report their findings. Samples may be analyzed for anything from lipids or viral count to alterations in DNA or RNA.

What is a bachelors in chemistry?

A Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is far more than a badge of academic achievement. It’s also the foundation for a number of health science careers. Specialized training in medical and laboratory sciences often takes place at the post-baccalaureate or graduate level.

Can a chemistry major become a medical laboratory scientist?

It is possible to earn multiple certifications; a chemistry major might end up becoming both a Medical Laboratory Scientist and a Technologist in Chemistry.

Is chemistry required for veterinary school?

There is typically a higher chemistry requirement even than a biology one. Veterinary schools typically turn away more students than they admit, however. In order to be a strong candidate for veterinary school, you’ll also need some related experience. You might consider volunteering at a clinic or animal shelter.

Is chemistry a major?

Chemistry is among the preferred majors for post-baccalaureate or graduate study in the field. Those considering this path can turn to the American Board of Industrial Hygiene for certification information. Learn more about Industrial Hygienists and Toxicologists.

Is veterinary science competitive?

Veterinarian. Veterinary science is not for everyone, but those who have the passion and dedication will find that their undergraduate chemistry degree serves them well. Veterinary school admission is academically competitive, and high scores in chemistry classes can tip the balance in your favor.

Do biomedical chemists need a PhD?

There is also demand for biomedical chemists working at the graduate level. Original research generally requires a PhD or similar level of education, but those with lower levels of education can work in an assistive role; biomedical internships are available at virtually every level.

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Average Salary Levels of Chemistry Graduates

Salary Data Reference Information

  • Many lawyers with a chemistry background work for chemical and life sciences companies. At some companies, a scientist can transition from a bench researcher position to a patent liaison position and eventually to a patent agent position. Following are common career paths for lawyers with a background in chemistry.
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Chemistry Scholarships

Professional Associations For Careers in The Field

  • The salary you could earn with a chemistry degree varies based on a wide variety of factors, such as: • The type, size, and budget of your employer • The discretion of your employer • Your level of education and experience • Your level of certification (if applicable) • The region in which you work • How much overtime you are able to work (if appli...
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