what kind of math does lawyer use and examples

by Prof. Harry Vandervort 7 min read

One of the most common ways that lawyers use math are percentages. For example, they many need to calculate what the odds are they'll win a trial. Divorce lawyers especially use percentages when it comes to deciding what assets go to which spouse.Dec 30, 2018

Do lawyers use math in their jobs?

Apr 30, 2019 · Here are some of the examples of common legal issues which require attorneys who are skilled in math: Criminal law – statistics is huge in review evidence. Criminal attorneys defer to expert witnesses as much as possible, but evidence is often equally important and it’s important to understand evidence that replies on probability and other math concepts.

What types of math are used in law?

Apr 08, 2020 · Lawyers use math in their practices for various purposes, including general problem-solving and analysis to reach logical conclusions in court cases. Just like in math problems, attorneys must take a step-by-step approach to ensure that each case stays on track toward resolution. Although lawyers may not perform extensive, complex math operations in …

Should law students with a math background take math in school?

Jun 29, 2018 · Analytical Skills Mathematics requires an understanding of numbers, formulas and proofs that can train the mind to think logically. This can be particularly important for attorneys who are dealing...

What is the math for real estate?

Jun 16, 1995 · For example, suppose you had sixty nine numbers. Suppose the law is broken if the numbers add up to more than one. Apply the following method: `Consider each number. If it is less than one it did not break the law; if it is greater than one the law was broken. If none of the numbers broke the law, then the law was not broken'.

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What math do lawyers use?

When Math is Used: Attorneys use mathematical skills such as problem solving and logic in their everyday business activities. Much like a math problem, attorneys in court need to illustrate step-by-step their knowledge of the case.May 1, 2013

Do lawyers need to be good math?

Lawyers do not have to be expert mathematicians; they do not even have to know calculus. However, all lawyers should have a solid understanding of complex math, accounting and algebra to fulfill their job requirements. Furthermore, scoring well on the LSAT entrance exam requires some math understanding.Aug 5, 2019

How do lawyers use mathematics?

Attorneys utilize mathematical aptitudes, for example, problem-solving and logic in their regular business exercises. Much like a math problem, attorneys in court need to delineate bit by bit their knowledge of the case.Feb 24, 2020

Do lawyers take calculus?

Other lawyers need some acquaintance with pure mathematics such as calculus and statistics to work effectively in legal specializations such as health care law or patent law.

Percentages

One of the most common ways that lawyers use math are percentages. For example, they many need to calculate what the odds are they'll win a trial. Divorce lawyers especially use percentages when it comes to deciding what assets go to which spouse.

Geometric Proofs

Geometric proofs are also a common math skill used by lawyers. Some may not even realize they're using geometric proofs. The lawyer takes all of the facts and then applies the laws that relate to her clients--keeping these facts in line--then uses deductive logic to figure how to fight her case in a successful way.

Mathmatical Formulas

Lawyers who work in more complicated fields--such as tax fraud, or even copyright law for new inventions and discoveries--often use complex math in their jobs. Formulas are common, especially for those in copyright law.

Why is it important to have strong analytical skills?

Strong analytic skills can enable the lawyer to perceive weaknesses in witness stories or in a case made by a legal opponent. In addition, attorneys can use logic to craft persuasive arguments to present before juries and judges.

Can an attorney use mathematical principles?

In some practice areas, attorneys may regularly encounter mathematical principles. Although a lawyer may be able to hire a financial or an accounting professional to assist in these cases, but basic proficiency can help the attorney take control of a case and make the best possible decisions as to how the case should proceed.

Why is math important in law?

Mathematics requires an understanding of numbers, formulas and proofs that can train the mind to think logically. This can be particularly important for attorneys who are dealing with emotionally charged cases, as well as in the courtroom or during intense negotiations.

Does the LSAT have math?

Although the LSAT does not include a math section and law schools don't teach math as part of their curricula, basic mathematical competence is useful to attorneys.

Why is it important to understand statistics?

Criminal law: Understanding statistics is helpful when reviewing evidence. Although a criminal attorney will likely defer to expert witnesses in many situations, it's important to understand evidence that relies on probability and on other mathematical concepts.

Background

The most popular undergraduate majors of students entering law school are political science, economics, business administration, history, English and rhetoric.

Law School

Students majoring in mathematics or physics achieved the highest scores on the Law School Admission Test, or LSAT, according to a study reported by Social Science Research Network. Anecdotal evidence suggests that law students with math backgrounds may benefit in two ways during law school.

Attorney Specializations

All newly credentialed law school graduates who go to work for law firms need basic math knowledge to fill out time sheets to bill clients and track their business expenses. Some junior attorneys enter legal fields that require business mathematics knowledge, including real estate, taxation, trusts and estates, securities, contracts and bankruptcy.

Undergraduate Math Classes

There's no universal consensus on what types of undergraduate math classes future lawyers should take.

Why is math important in real estate?

Real estate math is an essential part of the real estate exam and an important concept to understand to have a successful real estate career. Becoming an expert at math and being able to do real estate math problems can help you stand out in your market and become a better real estate agent and can make it much easier to pass the real estate exam.

What is the greatest common factor?

Greatest Common Factor: The largest whole number that divides evenly into each of the numbers. For example, the greatest common factor of 4, 8, 12 and 16 is 4, because 4 is the largest number that will divide evenly into each of the numbers . 4÷4=1, 8÷4=2, 12÷4=3, 16÷4=4. Latitude.

Is real estate math difficult?

Real estate math is NOT difficult. Many students dread the idea of learning math and having to use math in their careers, however, real estate math is not challenging and there are only a few concepts that you need to master.

What is rounding in math?

Rounding. In math, rounding refers to reducing a number (usually the answer to the math problem) to a number shorter than the exact answer the calculation has produced.

What is a fraction?

A fraction is a part of something. Fractions tell us how many parts the whole is divided into, as well as how many of those parts we are working with. For example, in the fraction ¼, the bottom number called the denominator, tells us the item has been divided into 4 parts; the top number, called the numerator, tells us we are working with 1 of those 4 parts.

What does 3% mean in math?

Therefore, if you say “3%”, you are saying that the item being measured has been divided into 100 parts and that the portion you are describing is made up of three of those 100 parts. The placement of the decimal point in the number is important:

What is proration in real estate?

Proration is the name we give to making a fair division of the costs and benefits of a financial transaction. In the context of real estate, we are dealing with larger numbers, and dividing such things as real estate taxes, homeowners’ association fees, rents paid by tenants, and so on, but the concept remains the same. The question is, who pays for what, and the proration process helps make that determination.

What is a family law paralegal?

Family law paralegals may be responsible for determining spousal support requirements and calculating child support, analyzing retirement benefits and how they can be divided, arranging for appraisals of property, drafting property settlement agreements and drafting discovery requests for information relating to assets, income and liabilities.

What is a paralegal in litigation?

Litigation paralegals may also be responsible for calculating economic damages; preparing, maintaining and updating damage summaries; and preparing settlement calculations.

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