what major to choose if you want to be a lawyer

by Jessika Cruickshank 8 min read

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.

What are the best colleges to become a lawyer?

Jan 03, 2022 · The best majors for aspiring lawyers will be in the realm of human behavior, public speaking, and writing. The practice of law is essentially the pursuit and communication of justice and conflict resolution, so any training in communication will be key to winning cases, handling clients, and more.

What colleges offer law majors?

Oct 20, 2021 · Bachelor's Degree for Pre-Law In addition to science, humanities and English composition coursework, program requirements for pre-law majors or concentrations can include field experiences and senior projects. Opportunities to participate in a mock court might also be available. These programs often include courses on the following:

What degree do you need to be a lawyer?

Jun 20, 2016 · Coursework should include English, history, foreign language, public speaking, government, philosophy, economics, mathematics and computer science among others are useful. With that in mind, certain majors do seem somewhat common among pre-law students including Political Science, History, Philosophy and Business.

What is the best degree for lawyers?

Aug 16, 2021 · Some majors that future lawyers typically choose include: Business: A business major may be a great option for you if you’re interested in corporate law and have an entrepreneurial spirit. Students who study business before applying to law school would take courses in communication, economics, management and marketing.

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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.Jan 3, 2022

What is law major called?

1. Juris Doctor. Most individuals who are lawyers in the United States have the Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The Juris Doctor degree is not only considered the first law degree in the United States but is also the most well-known and one that's offered through the American Bar Association.

What do law majors do?

A law degree allows one to defend a person who has been accused of a crime, offering the chance to right wrongs and defend the Constitution from attacks by individuals, corporations and governments.

Is a law degree hard?

Earning a law degree is pretty challenging because you are supposed to do a lot of hard work. This work comprises mostly of studying and understanding complex law cases loaded with new-fangled legal terminology and unusual jargon.Dec 3, 2019

What do philosophy majors study?

Philosophy majors delve deep into the study of logic, ethics, and morality —areas of thought that also happen to be the cornerstones of law. You'll debate with classmates, present arguments and do a lot of research to support your case, which is not all that different from what lawyers do to prepare for court.

What is an economics major?

Not only are economics majors trained to think logically and analytically, but economic policies and procedures, as well as how resources are distributed and managed, are topics closely connected to the legal issues you'll encounter as a lawyer.

What do history majors learn?

From a practical standpoint, history majors are also tasked with lots of research and writing and must learn to draw conclusions based on historical documents, a great precursor to the work you'll do in law school.

What is the closest thing to law school?

Political Science. Of all majors, this may be the closest to a "law school" curriculum as you can get. In this major, you'll study political systems, public policy, international relations and the relationship between government, the law, and individual rights, among other things.

Is Discover Student Loans affiliated with LSAT?

LSAT is a registered trademark of the Law School Admission Council, Inc., and is not affiliated with Discover Student Loans.

Is business a good major?

A business major is a good option for those who plan to go into corporate law. That said, be sure to supplement business fundamentals with humanities and liberal arts electives so you can train your analytical and critical thinking muscles, as well as practice research and writing, too.

Does it matter what you study as an undergraduate?

If you have your heart set on landing a legal gig, it's important to know that it doesn't necessarily matter what you study as an undergraduate. This is truly a profession suited to those coming from vast educational backgrounds.

Essential Information

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), almost any major can prepare students for a law school education, provided they take challenging courses that develop their research and writing skills as well as their critical reading and problem-solving abilities.

Bachelor's Degree for Pre-Law

In addition to science, humanities and English composition coursework, program requirements for pre-law majors or concentrations can include field experiences and senior projects. Opportunities to participate in a mock court might also be available. These programs often include courses on the following:

Continuing Education Information

After completing their pre-law program, students will need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) before applying to an ABA-approved JD program. These graduate programs typically take three years to complete and qualify graduates to sit for their state bar examinations.

What majors are common for pre-law students?

With that in mind, certain majors do seem somewhat common among pre-law students including Political Science, History, Philosophy and Business. If one is interested in a particular aspect of law (which you stated you are but did not specify which aspect) then they may find related courses helpful.

Is an accounting degree good for law?

A: An accounting degree is really a good background for almost any type of law practice. Any type of corporate or securities law and tax law are definitely good choices. Also, large accounting firms hire lawyers with accounting backgrounds, and often send them back to school while they are working to get an LLM in tax.

Is international law a small part of law school?

International law coursework will inevitably be a relatively small proportion of your curriculum in law school. Upon graduating, your career prospects will probably not be greatly enhanced by your language skills, but instead will have much more to do with the quality of the law school you attended and your class rank.

Is law practice competitive?

If you are skilled in these areas, you may succeed well. Law practice is highly competitive, and success tends to be merit-based and also somewhat "political.". You may also wish to think seriously about what it means to you to envy or admire "top" performers.

Is language skills important interpersonally?

But your language abilities, though immensely valuable interpersonally, will most likely prove somewhat less valuable than other assets you will need to secure an international commercial or transnational (inter -governmental) practice .

What degree do I need to become a lawyer?

In order to enter law school, you need to first complete a bachelor's degree. While there are no specific undergraduate majors for prospective lawyers, these students tend to focus on something that involves writing, problem solving, research and oral communication. Some bachelor degree options for future lawyers include: 1 Pre-law 2 Criminal justice 3 Economics 4 History 5 Political science 6 Business 7 English 8 Philosophy

What is a JD in law?

This degree is a requirement for those interested in becoming a lawyer. A JD is a graduate degree in law that teaches students about civil procedures, contracts, constitutional law, criminal law, property and administrative or regulatory law. Courses focus on how to research cases, prosecute or defend, argue on behalf of both individual clients and businesses and prepare for the state bar exam. Graduates become licensed attorneys after passing their state bar exam.

What to consider when choosing a degree?

When deciding what degree to pursue, consider what your priorities are, such as gaining the most knowledge possible or gaining experience right away. Consider the time and financial requirements for each degree as you evaluate how well each option aligns with your career goals.

What is a masters in law?

A Master of Laws is a postgraduate degree to expand knowledge in law and specialize in a specific area of law. This degree is for those with an undergraduate academic law degree, a professional law degree or an undergraduate degree in a related subject.

What is a masters in dispute resolution?

A Master of Dispute Resolution is a master's degree that teaches students conflict resolution and negotiation skills. The degree covers courses in conflict management, arbitration practice, negotiation and meditation theory.

What is a masters in legal studies?

A Master of Legal Studies is a master's degree offered at some law schools for those who wish to study law but do not want to become an attorney. This degree is fairly new and is also known as a Master of Science and Law (MSL), Juris Master (JM) and Master of Jurisprudence (MJ).

What is the LSAT test?

The LSAT tests for critical thinking skills rather than subject matter expertise. Law schools look for candidates with abstract thinking skills, the ability to interpret written texts, and high reading comprehension. They want candidates that have fine reasoning abilities, the ability to think logically. Notice how all majors have students that ...

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 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.

What is the study of human behavior and the mental processes that fuel how people interact with each other and the world around them

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 law is a system designed to govern human behavior, psychology can help lawmakers understand what kind of laws will have positive effects on society.

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.

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 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

Why do we study statistics in college?

Studying data and statistics in college can be a continuation of your math education and provide you with key skills in analyzing and managing to draw conclusions regarding large amounts of data. Not only does studying statistics and data science help future lawyers read and understand data, but it also helps them detect flawed data. 2.

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 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.

Why is it important to learn about the history of the country?

Learning about the history of the country and its government can help you identify relevant precedents more easily in the future and can teach you how local, state and federal laws and institutions were created.

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 is a philosophy major?

Philosophy majors receive training in critical thinking, logic and problem-solving skills. Lawyers use these skills to craft or refute legal arguments and to understand and use case studies as evidence. A philosophy degree also demands a high quantity of critical reading across various texts, and critical reading and understanding is a large component of a law school workload.

What is a prelaw degree?

An undergraduate degree in criminal justice or prelaw can prepare a student for the practical effects and implications of the legal system. Prelaw degrees, which focus exclusively on law school requirements and preparation, are uncommon but are still offered by some schools, such as Washington State University.

Does the ABA recommend a major for undergraduates?

The ABA recommends no specific majors or courses for undergraduates; instead, it recommends following your interests across a broad range of challenging courses, which will best develop the various skills required to become a lawyer.

How many hours do lawyers work?

This isn't a requirement for all lawyers, but some value-conscious clients might expect you to be accessible around the clock. Most lawyers work full time, and many work more than 40 hours per week. 9  Lawyers who work in public interest venues and academia might have more forgiving schedules, but they often trade high salaries for a better work-life balance.

What is client development?

Client Development. Most law firm attorneys are responsible for client development. Compensation, bonuses, draws, and partnership opportunities are frequently based on an attorney’s ability to bring in business for the firm, at least in part. 10 . If you choose to work for a law firm, you must excel at marketing yourself ...

What is public speaking?

Public Speaking. As an attorney, public speaking is a part of your day-to-day life. You'll present information to clients, juries, judges, arbitrators, opposing counsel, witnesses, boards, and colleagues. Trial lawyers present information in the courtroom. Corporate attorneys must be at ease in the boardroom.

What is constant writing?

Constant Writing. Words are a lawyer’s tool of the trade. Attorneys are expected to be good writers as well as excellent speakers. Trial attorneys will need to master oral and written persuasion as they argue motions, try cases, take depositions, and draft various legal pleadings.

What do you like about being an attorney?

You might enjoy being an attorney if you like logic puzzles, research, and critical thinking. If logical reasoning doesn't come naturally, you can still develop those skills over time. You might take classes in logic or pick up logic puzzles to hone your skills.

What are the skills required to practice law?

Logical reasoning and critical-thinking skills are essential to the practice of law. Analytical skills are necessary for all practice areas, whether you're structuring a multi-million-dollar deal or developing a trial strategy. You might enjoy being an attorney if you like logic puzzles, research, and critical thinking.

What professions can you choose after your name?

You can choose from a variety of specialties, including corporate law, tax law, entertainment law, and criminal law.

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History

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Examining how the past has helped to shape and define our present—here in the United States and around the world—will help you put into context our current justice system and laws. From a practical standpoint, history majors are also tasked with lots of research and writing and must learn to draw conclusions base…
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English

  • Having a strong command of written and verbal skills will take you far as an attorney whether you're writing, researching or speaking in court. Analyzing great works of literature and historical texts from various cultures and time periods is great practice for the hours you'll spend in the law library.
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Philosophy

  • Philosophy majors delve deep into the study of logic, ethics, and morality—areas of thought that also happen to be the cornerstones of law. You'll debate with classmates, present arguments and do a lot of research to support your case, which is not all that different from what lawyers do to prepare for court.
See more on discover.com

Political Science

  • Of all majors, this may be the closest to a "law school" curriculum as you can get. In this major, you'll study political systems, public policy, international relations and the relationship between government, the law, and individual rights, among other things. You're required to analyze various written documents and data sets (think ancient texts to social media posts) and will learn to thin…
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Economics

  • Not only are economics majors trained to think logically and analytically, but economic policies and procedures, as well as how resources are distributed and managed, are topics closely connected to the legal issues you'll encounter as a lawyer. Any major that has you summarizing qualitative and quantitative data to solve problems is good training for your brain to seek out evi…
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Business

  • General business knowledge can be applied in almost any industry, and that holds true for aspiring attorneys as well. A business major is a good option for those who plan to go into corporate law. That said, be sure to supplement business fundamentals with humanities and liberal arts electives so you can train your analytical and critical thinking muscles, as well as pra…
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General Tips

  1. Consider majoring in a discipline that is related to the type of law you want to practice. Since you don't have to declare a specialty during law school, building a background as an undergraduate i...
  2. Choose a major or take electives that are heavy on research and writing. As mentioned earlier, those are the critical skills that will help you most in law school.
  1. Consider majoring in a discipline that is related to the type of law you want to practice. Since you don't have to declare a specialty during law school, building a background as an undergraduate i...
  2. Choose a major or take electives that are heavy on research and writing. As mentioned earlier, those are the critical skills that will help you most in law school.
  3. Whichever academic route you take, maintaining a strong GPA is essential if you aim to attend a selective law school program.