what majors for pre bankruptcy lawyer

by Earl Leffler 9 min read

  1. History. According to the Law School Admissions Council, 3,472 law school applicants in 2016 and 2017 held a 4-year degree in history.
  2. Business. Majoring in business, such as in business administration or corporate business, may be a smart path for some pre-law students to follow.
  3. English. If you thrived in high school English classes, majoring in English may enable you to earn a higher GPA in college than you may earn in other areas ...
  4. Philosophy. Philosophy is not a major that may immediately come to mind when pursuing a pre-law path. ...
  5. Political Science. Studying political science at the undergraduate level is a natural choice because of how closely it is linked to the legal system.
  6. Economics. Economics is a solid major to select if you are interested in delving into the corporate law niche. ...
  7. Arts and Humanities. Depending on the college or university, a broad degree in arts and humanities may be available, or you may be required to select a niche area ...
  8. Psychology. Psychology is the study of the human mind, and it encompasses behaviors and general experiences. ...
  9. Math. Fewer than 800 law school applicants majored in math, but more than 87 percent of those applicants were admitted to law school.
  10. Science. Several dozen specialized areas of study fall under the science umbrella. These include biology, ecology, chemistry and more.

If you're already considering a career as a bankruptcy lawyer, you might major in finance or accounting.
...
Popular majors for pre-law students include:
  • Economics.
  • English.
  • Government.
  • History.
  • Philosophy.
  • Political science.

Full Answer

What should I major in college to become a bankruptcy lawyer?

Feb 24, 2022 · Here are three reasons you may need one: You’re uncomfortable dealing with the bankruptcy case on your own. It can be intimidating to represent yourself in court, and a bankruptcy lawyer can ...

What is the pre-bankruptcy credit counseling requirement?

Mar 16, 2019 · Popular majors for pre-law students include: Economics English Government History Philosophy Political science If you're already considering a career as a bankruptcy lawyer, you might major in...

What does a bankruptcy attorney specialize in?

Another benefit of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is that it allows you to include your arrears (past due payments) into the 3-5 repayment Plan. It is important to talk with an experienced Chapter 13 bankruptcy Attorney to determine what options are best for you. Click here or call (602) 892-1111. Debt Negotiation.

What major should I major in to become a lawyer?

The following classes will all help to hone the skills and knowledge necessary for those who wish to work in the bankruptcy field: • Bankruptcy Law • Consumer Finance • Contracts • Tax Law • Corporations Bankruptcy is a growing area of the law offering more and more career opportunities for new lawyers.

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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 lowest degree for a lawyer?

A bachelor's degree is typically required for entry into most law schools. Undergraduate fields of study may include law and legal studies, history, or social science. Almost all law schools, particularly those approved by the ABA, require applicants to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Is finance a good major for law school?

A finance degree can be an excellent foundation for a career in corporate law. While you won't go into as deep of a dive into economics, you'll learn about corporate finances work.Apr 8, 2021

Is political science a good major for law school?

Political Science Approximately 81 percent of the 12,693 law school applicants who majored in political science were admitted. The average LSAT score for this major was 153.4. Political science is overwhelmingly the most popular major for pre-law students.

What is the easiest law degree to get?

Law Schools With the Lowest Median LSAT and GPAThe 10 Law Schools With the Lowest GPA for AdmissionLaw SchoolMedian GPAMedian LSATThomas Jefferson School of Law2.80147Southern University2.83144University of the District of Columbia2.921477 more rows•Nov 1, 2019

What is the easiest law to study?

However, there are many sectors of law which are less stressful:Real estate law.Intellectual property law.High Street family law.Government lawyers.Working In-House.Jul 9, 2021

What are the best business majors for law school?

Business: Finance-oriented majors are often attracted to the corporate sector, which requires legal oversight. Economics was another very popular major among 2015-2016 law school applicants. Business administration and management, accounting, hospitality and real estate are all majors that fall in this category.Sep 12, 2017

How hard is LSAT?

The LSAT is considered an infamously difficult test for three key reasons: It is a test designed to test skills that undergrad students may not have fully developed. An example of this would be the reasoning skills in the logic games sections, which are typically taught in science majors.

Is journalism a good major for law school?

“Majoring in journalism allowed me to do a lot of writing and work on my communication skills. So, it was really helpful in preparing me for the legal profession, especially since I'm a contract lawyer. Plus, as a journalism major, I had to read a lot, which prepared me well for law school.”

Does your major matter for law school?

The type of undergrad degree you earn (BA, BS, etc.) doesn't matter either. You'll give yourself the best chance of getting into the law school of your choice by majoring in a subject you really enjoy. If you like what you're studying, you'll get better grades.Jun 13, 2021

Is Psychology a good major for law school?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, psychology is among the top five majors overall, in addition to being a popular choice for pre-law students. Psychology provides the research and writing skills, analytical competency, and fundamental education in human behavior needed for law school.Feb 10, 2022

Is criminal justice a good major for law school?

A bachelor's degree in criminal justice is a great foundation for a Juris Doctor degree. If justice and equality are important issues to you, a criminal justice degree is extremely helpful if you are interested in public service, such as in criminal law or immigration law.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 are the requirements for law school?

Law school requirements do not specify a particular major. Some institutions have a suggested pre-law curriculum, but it's up to you to select a major. The American Bar Association (ABA) recommends a course of study that prepares you for the extensive reading, writing, analysis and critical thinking you'll be doing in law school. Popular majors for pre-law students include: 1 Economics 2 English 3 Government 4 History 5 Philosophy 6 Political science

What is the job growth rate for bankruptcy lawyers?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks data and makes employment predictions for nearly all civilian occupations. Although the BLS does not provide information on bankruptcy lawyers specifically, it estimates the job growth rate for all lawyers will be 8 percent through 2026, about average growth compared to all other occupations.

What is the acceptance rate for law school?

Leading law schools have an acceptance rate well below 20 percent with an average GPA of admitted applicants close to or higher than 3.8. Your undergraduate-level education directly impacts your ability to get ...

Is it hard to maintain a high GPA in law school?

Majoring in business, such as in business administration or corporate business, may be a smart path for some pre-law students to follow. Business degree plans are often rigorous, which may make business majors more appealing to law schools. However, because the coursework can be more challenging, it may be more difficult to maintain a high GPA throughout all four years of school.

What is the benefit of majoring in English?

If you thrived in high school English classes, majoring in English may enable you to earn a higher GPA in college than you may earn in other areas of study. This major may provide other substantial benefits as you prepare for the future. Consider that 3,549 law school applicants held a degree in English in 2016 and 2017. The average LSAT score for these applicants was 154.4, and approximately 80 percent of applicants with this degree were admitted to at least one law school.

Is philosophy a pre-law major?

Philosophy is not a major that may immediately come to mind when pursuing a pre-law path. However, law is heavily based on philosophical aspects, such as human nature, ethics and other topics that are thoroughly covered in college-level philosophy courses. In addition to this essential link between law and philosophy, some law schools have higher admissions ratings for liberal arts majors that are considered to be more challenging. Philosophy often falls into this group.

What is the best degree for law school?

A degree in political science prepares you for success in law school and in a professional capacity by improving reading, writing and public speaking skills. In-depth knowledge about the Constitution and its founding principles as well as the development of the court system also provide strong benefits. 6. Economics.

Is psychology a science?

While there is a scientific aspect of psychology, this applied science also branches into principles of human behavior. Because the law impacts and moderates human behavior, law and psychology are intertwined.

What is the average LSAT score?

Their average LSAT score was 152.5, and 78 percent of applicants were admitted. An undergraduate-level education in psychology provides several benefits for students in law school and for legal professionals. In many areas of the law, lawyers must work directly with social services, such as social workers.

Why do people file Chapter 7?

Most people file Chapter 7 because it eliminates obligations of the debts through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge. When an individual files Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, the automatic stay stops collections, foreclosures, wage garnishments, and other legal action.

What debts are discharged in Chapter 7?

Dischargeable debts in bankruptcy include: credit cards, medical bills, lawsuits, judgments, repossessions, personal loans, bank loans, judgment liens, and more.

Does bankruptcy eliminate debt?

In addition, bankruptcy eliminates the source of these issues: credit debt, medical bills, payday loans, personal loans, and more. Of course, there are downsides as well. There is a cost to filing bankruptcy and you’ll accrue legal fees. Make sure you’ve weighed the pros and cons while coming to your final decision.

What are non-dischargeable debts?

Non-dischargeable debts include: alimony, child support, student loans, and some taxes. Click here or call (602) 892-1111.

What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is also referred to as a reorganization bankruptcy. A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is where an Individual proposes to pay back their debt over a 3-5 year period. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy can be beneficial for those who are delinquent on their car payments or mortgage payments or both.

What is the Nelson Act?

These laws along with the Bankruptcy Act in 1898 also called the Nelson Act are what our modern debtor/creditor relation system are based on. It is common to hear that a person in a bad financial situation may “ declare bankruptcy .”.

When did bankruptcy start?

Bankruptcy laws focus on helping individuals solve and repay their debts after they have suffered heavy losses. In the United States there were bankruptcy laws as early as 1800. However, the first voluntary bankruptcy laws were allowed through the Acts of 1841 and in 1867.

What is the federal bankruptcy law?

Federal bankruptcy laws, which govern nearly all bankruptcy proceedings, are statutory laws outlined in Title 11 of the United States Code. Because one code governs all bankruptcy proceedings in the country, this area of law tends to be very uniform and precise.

What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 11?

In particular, there are three common types of bankruptcy proceedings. Chapter 7 of the Code applies to individual petitions, while Chapter 11 proceedings are filed by businesses.

What do bankruptcy lawyers do?

Bankruptcy lawyers engage in and review discovery documents, and hold meetings with clients and adversaries to discuss how best to move forward.

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.

How many courses do you need to file for bankruptcy?

A person who files for bankruptcy must take two educational courses before receiving a bankruptcy discharge wiping out qualifying debt. Before you can file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must consult with a nonprofit credit-counseling agency to see whether you can feasibly handle your debt load outside of bankruptcy, ...

What is the second course in bankruptcy?

The Second Course: Post-Bankruptcy Debtor Education. Bankruptcy filers must take a second course—called debtor education —after filing for bankruptcy. The debtor education course provides the filer with financial management tools, such as tips for creating a budget and rebuilding credit after bankruptcy.

What is debtor education?

The debtor education course provides the filer with financial management tools, such as tips for creating a budget and rebuilding credit after bankruptcy.

How long does it take to get a credit counseling certificate?

You'll prove that you've taken the credit counseling course by filing the certificate of completion along with your bankruptcy paperwork (no later than 15 days after your bankruptcy filing date). You'll also receive a copy of any repayment plan you may have worked out with the agency.

What is a counseling agency?

The counseling agency usually prepares a budget based on your income and expenses, and then review your options for repaying the debt. In most cases, the agency confirms that you don't have any feasible options for dealing with the debt other than filing for bankruptcy.

Why do people show up in bankruptcy lawyers?

Most people show up in an attorney’s office because they need help with one of a small number of problems— and the attorney will be aware of this pattern. For instance, when a bankruptcy attorney asks you what prompted you to call, it’s likely that you’ll say that your debts are piling up and that the stress is becoming unbearable. But you could be facing one of the following situations, too, and if you are, the lawyer will want to know about it because it will require quick attention:

What does a bankruptcy attorney ask you?

A bankruptcy attorney will ask you why you're considering filing for bankruptcy and determine whether filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy will help you solve your financial problem.

Can an attorney text you?

Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Why do people declare bankruptcy?

Declaring bankruptcy gives individuals or businesses that are unable to pay their debts a better way to solve their financial problems. It can also help them start rebuilding their credit and lives in a more positive and financially stable way.

What is a credit report?

A list of your creditors that you owe money, and their contact information, account numbers, and how much money you owe each one; Documents relating to any outstanding loans that you may have, including mortgages,student loans, car loans, or any other loans you might have;

How long does it take to file for bankruptcy?

In total, most bankruptcies take around 4 to 6 months.

Can you rebuild your credit after bankruptcy?

Although there may be an initial lowering of the credit score the debtor will have an opportunity to slowly rebuild it after the bankruptcy is filed. A bankruptcy is public information- A common issue with filing for bankruptcy is that everything filed with the court is public and can be accessed by anyone.

Why is it important to have a bankruptcy attorney?

Because filing for bankruptcy is a complex legal claim, finding the right bank ruptcy attorney is important. A bankruptcy attorney will help you decide whether or not to file for bankruptcy, and what type of bankruptcy you should file. Additionally, if you decide to file, an attorney can help ensure that your property is protected, ...

What is the most important thing to do when filing for bankruptcy?

The last point is especially important. For the most effective bankruptcy filing, it is crucial that you are completely transparent with your attorney. Make sure you take note of any questions, legal inquiries, or laws that you may wish to address with your attorney.

What happens when you file for bankruptcy?

That way, when you complete your bankruptcy, you will be on the right path to financial recovery.

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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…
See more on discover.com

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.
See more on discover.com

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…
See more on discover.com

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…
See more on discover.com

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…
See more on discover.com

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.

History

  • According to the Law School Admissions Council, 3,472 law school applicants in 2016 and 2017 held a 4-year degree in history. Of those, 85 percent were admitted to law school. The average LSAT score for this group of applicants was 156.1 out of 180. With a solid undergraduate-level foundation in history, you will have a deeper understanding about how the American legal syste…
See more on collegeconsensus.com

Business

  • Majoring in business, such as in business administration or corporate business, may be a smart path for some pre-law students to follow. Business degree plans are often rigorous, which may make business majors more appealing to law schools. However, because the coursework can be more challenging, it may be more difficult to maintain a high GPA throughout all four years of sc…
See more on collegeconsensus.com

English

  • If you thrived in high school English classes, majoring in English may enable you to earn a higher GPA in college than you may earn in other areas of study. This major may provide other substantial benefits as you prepare for the future. Consider that 3,549 law school applicants held a degree in English in 2016 and 2017. The average LSAT score for these applicants was 154.4, a…
See more on collegeconsensus.com

Philosophy

  • Philosophy is not a major that may immediately come to mind when pursuing a pre-law path. However, law is heavily based on philosophical aspects, such as human nature, ethics and other topics that are thoroughly covered in college-level philosophy courses. In addition to this essential link between law and philosophy, some law schools have higher admissions ratings for liberal ar…
See more on collegeconsensus.com

Political Science

  • Studying political science at the undergraduate level is a natural choice because of how closely it is linked to the legal system. Generally, pre-law students should select a major based on their personal interests and passion rather than what they believe would most likely bolster their chance of admission to law school. However, many students who are interested in law understa…
See more on collegeconsensus.com

Economics

  • Economics is a solid major to select if you are interested in delving into the corporate law niche. It may also be relevant to intellectual property law and other specializations. More than 2,700 students applying to law school between 2016 and 2017 majored in economics, and 85 percent of these applicants gained admission to at least one law school program. The average LSAT score …
See more on collegeconsensus.com

Arts and Humanities

  • Depending on the college or university, a broad degree in arts and humanities may be available, or you may be required to select a niche area of study that falls under this umbrella. Arts and humanities seemingly have little to do with an interested in the legal system and a desire to pursue a career in law. However, this type of degree is logical for several reasons. First, law scho…
See more on collegeconsensus.com

Psychology

  • Psychology is the study of the human mind, and it encompasses behaviors and general experiences. While there is a scientific aspect of psychology, this applied science also branches into principles of human behavior. Because the law impacts and moderates human behavior, law and psychology are intertwined. This is a popular major for pre-law students, with 3,778 law sch…
See more on collegeconsensus.com

Math

  • Fewer than 800 law school applicants majored in math, but more than 87 percent of those applicants were admitted to law school. Their average LSAT score was higher than 161, and their average GPA was 3.54. Notably, this group of applicants had the highest average LSAT scores than students with any other major. While the American Bar Association does not recommend t…
See more on collegeconsensus.com

Science

  • Several dozen specialized areas of study fall under the science umbrella. 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. Ecology coursework is beneficial for pr…
See more on collegeconsensus.com