what type of lawyer can you be as a bio major

by Jordane Rutherford I 10 min read

Intellectual property law
An intellectual property lawyer ensures that those who create these advances maintain the legal and financial rights to their work. Since this branch of law often applies in science and technology, having a degree in biology or related STEM field can be an asset for these lawyers.
Sep 2, 2021

Full Answer

What can you do with a degree in biology in law?

Biology majors can excel in many areas of the law that draw on scientific knowledge and reasoning. Patent and intellectual property lawyers need to understand the science behind biotechnology products, drugs, and medical instruments to process applications for patents and defend clients against infringement.

Can I become a lawyer with a science degree?

While the degree may seem completely irrelevant to law, different areas of scientific study lend themselves well to specialized legal niches. For example, a biology or chemistry major may be interested in a career in pharmaceutical law. An ecology major might take up residence in environmental law.

What should I major in to become a lawyer?

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. Consider majoring in a discipline that is related to the type of law you want to practice.

What can I do with a biology degree with no experience?

Best Jobs for Graduates With a Biology Degree 1 Biological Technician. ... 2 Biochemist. ... 3 Genetic Counselor. ... 4 Health Communications Specialist. ... 5 Health Educator. ... 6 Pharmaceutical / Medical Product Sales Representative. ... 7 Attorney. ... 8 Financial Analyst. ...

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Can a bio major go to law school?

Majoring in a “hard science” such as Chemistry or Biology (especially if you have a high GPA) can be impressive to law schools and adds some diversity. If you major in a hard science, however, make sure to take some classes that will develop your ability to read, write, and critically think.

What major is best for lawyers?

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.

What kind of job can you get with a biology degree?

Careers you could pursue with a biology degree include:Research scientist.Pharmacologist.Biologist.Ecologist.Nature conservation officer.Biotechnologist.Forensic scientist.Government agency roles.More items...

What is a lawyer major called?

A Juris Doctor degree is the required legal degree for professionals who are pursuing a career as a practicing attorney.

What is the easiest lawyer to become?

Estate Planning. Although being a legal clerk is the easiest career path, it is only suited for beginners. Estate planning wins the most stress-free legal practice area when practicing law for lawyers. Many lawyers avoid estate planning as it is a field of law associated with death.

Is biology a useless degree?

With a BS in Bio, you'll be competing against a lot of people for relatively few jobs. It's not a great scenario to be in. You'll want to get another certification, skill, or graduate degree that is more marketable/in demand. It isn't a useless major, but it definitely needs something extra to supplement it.

What is the highest paying biology job?

Highest-paying biology jobsBiochemist. ... Medical and health services manager. ... Pharmacist. ... Veterinarian. ... Physician assistant. National average salary: $105,627 per year. ... Oncologist. National average salary: $192,522 per year. ... Dentist. National average salary: $196,417 per year. ... Physician. National average salary: $202,387 per year.More items...

What is the best job for a biology major?

Best jobs for biology majorsPhysician. ... Pharmacist. ... Medical scientist. ... Veterinarian. ... Forensic science technician. Median salary (2020): $60,590. ... Registered nurse. Median salary (2020): $75,330. ... Zoologist or wildlife biologist. Median salary (2020): $66,350. ... High school biology teacher. Median salary (2020): $62,870.More items...•

Are attorneys and lawyers the same thing?

Although both attorneys and lawyers obtain law degrees, they don’t do the same job. An attorney actually practices law by representing other indivi...

What are the two main types of lawyers?

When talking about two main types of lawyers, we’re actually referring to criminal law professionals. These are prosecutors and defense attorneys....

What is the highest-paid type of lawyer?

In our article, we covered how much lawyers working in different fields earn. Those with the highest salary are medical lawyers, and they earn over...

What is the best career in law?

Choosing the best type of lawyer career depends on multiple factors, including your interests and ambitions. Our article delves deeper into differe...

Is law a good career?

This is a good career path for all those who love the law. It offers good salaries, benefits, and different working environments, depending on whic...

Lawyer vs. attorney - what is the difference?

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between lawyers and attorneys. Although both have a law degree, lawyers and attorneys don’t do the same jobs.

What types of lawyers are there?

There are plenty of job opportunities for lawyers, but after finishing law school, it can be hard to decide what type of law practice you want to pursue. There are numerous career paths that you can choose based on your plans, ambitions, and perhaps most importantly, your interests.

26 Different types of lawyers

Business lawyers or corporate lawyers ensure that all operations of an individual company are conducted within the legal framework of local, state, and federal laws. A business lawyer is involved in everything from liability and intellectual property disputes to mergers and revising all sorts of legal documentation.

What is a lawyer?

Lawyers are employed in law firms or private practices and usually advise clients about their legal issues and how to move forward. Attorneys consult with clients like lawyers do, but are much more likely to go beyond the initial consultation and represent the client in courtroom proceedings.

What is the best way to prepare for a job as a lawyer?

Preparing for a job as a lawyer requires an understanding of legal terminology and law-related careers. By gaining a strong understanding of what careers the legal field offers, you can find the career path the best suits your qualifications.

What is the job of a bankruptcy paralegal?

Primary duties: Bankruptcy paralegals assist bankruptcy lawyers in providing clients with advice on their financial situation, if they are eligible to file for bankruptcy, what type of bankruptcy would be the most helpful for them, and provide information on how to file for bankruptcy.

What is the job of a contract lawyer?

Primary duties: A contracts lawyer helps individual clients or businesses with problems relating to contracts. They provide advice from a legal standpoint on whether or not to agree to and sign a contract, or can help a client figure out how to combat a contract that they have already signed.

What is a counsel lawyer?

Counsels are lawyers who are employed by a company or organization. Not being employed at a law firm, counsels act solely on behalf of that company or organization. These three lawyer titles within the legal field present unique work opportunities and distinct salary differences to those employed in them.

What is the job of a personal injury lawyer?

Primary duties: A personal injury lawyer is responsible for helping clients who have sustained injuries, whether it be through a car accident or an injury acquired on a company's property. They plead their case to help a client get compensation for their injury.

What is the primary job of a family lawyer?

Primary duties: A family lawyer can be employed to help clients in several family-related matters. They are involved in defending a client in divorce proceedings, child custody battles or child support claims.

How do I become a lawyer?

The path to become a lawyer may seem clear-cut: obtain a Juris Doctor (J.D.), take the Bar examination, and begin practicing. But with so many different types of lawyers, deciding what kind of law you want to practice may not be such an obvious decision.

What is business lawyer?

Business lawyers, also known as corporate lawyers, handle legal matters for businesses and ensure that all company transactions occur within the scope of local, state, and federal laws. Common legal work includes mergers, acquisitions, formation or dissolution of businesses, patents, intellectual property, and liability disputes. Day to day, a business lawyer may conduct legal research, write and revise legal documents, and negotiate contracts.

What is bankruptcy law?

Bankruptcy lawyers are experts in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and handle insolvency issues for individuals or corporations. Bankruptcy lawyers generally specialize in either consumer bankruptcy or commercial bankruptcy. In consumer bankruptcy, lawyers represent individuals or creditors; in commercial, they represent corporate creditors and debtors. However, the scope of work for bankruptcy lawyers in either specialization is the same, as both specializations navigate solutions for financial restructurings, plan confirmations, and valuation disputes. Clerking or interning at a firm that has a bankruptcy practice is one way to figure out whether a future position in this field suits you.#N#While not required, some states offer bankruptcy law certification to further distinguish lawyers’ expertise in the field.

Why do tax lawyers pursue a masters in taxation?

Some tax lawyers pursue a Master’s in Taxation to further specialize their knowledge and stay up-to-date in their practice.

What is an estate planning lawyer?

An estate planning lawyer is well-versed in the intricacies of property rights, wills, probate, and trusts. They provide legal advice and assistance to ensure client assets passing both inside and outside the will or trust are handled correctly, while also ensuring that tax and legal issues are properly addressed. Deciding how to provide for various family members is a delicate process, so estate planning lawyers may use questionnaires to help clients evaluate their assets and liabilities, and aid them in their decision-making.#N#Estate planning lawyers may pursue additional certification—most commonly the Chartered Trust and Estate Planner (CTEP), Accredited Estate Planner (AEP), or the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) certification .

What does an entertainment lawyer do?

Entertainment lawyers represent athletes, artists, musicians, actors, and other media-related clients or brands. They help to protect the intellectual property of their clients, which can be anything from a singer’s lyrics to a comedian’s comedy routine. Additionally, entertainment lawyers may negotiate contracts and fee arrangements, secure talent releases, act as a liaison between agents or venues, or oversee membership into unions and guilds.

What is a criminal defense lawyer?

Criminal Defense Lawyer. Criminal defense lawyers advocate on behalf of those accused of criminal activity and ensure that their liberties and basic rights are fairly upheld within the justice system.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Is philosophy a difficult major?

Philosophy is a difficult major.

Does the law school test for legal understanding?

Since the test doesn’t actually test for legal understanding, but rather reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, then your choice of an undergraduate degree is up to you to decide. That said, law schools tend to prefer students that have a wide range of course work.

Is criminal justice a good fit for law school?

Criminal justice is a natural fit for law school since coursework focuses on criminal justice topics. These programs often include courses on court proceedings, the correction systems, and many other aspects of the legal system. Criminal justice degrees emphasize strong research, analysis, and writing skills which are a necessity in law school. Yet despite this being a natural fit for law, many law schools prefer specializations in other areas of study. In fact, some schools scrutinize academic records far harder in the criminal justice major than any other major.

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 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 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 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.

What is a biology degree?

A biology degree opens the door to many career possibilities. If you’re a student who loves science and is intrigued by the study of living things, a biology degree might be the perfect choice to launch you on your career path . Ask your college career center or alumni office for a list of alumni who were biology majors, ...

What is a biological technician?

Also known as laboratory assistants, biological technicians use the laboratory skills and techniques that biology majors learn in their labs, academic research, and collaborative research with faculty. 1 . Technicians must carry out studies that yield accurate results. They document results and perform calculations just as ...

How much do biochemists make?

Salary and Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that biochemists earned a median annual salary of $94,490 in May 2019. The top 10% earned $182,870 or more and the bottom 10% earned $50,620 or less.

What degree do genetic counselors need?

3 . They must have an advanced aptitude in biology to complete the required master’s degree in the discipline. Genetic counselors must be able to express scientific concepts in everyday language.

Why do we need to study biology?

Studying biology equips them with the laboratory and scientific research skills and knowledge to design and execute studies for developing new products. Most jobs in this field will require an advanced degree. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology helps biochemists to understand the impact of drugs and biotechnology solutions on the human body.

How much does a genetic counselor make?

Salary and Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that genetic counselors earned a median annual salary of $81,880 in May 2019.

How much does a biological technician make?

Salary and Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that biological technicians earned a median annual salary of $45,860 in May 2019. The top 10% earned $73,350 or more and the bottom 10% earned $29,540 or less.

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