Pursuing Law: Any Course Can Be Your Pre-Law Foundation

In the United States and Canada, pre-law refers to any course of study taken by an undergraduate in preparation for law school. There are no specific pre-law degree requirements, and students can choose any undergraduate major and apply to law school. However, certain courses can help prepare students for the rigour of law school and their future legal careers. These include liberal arts and humanities courses that develop critical thinking, reading, writing, and research skills. Courses in political science, government, criminal justice, sociology, and psychology can also provide a good foundation for understanding the legal system and how people behave within it. Additionally, STEM courses can be beneficial, especially for those interested in the legal and regulatory issues related to these fields. Ultimately, the best pre-law course of study depends on an individual's interests, goals, and the specific area of law they wish to pursue.

There are no specific pre-law requirements

In the United States and Canada, there are no specific pre-law degree requirements or majors. This means that an undergraduate student seeking legal education in these countries is not required to take a set of prerequisites to apply to law school. Therefore, most undergraduate institutions do not offer an official "pre-law" concentration, and students with any academic background can apply to law school.

However, it is important to note that certain skills, values, knowledge, and experience can be acquired prior to law school, providing a sound foundation for a legal education. These include critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and oral communication and listening skills. Courses that can help develop these skills include liberal arts and humanities, such as English, history, and philosophy, which encourage critical reading and writing. Similarly, courses in mathematics, logic, and science can help prepare students for the logic-related questions on the LSAT.

Additionally, students interested in a specific legal industry, such as environmental or entertainment law, may benefit from building a background in that discipline before applying to law school. For example, a student interested in environmental law may consider a degree in environmental studies, while one interested in entertainment law could major in music.

While there are no mandatory pre-law courses, students can seek out experiences and courses that will engage them in critical thinking, challenge their beliefs, and improve their tolerance for uncertainty and criticism. This could include taking on challenging courses with demanding instructors or gaining experience through internships, research, or other extracurricular activities.

Choose a major that interests you

There is no one-size-fits-all pre-law major, and you can choose any undergraduate major and still apply to law school. In fact, law schools often prefer a broad liberal arts education over a narrowly specialized one. For instance, you could major in something unrelated like music or the visual arts and still become a lawyer!

However, there are certain majors that are more popular among pre-law students as they help develop critical thinking, reading, writing, and research skills, which are essential for law school. These include:

• Political science
• History
• English
• Psychology
• Criminal justice
• Philosophy
• Sociology

These majors provide a good foundation for understanding how the government, law, and judicial systems work, and help develop an understanding of people and their behaviors, which is crucial for a career in law.

Additionally, if you're interested in a specific legal industry, such as environmental or entertainment law, it may be beneficial to build a background in that discipline before applying to law school. For example, a major in environmental studies could be useful for environmental law, while a music major could provide a foundation for entertainment and copyright law.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a major that interests you and helps you build the necessary skills for law school. Seek out courses and experiences that challenge you, develop your research and writing skills, and provide opportunities for critical thinking and discussion.

Develop research and writing skills

In the United States and Canada, pre-law refers to any undergraduate course taken in preparation for law school. While there is no specific "pre-law" degree or majors, students can choose to major in subjects that are considered traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics, or business. However, it is important to note that the American Bar Association (ABA) does not recommend any undergraduate majors or group of courses as prerequisites for legal education.

Regardless of the major you select, it is essential to develop strong research and writing skills as these are the cornerstone of legal education and practice. Here are some ways you can enhance these skills during your pre-law journey:

Develop Research Skills:

• Start with thorough research: Conduct extensive research to gather all relevant facts, legal precedents, and authorities that will aid in supporting your legal arguments.
• Organize your research: Systematically arrange your research findings to easily reference and incorporate them into your writing.
• Understand legal databases: Familiarize yourself with legal databases and search techniques to efficiently locate relevant information.
• Think critically: Develop critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate assumptions, analyze different situations, and identify the most persuasive authorities.
• Expand your sources: Avoid overreliance on specific sources to prevent a narrow perspective. Explore diverse legal opinions and interdisciplinary materials to broaden your understanding.

Enhance Writing Skills:

• Write clearly and concisely: Communicate complex legal concepts in a clear, precise, and concise manner. Ensure your writing is accessible to both legal and non-legal audiences.
• Balance jargon: Use clear language and define complex legal terms to make your writing engaging and understandable to those without a legal background.
• Cite appropriately: Learn the citation conventions for your field of law to provide evidence and support for your arguments and help readers locate your sources.
• Practice regularly: Enhance your writing skills through workshops, mentor feedback, and consistent practice.
• Manage your time: Develop effective time management skills to balance research and writing tasks, setting realistic deadlines and using technology efficiently.

By focusing on developing these research and writing skills during your pre-law studies, you will be well-prepared for the challenges of legal education and a future career in law.

Gain experience in public speaking

In the United States and Canada, pre-law refers to any undergraduate course taken in preparation for study at a law school. While there is no specific "pre-law" degree or majors, students can take courses in a variety of disciplines to build knowledge in multiple subjects, which is beneficial for getting into a good law school. These include political science, anthropology, psychology, government, English, logic, philosophy, and history.

Gaining experience in public speaking is an important aspect of preparing for law school and a career in law. Here are some ways to achieve that:

• Law school clinics: Participating in law school clinics during your 2L or 3L year is an excellent opportunity to interact with real clients and handle actual cases under the guidance of a professor. While this involves public speaking, the focus is on helping others, which makes it a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
• Class discussions: A common form of public speaking in law school is "cold calling," where professors call on students to discuss the reading material without asking for volunteers. While this can be intimidating, it is a chance to analyse and interpret the material in front of your peers and authority figures. Preparing for class can help reduce anxiety, and it's important to remember that professors are there to help and guide you.
• Oral arguments: Many law schools require students to complete an oral argument during their 1L year, which is a life-like example of public speaking. Students are given a problem and must argue a motion or present an opening argument in front of a panel of community judges. Practising and building confidence are key to succeeding in this task.
• Extracurricular activities: Joining debate teams or participating in moot court competitions can provide valuable experience in public speaking and argumentation. These activities allow you to develop your critical thinking and communication skills, which are essential for a career in law.
• Community engagement: Getting involved in your community by volunteering or participating in public forums can also help improve your public speaking skills. Engaging with diverse audiences and discussing various topics will enhance your ability to communicate effectively and think on your feet.

Remember, while public speaking can be intimidating, it is a skill that can be developed with practice. The more you put yourself out there and engage in these experiences, the more comfortable and confident you will become.

Seek a broad liberal arts education

While there are no specific pre-law degree requirements, a broad liberal arts education is often preferable to a specialised one. This means that students can choose any undergraduate major and apply to law school. For example, a student with a background in environmental studies may be interested in pursuing environmental law, while a music major might find themselves drawn to entertainment and copyright law.

A broad liberal arts education will help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in law school. These include critical thinking, reading, writing, and oral communication skills. Courses in English, history, and political science will help you build these skills, as well as provide a foundation for understanding how the government, law, and judicial systems work.

Additionally, law school and the practice of law require organisation and management skills. You will need to be able to organise large amounts of information, identify objectives, and create structures for applying that information efficiently to achieve desired results. Taking on projects that require substantial research and writing, or preparing reports for an employer or organisation, can help you develop these skills.

Finally, a broad liberal arts education will expose you to a wide range of subjects and perspectives, which can be invaluable in a legal career. For example, courses in sociology, psychology, and anthropology can help you understand people and their behaviours, which is essential for a lawyer. Knowledge of a foreign language can also give you an edge in an increasingly international culture.

In summary, seeking a broad liberal arts education before law school will help you develop the skills, knowledge, and perspectives necessary for a successful legal career.

Frequently asked questions