Engineering To Law: A Viable Pre-Law Path?

Engineering is a great pre-law course for those who want to pursue a career in law. While there are no specific courses required to be admitted to law school, an engineering background can be beneficial for certain areas of law, such as intellectual property, technology, patent, and environmental law. Engineers can leverage their strong mathematical and statistical skills in these fields, as well as their ability to simplify complex technology concepts for courtroom presentations. In addition, engineers' logic-based thinking can be an asset when taking the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and can set them apart from other applicants.

Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)

The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is a standardised test that is required by most law schools as part of the admission process. The LSAT is an integral part of the law school admission process in the United States, Canada (common law programs only), the University of Melbourne in Australia, and a growing number of other countries. The test is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It is a multiple-choice digital test that costs $222 to take and receive one free score report. The LSAT is offered seven times a year, and it is recommended to schedule the test early enough so that your scores will be available by your first law school application deadline.

The LSAT is designed to assess reading comprehension and logical reasoning. The test consists of 99-102 multiple-choice questions and an essay portion. The multiple-choice portion of the LSAT consists of two scored logical reasoning sections and one scored reading comprehension section, plus one unscored variable section. The LSAT also includes an unscored experimental section. The test is 2 hours and 30 minutes long and is designed so that the average test-taker should not be able to comfortably complete all the questions in the time allotted. Raw scores on the exam are transformed into scaled scores, ranging from a high of 180 to a low of 120, with a median score typically around 150.

It is recommended to prepare in advance for the LSAT, as the scores on the exam typically correspond to preparation time. LSAC offers four free official practice tests that can be downloaded from their website. It is suggested that, for best results, practice tests should be taken under actual time constraints and representative conditions. In addition, since the test is writing-based, it is important to practice reading and writing before the test date. Engineers with a system-based background may find the open-ended writing portion challenging, but their logic-based thinking can be beneficial for extrapolating complex ideas.

Engineering as a pre-law major

Engineering is a great pre-law major, and many law schools strive to admit students from a variety of backgrounds and majors. In fact, math and science majors tend to have extremely high admission rates to law schools. This is because these applicants are rarer, and they are also more likely to be academically gifted. An engineering degree can also be beneficial when applying to certain concentrations within law school, such as intellectual property law, technology law, patent law, and land-use law. These areas of law often involve complex concepts that engineers can help distill into effective language and presentations for the courtroom.

Additionally, an engineering background is helpful in cases that involve mathematical and statistical matters, where engineers can thrive. For example, tax law attorneys focus on companies' or individuals' taxation implications and often represent clients in court. Engineers will find that their mathematical skills are well-suited for this area of law. Similarly, net neutrality law is a new area of law that focuses on matters related to the internet and equal access to information. This STEM-based specialty also uses the pre-existing skill set of an engineer.

Other areas of law that engineers may be interested in include environmental law, contract law, and construction law. Engineers may also be interested in pursuing law school after working in the field of property management, as one mechanical engineer has done. This engineer, who is in their late thirties, is currently balancing work with studying law and is not the only older student to do so. In fact, one of their classmates is in their sixties.

However, it is important to note that engineers with a system-based background may find the open-ended writing portion of the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) challenging. Therefore, it is beneficial to prepare for the LSAT by practicing reading and writing beforehand. Engineers' logic-based thinking can also serve them well when taking the LSAT and extrapolating complex ideas. Overall, an engineering degree is an excellent foundation for a career in law, and engineers should feel confident in their ability to succeed in law school and a variety of legal specialties.

Areas of law engineers can pursue

Engineers who want to pursue a career in law can find many potential legal specializations that complement their backgrounds and allow for career development in a new direction. As technology becomes increasingly important in the legal field, new lawyers with engineering or science backgrounds may find that they are better equipped to pursue new and expanding areas of the law.

Intellectual Property Law

Intellectual property lawyers help clients with trademarks and intellectual property rights issues. They help defend individuals or companies' rights to protect assets created for or by them in the public and private realms. Some areas include trademarks, copyrights, etc.

Technology Law

Technology law regulates both the public and private use of technology. An engineering degree is beneficial here to help distill complex technology concepts into effective language and presentations for the courtroom.

Patent Law

Patent law is a branch of intellectual property law that deals with new inventions. Patent attorneys and agents help clients obtain and maintain patents on new products, trademarks, and copyrights.

Land-Use, Zoning, and Construction Law

Land law regulates the right to use property.

Tax Law

Tax attorneys focus on companies' or individuals' taxation implications, helping them reduce their tax liabilities. They may advise clients and often represent them in court. Engineers will find tax law welcoming to their mathematical skills.

Net Neutrality Law

This new area of law focuses on matters related to the internet and equal access to information. Engineers will discover that this STEM-based specialty uses their pre-existing skill set well.

Environmental Law

Environmental lawyers focus on how, when, and why clients affect the environment when making changes, building buildings, or even engaging in conservation efforts.

Contract Law

Contract law concerns the establishment and enforcement of agreements between two parties.

Cyber Law

Engineering students, especially those with an IT background, tend to go for Cyber Law as it is a technical subject with issues ranging from cyber terrorism to credit card forgery. Cyber Law deals with legal issues relating to the World Wide Web, including defamation on the internet, hacking, and virus attacks.

Benefits of an engineering background

An engineering background can be beneficial for those pursuing a career in law, particularly in certain legal specialities. Here are some advantages that a background in engineering can offer:

Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Engineers are trained to think logically and analytically, breaking down complex problems into manageable components. This skill set is directly transferable to the legal profession, where critical thinking and analytical abilities are highly valued. Engineers are adept at identifying issues, formulating hypotheses, and devising innovative solutions, which can be advantageous in legal analysis and strategy development.

Technical Expertise

Engineering degrees often cover a range of technical topics, including mathematics, statistics, and technology. This technical knowledge can be invaluable in legal fields such as intellectual property, patent law, technology law, and environmental law. For example, an engineer's understanding of complex technologies can help simplify and explain these concepts in a courtroom setting. Similarly, an engineering background can facilitate a better understanding of the technical aspects of contracts in contract law.

Attention to Detail

Engineering often involves meticulous work, requiring a keen eye for detail. This trait is advantageous in legal work, where attention to detail is crucial. From reviewing complex documents to identifying loopholes or discrepancies, a keen eye for detail can make a significant difference in legal practice.

Mathematical Proficiency

Engineering curricula typically include a strong emphasis on mathematics. This proficiency in mathematics can be directly applied in legal specialities such as tax law, where attorneys must advise clients on taxation strategies and implications. Engineers' mathematical skills can also be leveraged in other areas of law that involve numerical data or statistical analysis.

Adaptability and Versatility

Engineering education and practice often foster adaptability and versatility. Engineers are accustomed to working with diverse teams, tackling multifaceted projects, and navigating dynamic environments. This adaptability can be advantageous in the legal profession, where attorneys must often juggle multiple cases, collaborate with various stakeholders, and adapt to changing circumstances and legal precedents.

Law school applications

Completing law school applications can be a challenging task, and as an engineering student, you may have additional considerations. Here are some detailed instructions and guidelines specifically tailored for engineering students applying to law school.

Choosing a Law Specialization

Firstly, it is essential to recognize that your engineering background can be a valuable asset when choosing a legal specialization. Several areas of law complement an engineering degree. For instance, patent law, intellectual property law, and technology law often involve complex technological concepts that engineers can effectively navigate. Additionally, land-use, zoning, and construction law, as well as environmental law, can benefit from the technical knowledge gained through an engineering degree. Other areas to consider include tax law, net neutrality law, and contract law, where your mathematical and analytical skills will be advantageous.

Law School Admissions Process

The law school admissions process typically involves submitting a comprehensive application package. This package may include standardized test scores, such as the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), which evaluates your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and writing skills. Engineers may find the logic-based aspects of the LSAT conducive to their problem-solving abilities, but they should also focus on practicing for the writing portion of the exam. Registering with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) is beneficial as they administer the LSAT and provide a Credential Assembly Service that simplifies the application process.

Application Materials

When completing your law school applications, ensure that you tailor your answers to each school and question. Law schools seek students from diverse backgrounds, and your engineering degree can set you apart from other applicants. Highlight how your engineering education has equipped you with valuable skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and comprehension of complex concepts. Emphasize any relevant internships or projects that demonstrate your ability to apply your engineering knowledge in practical settings.

Additional Considerations

While applying to law school, it is common to have concerns about your major's impact on your application. Rest assured that law schools accept students from various academic backgrounds, and there is no inherent disadvantage for engineering students. In fact, math and science majors tend to have higher admission rates to law school, possibly because they offer a unique perspective and a strong skill set that translates well into the legal profession.

In conclusion, as an engineering student, you possess a strong foundation for a successful law school application. Highlight your unique skill set, be diligent in your test preparation, and showcase your passion for the legal field. Best of luck with your law school journey!

Frequently asked questions