Anaya Nolan
Many people have successfully transitioned from law school to a career in journalism. Law school teaches you to synthesise ideas, communicate clearly, and get to the heart of an issue—all skills that are critical in journalism. If you're a law student or graduate looking to get into journalism, you can start by writing articles and getting them published. You can also develop a writing portfolio with examples of different types of writing to showcase your abilities. It's also worth noting that having a law degree can be advantageous for certain journalism roles, such as legal journalism, and can open doors to a variety of career paths.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skills gained from a law degree | Synthesis of ideas, clear communication, and quick understanding of issues |
| Examples of journalists with law degrees | Geraldo Rivera, Jeff Greenfield, Cynthia McFadden, Star Jones, David E. Kelly, David Allen Green, Adam Wagner, Joshua Rozenberg, Carl Gardner, Afua Hirsch, Jill Schachner Chanen, Ruth Marcus |
| Pros of a law degree for journalism | Can distinguish yourself from other journalism graduates, legal experience can give an advantage when writing about the law |
| Cons of a law degree for journalism | Journalism is less structured than law, journalism qualifications may be seen as a waste of time by some employers |
| Other career options with a law degree | Real estate, nonprofit management, entrepreneurship, legal journalism, marketing, copywriting |
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What You'll Learn
Skills Gained from a Law Degree
A law degree is an excellent foundation for a wide range of careers, including journalism. The skills gained from a law degree are highly desirable and transferable, and they can be applied in almost any industry.
Communication Skills
Communication skills are essential for law students, who must learn to adjust their communication style based on the situation and audience. They develop the ability to write clearly and persuasively, as well as think on their feet and make themselves understood verbally. These skills are crucial for journalists, who need to convey information effectively to their readers, listeners, or viewers.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Law students are trained to think critically, analyse complex information, and solve challenging problems. They learn to identify and process key information, conduct research, and evaluate sources critically. These skills enable them to make well-informed decisions and develop creative solutions to difficult situations. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are invaluable for journalists, helping them to investigate stories, evaluate sources, and present information in a clear and compelling manner.
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Negotiation is a key skill cultivated in law school. Students learn to argue a point, challenge decisions, and resolve conflicts fairly and effectively. They develop the ability to view problems from multiple perspectives and take a neutral standpoint, which can be advantageous in journalism when dealing with sensitive topics or conducting interviews.
Time Management and Handling Pressure
The rigorous nature of a law degree equips students with exceptional time management skills. They become adept at meeting deadlines, handling pressure, and making quick decisions. These abilities are essential for journalists, who often work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments and need to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines.
Attention to Detail and Analysis
Law students are trained to pay close attention to detail, scrutinising facts, arguments, and evidence. They develop analytical skills, learning to gather data, interpret complex information, and form conclusions based on their analysis. These skills enable journalists to conduct thorough investigations, identify newsworthy stories, and present well-researched and accurate information to their audience.
Overall, a law degree provides a strong skill set that can be leveraged in a variety of professions, including journalism. The ability to communicate effectively, think critically, negotiate, manage time, handle pressure, and pay attention to detail are all valuable assets for aspiring journalists.
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Pros and Cons of Journalism
Journalism can be an exciting and rewarding career for law graduates. It offers a fast-paced environment, the opportunity to express oneself creatively, and the chance to stay informed on various topics. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons before making a career decision.
Pros of Journalism
One of the main advantages of a career in journalism is the opportunity to express oneself creatively. Journalists can work for publications that allow them to infuse their personalities into their stories and use their creativity to develop new story ideas and angles. Journalism also provides a platform to share unique ideas, consider multiple viewpoints, and raise awareness about important topics. The job can be fascinating as journalists cover a range of topics, from public figures to political news, and gain access to exclusive events and travel opportunities. Additionally, the skills learned in law school, such as synthesizing ideas, communicating clearly, and getting to the heart of an issue, are highly valuable in journalism.
Cons of Journalism
One of the main disadvantages of journalism is the demanding nature of the job. Journalists often face strict deadlines and are expected to continuously produce new and exciting stories. The travel requirements can also keep them away from home for extended periods. Additionally, journalism can be a dangerous profession, especially when reporting from unstable areas or covering sensitive topics. Journalists may find themselves in the center of violent or scary circumstances and may become targets for those who disagree with their ideas. The field is also highly competitive, and finding the right opportunity can take time and patience.
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Alternative Routes into Journalism
Journalism is a field that is constantly evolving, with the rise of online-only platforms, multimedia industries, and a growing emphasis on diversity in the newsroom. While a degree is not always necessary, it is becoming increasingly common for journalists to hold qualifications, with many even pursuing postgraduate studies. However, for those who wish to pursue alternative routes into journalism, here are some options:
- Start at the "Bottom": Consider starting at the most junior level, such as an intern, apprentice, or junior staff member. Local newsrooms and smaller publications are more likely to give you a chance without a degree, and you can gain valuable experience and build your portfolio.
- Build Contacts: Networking is essential in journalism. Join journalism group chats, attend networking events, and reach out to journalists and editors to introduce yourself and express your interest in the field. Building a solid network of contacts can help you learn about job opportunities and get your foot in the door.
- Develop Complimentary Skills: Enhance your employability by developing skills in coding, graphic design, and social media fluency. These skills are highly sought after in online journalism and can set you apart from traditionally trained journalists.
- Freelance Journalism: Consider pursuing freelance journalism by creating a website or a strong social media presence to showcase your work. Building a personal brand can help you establish yourself in the industry and attract potential clients or employers.
- Apprenticeships and Trainee Positions: Look for schemes and opportunities specifically aimed at individuals who cannot afford to attend university, such as apprenticeships and trainee positions. These provide on-the-job training and are a great way to enter the industry without a degree.
- Specialist Undergraduate Degrees: If you are open to pursuing some form of higher education, consider specialist undergraduate degrees in fields such as photojournalism or sports journalism, which can provide you with the necessary skills and qualifications for a career in journalism.
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Examples of Journalists with Law Degrees
A law degree can be a great asset for aspiring journalists, providing them with analytical skills and a strong understanding of government and legal systems. Several notable journalists have law degrees or have previously practised law. Here are some examples of journalists with legal qualifications or backgrounds:
Greta Van Susteren
Fox News anchor Greta Van Susteren is a graduate of Georgetown Law. She is an example of a journalist with a strong legal background, demonstrating the crossover between the two fields.
Michael Smerconish
Penn Law graduate Michael Smerconish is a prominent radio show host, showcasing how a law degree can lead to a successful career in broadcast journalism.
Dahlia Lithwick
Dahlia Lithwick, a graduate of Stanford Law, is a journalist for Slate. Her career exemplifies how a legal education can enhance one's writing and analytical skills, which are essential in journalism.
Ava-joye Burnett
Broadcast news reporter Ava-joye Burnett is a graduate of the USC Gould School of Law's Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program. She chose to pursue a legal education while continuing her work as a journalist, believing that a deeper understanding of government systems would improve her reporting.
Lucrezia Millarini
ITV News presenter Lucrezia Millarini transitioned from a barrister to a broadcaster. She attributes her success in journalism to her law degree, which encouraged analytical thinking and performance skills, both crucial in broadcast journalism.
These individuals exemplify how a law degree can provide a strong foundation for a career in journalism, offering enhanced analytical capabilities, critical thinking, and a deep comprehension of legal and governmental matters.
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Journalism Specialisms for Law Graduates
Journalism and law are two fields that intersect in many ways, and a law degree can be a great asset for aspiring journalists. Law graduates can bring unique skills and perspectives to the world of journalism, and there are several specialisms that can leverage their legal knowledge and expertise.
Legal Journalism
Legal journalists cover the law, legal industry trends, and Supreme Court decisions. They may also write profiles of prominent figures in the legal field. Legal journalists can work as reporters or editors for publications like the ABA Journal, SCOTUSblog, or The Marshall Project, which focuses on the prison industry in the US. Law graduates can bring their legal expertise to these roles, offering insightful analysis and commentary on legal matters.
Investigative Journalism
Law graduates can excel in investigative journalism, as their legal training teaches them to synthesise ideas, communicate clearly, and quickly identify the key points of an issue. Investigative journalists often delve into complex topics, and the critical thinking and research skills learned in law school can be invaluable for uncovering and presenting information effectively.
Broadcast Journalism
Several well-known broadcast journalists and TV personalities have law degrees. Broadcast journalism often involves discussing and analysing a range of topics, and the communication and issue-framing skills gained through a law degree can be highly beneficial. Broadcast journalists may work for television networks, radio stations, or online media outlets, providing news, commentary, or analysis on current affairs, including legal matters.
Journalism in Other Fields
Law graduates can also find opportunities in business-to-business (B2B) publications, especially those focused on legal topics. Additionally, the skills gained from a law degree, such as writing and communication, can be transferable to other fields, such as public relations, marketing, or digital storytelling. These fields often intersect with journalism and can provide opportunities for law graduates to utilise their writing skills in a non-traditional journalism context.
While a law degree can open doors to various journalism specialisms, it is important to consider the differences between these fields. Journalism may offer less structure and lower pay than a career in law, and developing a writing portfolio and gaining practical experience through internships or freelance work can be crucial steps for law graduates transitioning into journalism.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. A law degree can be advantageous for a career in journalism as it equips you with skills in synthesizing ideas, communicating clearly, and quickly understanding issues, all of which are valuable in journalism.
While a law degree can be a good foundation, it is beneficial to develop a portfolio of writing samples and gain experience in the field. You can consider freelancing, blogging, or writing for publications to build your portfolio and establish yourself in the industry.
Notable journalists with a law background include Geraldo Rivera, Jeff Greenfield, Cynthia McFadden, Star Jones, David Allen Green, Adam Wagner, Joshua Rozenberg, and Carl Gardner.
Journalism can have less structured career paths and unpredictable work hours compared to the legal profession. Additionally, journalism may offer lower starting salaries, and it may take time to establish yourself in the field.
A law degree can provide you with a unique skill set and knowledge base that can be leveraged in various journalism specialties, such as legal journalism, investigative journalism, or even entrepreneurship. It can open doors to specialized areas and enhance your employability in fields that value legal expertise.
