Kara Sears
Studying law is a challenging but rewarding endeavour that requires dedication and perseverance. While some individuals choose to pursue law as their first degree, it is also common for people to embark on a law degree as a second degree, bringing with them diverse experiences and perspectives. This raises the question: Can you study law as a second degree? The answer is a resounding yes, and there are several factors to consider when contemplating this path. Firstly, law schools generally require a bachelor's degree for entry, and having a second degree can improve your academic credentials, particularly if it is in a field that develops critical thinking, writing skills, and analytical abilities. Additionally, your undergraduate GPA and Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores are crucial factors in the admissions process, so ensuring you have strong grades and preparing for the LSAT are essential steps. The decision to pursue law as a second degree also depends on your personal circumstances, including finances, work experience, and the timing that feels right for you.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Law school requirements | A bachelor's degree |
| Factors considered for admission | GPA, LSAT scores, personal statements, letters of recommendation, relevant experiences |
| Advantage of a second degree | Can improve your GPA |
| Advantage of a non-law bachelor's degree | Can help develop critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and strong legal writing skills |
| Advantage of a law bachelor's degree | Can help you study topics in greater depth and with more context |
| Disadvantage of a second degree | May be a waste of time, money, and energy |
| Disadvantage of a law degree | Can be boring |
| Alternative to a law degree | Study a subject you love and know you can do well in |
| Alternative to a law degree for barristers | One-year conversion course, such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or Common Professional Exam, followed by the year-long Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) and 12 months of pupillage |
| Alternative to a law degree for solicitors | Legal Practice Course (LPC) and then a two-year training contract with a law firm |
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What You'll Learn
Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
While it is possible to study law as a second degree, law schools will only consider your first bachelor's degree when reporting the median undergraduate GPA of their incoming class. Therefore, it is important to consider whether pursuing a second degree is the best use of your time and resources. Instead, you could focus on gaining relevant work experience or taking additional courses to improve your GPA.
If you are considering applying to law school, one important factor to keep in mind is the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). The LSAT is a standardized test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) for prospective law school candidates. It is an integral part of the law school admission process in the United States, Canada (for common law programs), the University of Melbourne in Australia, and a growing number of other countries. The test is designed to assess reading comprehension, logical reasoning, critical thinking, analytical abilities, and persuasive argumentation. It consists of four sections, including three scored multiple-choice sections, an unscored experimental section, and an unscored writing section. Raw scores are converted into scaled scores ranging from 120 to 180, with a median score of around 150.
The LSAT is considered a significant predictor of first-year law school performance and can help determine if law school is the right choice for prospective students. It is recommended to prepare in advance for the LSAT due to its importance in law school admissions. LSAC offers free official practice tests, known as PrepTests, which can help familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked. These practice tests can be accessed through your LawHub account or downloaded from the LSAC website. Additionally, LSAC provides the option to take the LSAT either at a digital test center or remotely via your personal computer.
When applying to law school, it is essential to consider multiple factors, including your GPA, LSAT scores, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and relevant experiences. Law schools seek candidates with excellent analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, and a broad perspective. While a second degree may improve your GPA, it may not be the only factor considered during the admissions process. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on multiple aspects of your application to increase your chances of admission to law school.
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Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)
The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is a postgraduate law course in England and Wales. It is designed for non-law graduates who wish to pursue a career in law, specifically as a solicitor or barrister. The GDL is an intense programme that covers the same content as an undergraduate law degree, providing foundational knowledge in the seven core areas of law. It can be completed in one year full-time or two years part-time.
The GDL is often referred to as a "law conversion course" as it allows graduates from other disciplines to convert to law. It is a rigorous academic programme that prepares individuals for legal practice by developing critical analysis and research skills, and oral and written legal argument skills. The programme covers case law and the foundational subjects required for the academic stage of training as a barrister in England and Wales.
The GDL is regulated by the Law Society of England and Wales, with admissions handled through the Central Applications Board. It is offered by several British universities, including City Law School, Cardiff University, the University of East Anglia, and the University of Sheffield.
The GDL is a common route for individuals seeking to qualify as solicitors or barristers. After completing the GDL, individuals can proceed to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). It is an alternative path to a traditional law degree, providing an opportunity for graduates from diverse educational backgrounds to enter the legal profession.
While having a second degree may not be a distinguishing factor for law school applications, it can still be advantageous. A second degree can improve your overall GPA, and choosing a field of study that demonstrates critical thinking, writing skills, or analytical abilities (such as philosophy, political science, or economics) can be seen as relevant preparation for law school. Additionally, having a specialist subject can help you differentiate yourself from other candidates, as firms and chambers value strong academic performance in a variety of disciplines.
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Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC)
The Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) is a year-long, postgraduate course that allows graduates to be named and practise as barristers in England and Wales. The course is the vocational stage of training that must be passed before moving on to the practical training stage of pupillage. Pupillage involves shadowing a barrister in the first six months and having your own work and cases in the second six months.
The BPTC is currently one of the most expensive legal courses in Europe. It is designed to help students secure pupillage and prepare for life as a barrister. The course is taught through lectures, seminars, podcasts, tutorials, and practical workshops. Students are also given access to an online learning environment and face-to-face lecturer and peer support.
There are three pathways to success on the BPTC. The first involves completing real-life legal work experience through Pro Bono clinics. The second is writing a dissertation. The third option is to study additional modules and sit the exams after finishing the course.
On successful completion of the BPTC, students are called to the Bar. However, only those who have completed pupillage can work as barristers. Entry requirements for the BPTC include passing the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) and having a qualifying undergraduate degree in law.
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Law School Accreditation
Accreditation by the ABA signifies that a law school meets specific standards and requirements. These standards include curriculum expectations, such as offering at least one course on professional responsibility and at least two writing experiences. Additionally, accredited law schools are mandated to have full-time faculty teaching a significant portion of the courses. ABA-accredited law schools also focus on graduate outcomes, with a minimum standard requiring at least 75% of each year's graduates to pass the state bar exam within two years of completing their degree.
The benefits of attending an ABA-accredited law school are significant. Firstly, accreditation ensures that your degree will be recognized and accepted in most jurisdictions, allowing you to sit for the bar exam and practice law in various states. Secondly, ABA-accredited schools provide a well-rounded legal education that equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the legal profession. The ABA's accreditation process also holds law schools accountable for student access to the profession, ensuring that graduates have a clear path to becoming licensed attorneys.
When choosing a law school, it is essential to consider its accreditation status. While a non-ABA-accredited law school may offer benefits such as lower tuition rates and less competitive admission processes, the long-term advantages of attending an accredited institution often outweigh these short-term gains. Prospective law students should carefully research their options, considering factors such as the school's reputation, ranking, and compliance with ABA Standards for Approval of Law Schools.
In conclusion, law school accreditation, particularly ABA accreditation, is a crucial factor in choosing a law school. It ensures that the school meets specific standards, provides a high-quality legal education, and prepares graduates for success in the legal profession. Prospective law students should prioritize accredited institutions to maximize their career opportunities and ensure a smooth path towards becoming licensed attorneys.
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Choosing a Law School Major
Choosing a major for law school can be a challenging task. While there is no "best" major for law school, there are several factors to consider when making your decision. Firstly, it is important to choose a field that you are passionate about and genuinely interested in. Law school admissions counsellors recommend selecting a challenging major that aligns with your passions, as you are more likely to excel in a field that excites you. This could be a traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics, or business, or a field that allows you to develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. For example, a STEM subject or a core humanities subject can equip you with excellent analytical skills and a broad perspective, which are highly valued in the legal profession.
Secondly, it is crucial to consider the reputation of the school and the law program you plan to attend. The legal field is status-oriented, and some schools have more name recognition than others. While choosing a lower-ranked school may allow you to stand out more, it is essential to weigh your options and select an institution that offers a strong law program and provides a well-rounded education.
Additionally, it is worth noting that while a second degree may not be necessary, it can help improve your GPA and demonstrate critical thinking, writing skills, and analytical abilities. However, law schools typically only consider your first bachelor's degree when evaluating your GPA, so focus on maintaining strong grades throughout your undergraduate studies.
Furthermore, it is beneficial to develop relationships with faculty members who can write recommendation letters and gain practical experience through internships or extracurricular activities related to law, such as joining a debate team or participating in mooting. These experiences will enhance your application and demonstrate your commitment to the legal field.
Lastly, remember that law school admissions teams consider multiple factors beyond your undergraduate major. Your LSAT score and GPA are critical, as they indicate your academic preparedness for the rigours of law school. A well-rounded application that showcases your skills, interests, and dedication to the legal field will set you up for success in the admissions process and your future legal career.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need a law degree to practice law. Law firms do not require that you study law as your first degree, and they do not mind what A-levels you do. Their only requirement is high grades. However, if you do not have a law degree, you will need to do a one-year conversion course, such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).
A second degree can improve your GPA, which is a key factor in law school admissions. Additionally, if your second degree is in a field that demonstrates critical thinking, writing skills, or analytical abilities (such as philosophy, political science, or economics), it can be seen as relevant preparation for law school.
A high GPA and a good LSAT score are crucial for getting into law school. Other factors include personal statements, letters of recommendation, and relevant experiences. It is also important to maintain healthy habits and emotional well-being, as law school can be stressful.
