Law Degree To Journalism: Your Career Transition Guide

Journalism and law are two notoriously difficult industries to break into, but a law degree can give you a head start in the world of media. Legal journalists are responsible for reporting on matters pertaining to the law, and a law degree can help you gain specialist knowledge in this area.

If you're considering a career in journalism after obtaining a law degree, you may want to pursue a master's degree in journalism or legal studies, or undertake a continuing education or certificate program. Alternatively, you could gain experience through internships, freelancing, or writing a legal blog.

It's also important to build relationships with mentors and colleagues in the industry, and to stay in touch with your journalism professors and classmates, who may be able to help you find work.

While a career in journalism with a law degree is possible, it's worth noting that the legal job market is currently saturated, and journalism salaries are notoriously low.

Consider a double degree in law and journalism

If you are interested in a career in legal journalism, you may want to consider pursuing a double degree in law and journalism. This option can provide you with a strong foundation in both fields and open up a variety of career opportunities. Here are some reasons why a double degree in law and journalism could be a good choice:

• Complementary Skill Set: Law and journalism complement each other well. In law school, you develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, which are highly valued in journalism. You also learn to synthesize complex ideas and communicate them clearly, which is essential for effectively conveying legal information to your audience.
• Enhanced Employability: A double degree can set you apart from other candidates in the job market. With expertise in both law and journalism, you can position yourself for specialised roles in legal journalism, such as reporting on legal matters, analysing legal trends, or providing legal expertise to media organisations.
• Flexibility: A double degree offers flexibility in your career path. You can choose to work solely as a legal journalist or explore other options. For example, you could work as a lawyer with a specialised knowledge of media law or as a journalist with the ability to provide legal insights. This versatility can open doors to diverse opportunities.
• Network Building: Enrolling in a double degree programme will expose you to a diverse range of students and professionals in both fields. This provides valuable opportunities to build a strong network of connections. These connections can be beneficial for future collaborations, mentorship, and job prospects.
• Specialised Knowledge: A double degree allows you to gain in-depth knowledge in two distinct fields. You will develop a solid understanding of legal principles and the intricacies of journalism, including reporting, writing, and media production. This specialised knowledge will enable you to provide valuable insights and analysis in your work.
• Personal Development: Pursuing a double degree challenges you to develop a wide range of skills and adapt to different learning environments. You will enhance your critical thinking, research, and communication abilities. Additionally, you will cultivate a strong work ethic and time management skills, which are essential for success in both fields.

When considering a double degree, it is important to research the specific requirements and curriculum of the programme. Ensure that the programme aligns with your career goals and provides a well-rounded education in both law and journalism.

Study a pre-law or legal studies programme alongside journalism

Studying a pre-law or legal studies programme alongside journalism can be a great way to prepare for a career in legal journalism. While a journalism degree is not strictly necessary to become a journalist, it can make the transition into the profession smoother.

In the US, law is a graduate-level degree, so aspiring legal journalists might consider a pre-law or legal studies programme alongside their journalism degree. While some believe that pre-law programmes are not the best preparation for law school, they can be a good option if you don't plan on attending law school and want to complement your journalism degree.

In countries like Australia, India, New Zealand, and the UK, where law can be studied as an undergraduate degree, aspiring legal journalists could pursue law and journalism as dual degrees. This option provides a strong foundation in both fields and increases employability in the legal journalism sector.

For example, the University of Strathclyde offers a BA in Journalism, Media, and Communication & Law, while the University of Arizona offers a dual MA in Journalism and Legal Studies.

A legal degree can be an excellent preparation for journalism as it teaches skills such as synthesising ideas and communicating clearly, which are critical in journalism. Additionally, specialist legal knowledge can be immensely helpful when reporting on legal matters.

However, it is important to note that attending law school, especially in the US, can be costly, and the most well-paid jobs after graduation tend to be in legal practice rather than journalism. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the potential return on investment when deciding whether to pursue a legal degree alongside journalism.

Attend law school

A law degree is a versatile qualification that can open doors to a variety of career paths, including journalism. While it is not necessary to have a law degree to become a journalist, it can provide a strong foundation for a career in this field.

Law school will equip you with valuable skills that are directly applicable to journalism. You will learn to synthesize ideas, communicate clearly, and quickly identify the heart of an issue—all of which are critical skills for journalists.

In addition to developing these essential skills, law school can also provide you with a network of connections and resources that can be beneficial for a career in journalism. Many well-known journalists started their careers in law school, including Geraldo Rivera (Brooklyn Law School), Jeff Greenfield (Yale Law School), and Cynthia McFadden (Columbia Law School).

When considering law schools, look for programs that offer a strong foundation in legal studies while also providing opportunities to develop your writing and communication skills. Additionally, seek out schools with well-established journalism programs or media outlets where you can gain practical experience.

During your time in law school, it is essential to gain hands-on experience through internships or other extracurricular activities. Consider joining the school newspaper or a similar platform to refine your writing skills and build a portfolio of work. You may also want to look for internships or part-time jobs at media organizations or law firms to gain experience in the field.

By attending law school and supplementing your legal education with practical experience, you will be well on your way to a successful career in journalism, equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in this field.

Gain experience through internships

Gaining experience through internships is a crucial step in becoming a journalist with a law degree. It allows aspiring legal journalists to build their resumes, make industry connections, and gain practical skills. Here are some tips to maximise your internship experience:

• Start early: If possible, begin your internship while pursuing your law degree or immediately after graduation. The earlier you gain experience and make connections, the easier it will be to secure a permanent position in legal journalism.
• Seek out legal journalism internships: Look for internships specifically in legal journalism. Reach out to news organisations, law firms, or legal publications that offer internships. This will provide you with specialised experience and help you build a network within the industry.
• Be willing to take on unpaid internships: Many internships in journalism are unpaid. Consider taking on these opportunities for the experience and the potential connections you can make.
• Build relationships: Journalism is a relationship-based industry. Use your internship to build relationships with colleagues, mentors, and sources. These connections may help you find permanent employment or provide valuable insights and advice.
• Develop your writing and research skills: During your internship, focus on honing your writing and research abilities. These skills are essential for journalists and will be valuable throughout your career.
• Freelance work: In addition to internships, consider taking on freelance work to further enhance your writing and research skills and build your portfolio. Offer to write for your school paper or reach out to publications to pitch article ideas.

Build relationships with mentors and colleagues

Journalism is a relationship business, and building relationships with mentors and colleagues is crucial for aspiring journalists. Here are some tips to help you build and maintain these valuable connections:

• Stay in touch with classmates: Your peers from college or law school can be a great resource for finding work in the journalism industry. Many of them may already be working in the field and could provide valuable leads or introductions. Maintaining these relationships can increase your chances of landing a job in legal journalism.
• Foster connections with journalism professors: If you studied journalism at university, stay connected with your professors. They often have industry connections and may be willing to offer advice or introduce you to potential employers. Their guidance and support can be invaluable as you navigate your career path.
• Build relationships with sources: Journalism is about sharing stories and information with the world, and human sources are often the most valuable asset for a journalist. Cultivate strong relationships with your sources, as this will enhance your reporting and make you better at your job.
• Utilize social media: Create and maintain a professional online presence through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Share your work, connect with other journalists, and reach out to established professionals in the field. Social media can be a powerful tool for networking and building relationships.
• Seek advice from experienced journalists: Reach out to journalists you know personally or connect with well-known legal journalists via email or social media. Most established journalists are happy to offer advice and share their career journey. Their insights and guidance can be incredibly valuable as you navigate your own path.

Building solid relationships with mentors and colleagues in the industry can open doors to new opportunities and enhance your career prospects. It is important to invest time and effort in cultivating these connections as you pursue your dream of becoming a legal journalist.

Frequently asked questions