Gavin Howe
Law is a diverse field with many specializations, and choosing a major can be challenging. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, certain majors are particularly well-suited for a career in law. These include political science, history, philosophy, economics, and business, which provide a strong foundation in critical thinking, reading, writing, and oral communication skills. Additionally, unique majors like astronomy, agronomy, and dentistry can also lead to law school, showcasing the value of diverse academic backgrounds. Work experience and extracurricular activities, such as internships and debate teams, are also essential considerations. Ultimately, the best major depends on individual interests, passions, and long-term goals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Areas of law | Criminal law, civil rights law, corporate law, constitutional law, environmental law, immigration law, intellectual property law, international law, education law, employment and labor law, family and juvenile law, health law, natural resources law |
| Skills | Reading, writing, critical thinking, public speaking, complex problem-solving, finding and gathering information, presentation skills, logic and reasoning |
| Majors that develop relevant skills | History, English, philosophy, political science, economics, business, finance, humanities, STEM |
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What You'll Learn
Criminal law
Students of criminal law can expect to learn about the balance between victims' rights, public safety, and the rights of the accused and incarcerated, as well as humanitarian, fiscal, and practical concerns. They will also be expected to understand the current criminal justice system, which is under scrutiny for its fairness and effectiveness, and its high incarceration rates. Criminal law students at Arizona State University, for example, are given the opportunity to participate in jury trials, work with public defenders, and evaluate wrongful conviction claims.
A criminal justice degree can be an excellent foundation for law school, giving students an understanding of the legal and justice systems, as well as behavioural and motivation studies, which are useful in a courtroom setting. Students can also gain a closer look at the responsibilities of employees in this field, such as conducting investigations and writing reports, and can choose concentrations to define their studies, such as forensic psychology.
A criminal justice degree can lead to careers in law enforcement, forensic psychology, or paralegal work, as well as providing a foundation for further study in law school, especially for those contemplating careers in prosecution, criminal defence, or criminal justice policy.
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Civil rights law
The civil rights movement in the United States has a long history, with landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1875, which was later struck down by the Supreme Court in 1883. In the 1930s, during the New Deal, the legal theory shifted to allow for greater government regulation of the private sector under the Commerce Clause, paving the way for civil rights laws prohibiting public and private sector discrimination. The Civil Rights Act of 1957 was the first federal civil rights legislation since 1875, and it increased protection for African American voting rights. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 further solidified these protections and was a significant milestone in civil rights history.
Additionally, civil rights law programs offer practical experience through clinical programs, where students gain hands-on exposure to civil rights practice. They may represent plaintiffs in civil rights litigation or advocate for specific groups, such as immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, or racial minorities. These programs help students develop essential lawyering skills and apply civil rights theory to real-world contexts.
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Corporate law
To be effective, corporate lawyers must have a strong foundation in specialized legal knowledge, including contracts, corporations, and securities regulation. They must also develop a deep understanding of their clients' problems and be able to quickly grasp the business context in which legal issues arise. This includes having a fundamental grasp of corporate finance and accounting, as these areas often provide the framework for understanding and solving business problems.
Overall, corporate lawyers play a crucial role in ensuring that businesses operate within the framework of the law and providing guidance on a wide range of legal and business issues.
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Intellectual property law
IP law can be broken down into three subdivisions: copyrights, trademarks, and patents. Copyright law protects the rights of creators in their works in fine arts, publishing, entertainment, and computer software. It also covers the use of taglines. Trademark law protects a word, phrase, symbol, or design that is used to identify a product or service. Trademark owners can prevent others from using their marks or similar marks that may confuse consumers. Patent law grants protection for new inventions, which can be products, processes, or designs, and provides a mechanism to foster innovation and the sharing of new developments. Trade secrets are business practices, formulas, designs, or processes that provide a competitive advantage to a business.
The history of intellectual property law can be traced back to the 15th century with the Venetian Patent Statute of 1474, considered the earliest codified patent system. The term "intellectual property" came into use in the 19th century, with the first known usage in a Massachusetts Circuit Court ruling in 1845. The modern concept of intellectual property, however, developed in England in the 17th and 18th centuries, with the Statute of Monopolies (1624) and the British Statute of Anne (1710) seen as the origins of current patent law and copyright, respectively. The term became commonplace in most of the world's legal systems in the late 20th century.
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Environmental law
There are no specific undergraduate requirements for environmental law, but it is beneficial to focus on areas that will help you develop the skills needed as an environmental lawyer. For example, degrees in science, ecology, and environmental science can provide a solid foundation for understanding environmental issues. English, philosophy, and communication studies are also useful, as environmental lawyers spend a lot of time writing and editing legal documents, as well as public speaking. Humanities, economics, and political science are also popular choices.
Educational requirements for environmental lawyers include a bachelor's degree and a law degree, typically a Juris Doctor (JD) from an American Bar Association-accredited law school. This is usually seven years of post-secondary education: a four-year undergraduate degree and a three-year JD degree. After graduating, the bar exam must be completed successfully. Students seeking senior or specialised roles may consider postgraduate programs, such as a Master of Environmental Law or a PhD.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many different majors that can help prepare you for law school, including:
- Political Science
- History
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Business
The most popular major for law school applicants is political science, as it provides a strong foundation in government systems, political theory, and judicial processes.
No, there is no single "best" major for law school. Law schools value diversity in academic backgrounds, and applicants from non-traditional majors often bring different perspectives and skills.
Lawyers need to be skilled at finding and gathering information from multiple sources, reading long, complex documents, and synthesizing information. Presentation skills are also key, as lawyers often need to challenge decisions and make persuasive arguments.
Choose a major that best fits your interests and goals. Pursuing your interests will make studying easier and help you get the grades you need to improve your chances of law school admission.
