Keith Mack
Aspiring lawyers should consider a variety of factors when choosing their undergraduate degree, as law schools do consider applicants' majors and GPAs. While there is no one-size-fits-all path to law school, certain subjects can provide a solid foundation for a legal career. For instance, studying history can offer insight into the development of laws and regulations, while political science can help students understand the government and judicial systems. Those interested in a specific area of law, such as patent law, may benefit from a STEM degree, while future tax lawyers might opt for accounting or economics. English, business, criminal justice, and economics are also popular choices for undergraduates aiming for law school. Additionally, extracurricular activities like internships and debate can enhance a law school application.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree Type | LLB (Bachelor of Laws), BA (Bachelor of Arts), JD (Juris Doctor) |
| Course Structure | Criminal law, civil procedure, constitutional law, interdisciplinary topics, and more |
| Skills Developed | Legal writing, legal research, legal reasoning, analytical skills, argumentation |
| Career Paths | Lawyer, solicitor, barrister, paralegal, politics, journalism, academia, financial planning |
| Salary Expectations | Entry-level: £22,000; Average: £25,000; Qualified: £45,000; Within 4 years: £82,000 |
| School Accreditation | ABA-accredited schools allow students to sit for the bar exam in more jurisdictions |
| School Reputation | Consider the recognition and strengths of the law school and its programs |
| Location | Choose a school in the region where you plan to practice law |
| Scholarships | Some universities offer scholarships, bursaries, or grants for law students |
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What You'll Learn
Undergraduate degrees for law school
If you are interested in going to law school, there are several undergraduate degrees you can consider. While not necessary, choosing an undergraduate degree that aligns with your interests and the type of law you want to practice can be beneficial. Here are some options to consider:
- English: A strong command of written and verbal English is essential for lawyers. Studying English can help you develop these communication skills and improve your ability to articulate legal arguments and write legal documents.
- Political Science: This degree can provide a solid foundation for understanding the political and legal systems, as well as the interplay between law and policy. It can also enhance your critical thinking and analytical skills, which are crucial for legal analysis.
- Business: For those interested in corporate law or understanding the legal aspects of business operations, a business degree can be a great choice. It covers topics such as business ethics, labour law, and regulatory compliance.
- Criminal Justice: Criminal justice is an excellent fit if you aspire to practice criminal law. This degree covers topics such as criminal procedures, criminal investigations, and the criminal justice system, providing a strong foundation for a career in criminal law.
- Economics: Aspiring corporate lawyers or those interested in financial law may consider an economics degree. Economics provides a strong understanding of financial systems and market behaviours, which can be valuable in business-related legal contexts.
- Pre-Law: Some universities offer pre-law programmes that are specifically designed to lay the foundation for law school. These programmes often include courses that introduce you to legal studies, ethics, and other relevant topics, providing a seamless transition to law school.
While choosing an undergraduate degree that aligns with your legal interests is advantageous, it is not mandatory. Law schools value diversity, and students can gain admission from many areas of study. Ultimately, your undergraduate grades, Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) scores, and overall commitment to higher education will play a significant role in your law school application.
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Law school courses
In the first year of law school, students typically take foundational courses such as criminal law, civil procedure, constitutional law, contract law, and tort law. These courses provide a broad understanding of the legal system and introduce students to basic legal terminology. During this time, students also develop essential skills such as legal writing, legal research, and legal reasoning.
In the final year of law school, courses become more specialised. Students may explore topics such as public international law, European Union law, patent law, and Islamic law from an interdisciplinary perspective. This is also when students begin to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.
Throughout their legal education, law students must also study ethics and professional responsibility. These subjects are crucial for understanding the codes and regulations that govern the legal profession. Additionally, elective courses allow students to customise their learning experience and explore specific areas of interest, such as human rights, the environment, maritime law, intellectual property law, or immigration law.
While law school is a significant time and financial commitment, it is a necessary step for those aspiring to become lawyers or attorneys. A law degree is also valuable for careers in politics, journalism, academia, financial planning, and business.
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Law degree career paths
A law degree is a versatile qualification that can lead to various career paths, both within and outside the legal field. Here are some common and alternative career paths for individuals with a law degree:
Traditional Legal Careers
For those who wish to pursue traditional legal careers, becoming a lawyer, solicitor, or barrister is the most common path. This route typically requires further vocational training and qualifications, such as passing the bar examination in certain jurisdictions. Other traditional legal roles include:
- Legal Researcher
- Legal Writer
- Legal Analyst
Alternative Legal Careers
There are also alternative career paths within the legal field that build upon the skills gained from a law degree. These include:
- Law Professor: Educating and preparing students for their careers as lawyers, teaching complex legal concepts, and providing career guidance.
- Maritime Law, Private International Law, or Intellectual Property Law: Specialising in these legal sub-fields can lead to opportunities with law firms that heavily recruit in these areas.
Non-Legal Careers
A law degree is also valuable for careers outside the legal profession. The analytical, communication, and management skills developed during legal studies are highly transferable and sought-after in many other fields, including:
- Journalism: A law degree can be advantageous for journalists, particularly when reporting on crimes, political events, and other legal matters.
- Business and Management: The understanding of business ethics, labour law, and regulatory compliance gained from a law degree can be directly applied in business and management roles.
- Academia, Media, Politics, and Banking: A law degree is well-regarded in these fields and can open doors to various opportunities.
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Law school entry requirements
Law school is a challenging academic experience that demands a strong commitment to higher education and the ability to maintain high achievement levels. While law schools may differ in their specific entry requirements, here are some general considerations and preparatory guidelines for aspiring law students:
Academic Qualifications and Skills:
Most law schools require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree. While some universities may prefer a specific major, many law schools accept graduates from diverse academic backgrounds. Aspiring law students can major in various fields, including English, political science, business, criminal justice, or economics. Choosing a major that aligns with your interests and the type of law you want to practise is advisable. For example, criminal justice is ideal for those aspiring to practise criminal law, while business or economics may suit those interested in corporate law.
In addition to your major, law schools often emphasise the importance of a strong Grade Point Average (GPA). They may also consider your performance in specific subjects and look favourably upon well-rounded applicants who demonstrate proficiency in various skills. Therefore, it is beneficial to develop strong analytical, reasoning, and argumentation skills. Classes that enhance these abilities, such as English literature, foreign literature, philosophy, religious studies, and art history, can provide an excellent foundation for law school.
Additionally, consider taking courses that improve your reading comprehension and critical analysis skills. For instance, science, math, or engineering classes can help you assess and rebut legal arguments in fields like technology law, environmental law, and healthcare law. Social science classes, including economics, political science, and psychology, are also valuable for understanding various legal contexts.
Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience:
Enhancing your law school application can be done through extracurricular activities and work experience. Consider participating in activities that showcase your interest in law, such as debating societies, essay competitions, or the Bar Mock Trial competition. Summer schools, internships, and visiting courts to observe cases in action can also provide valuable exposure to the legal field. Building business awareness by following news with legal implications and staying informed about career developments through law-related websites are other ways to demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Law School Accreditation and Reputation:
When choosing a law school, it is essential to consider the institution's accreditation and reputation. Ensure that your selected law school has American Bar Association® (ABA) accreditation if you plan to sit for the bar exam in most states. Additionally, research the law school's reputation and specialisations. Some institutions are known for their strengths in specific legal sub-fields, which can influence your recruitment prospects by law firms specialising in those areas.
Financial Considerations:
Pursuing a legal education can be a significant financial commitment. Explore scholarship, bursary, or grant opportunities offered by universities or external organisations. In the UK, for example, the government provides a legal trainee scheme that covers tuition fees and provides a salary.
With careful planning, a strong academic foundation, and a demonstrated interest in law, you can take the first steps toward a successful law school application and a rewarding legal career.
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Law school considerations
If you're considering law school, there are several factors to keep in mind. Firstly, law school is a significant time and financial commitment, so it's essential to be certain that a career in law is what you truly desire. While it is possible to become a licensed attorney in California without a law degree, the vast majority of lawyers do attend law school. Therefore, if you are set on becoming a lawyer, law school is the recommended path to take.
When choosing a law school, one of the first considerations is accreditation. In the United States, for example, checking if the school has American Bar Association (ABA) accreditation is crucial. ABA-accredited schools will enable you to sit for the bar exam in more jurisdictions, which is essential if you plan to practice law in a state that requires it.
Secondly, the reputation of the school and its specialisations are important factors. The legal field is status-oriented, and some schools are known for specific legal sub-fields, with their graduates being heavily recruited by law firms specialising in those areas. Therefore, if you have a particular area of interest, such as maritime law or intellectual property law, choosing a school with a strong reputation in that field could be advantageous.
Additionally, it's worth considering the curriculum and specialisations offered by the law school. In your first year, you will typically study foundational subjects such as criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law. However, in your final year, you may have the opportunity to take more specialised courses or explore interdisciplinary approaches to law, such as the connection between public international law and international relations.
Beyond the curriculum, law school will also help develop essential skills such as analytical reasoning, argumentation, and writing. These skills are honed through studying case law and participating in mock legal exercises like moot court. Therefore, when considering law schools, look for institutions that provide ample opportunities for practical application and skill development.
Lastly, don't forget to research the financial aspects of attending law school. Law school can be expensive, so it's worth investigating scholarships, bursaries, or grants that may be available. Additionally, consider the potential return on your investment, as law graduates can expect competitive salaries, with the average law graduate salary in the UK being £25,000, which can increase to £82,000 within four years of qualification.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, some of the best undergraduate degrees for law school include English, political science, business, criminal justice, and economics. These subjects provide a solid foundation for a legal career and can help you develop important skills such as problem-solving, oral communication, and public service. Additionally, classes in history, sociology, psychology, and other social sciences can be beneficial for understanding the social and historical context of the law.
In your first year of law school, you will typically take foundational courses such as criminal law, civil procedure, constitutional law, contract law, and tort law. These courses provide a broad understanding of the legal system and help you develop essential legal skills. In your upper years, you can expect more specialized courses and the opportunity to explore different areas of law, such as maritime law, private international law, intellectual property law, and environmental law.
Law school is academically challenging and demands strong analytical reasoning and argumentation skills. You will need to be able to analyze and interpret case law, statutes, and other legal sources effectively. Additionally, excellent written and verbal communication skills are crucial, as you will be expected to write legal briefs and argue mock trials.
A law degree can lead to a variety of career paths. The most common path is to become a licensed attorney or lawyer, working in various settings such as large firms, small practices, government, legal aid, or in-house for corporations. However, a law degree is also valuable in other fields, including politics, journalism, academia, business, and financial planning. It is a versatile qualification that can open many doors depending on your interests and specializations.
When choosing a law school, consider the school's reputation, accreditation, and strengths in specific legal sub-fields. The legal field is status-oriented, so attending a well-recognized institution can be advantageous. Ensure the school has American Bar Association (ABA) accreditation, which is necessary to sit for the bar exam in most states. Additionally, research the school's specializations and alumni recruitment records in your desired area of law.
