1 answer
Samantha
Student
Hopewell, Virginia
7
Questions
Asked
126 views
What should I major in If I want to be a criminal lawyer ?
I'm in 9th grade and really want to be a criminal lawyer when I grow up. I'm still thinking about what schools to go to after highschool.
Login to comment
1 answer
Iryna Tam
Writer, copywriter
141
Answers
Hagerstown, Maryland
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hi Samantha!
Choosing the right major in college is an important step on your path to becoming a criminal defense attorney. While law schools don’t require a specific undergraduate major, certain fields can provide valuable skills and knowledge that will benefit you in law school and your future career. Here are some recommended majors to consider:
1. Political Science
Overview: This major explores government systems, political behavior, and public policy, providing a solid foundation for understanding the legal system and how laws are created and enforced.
Benefits: Develops critical thinking, argumentation, and analytical skills.
2. Criminal Justice
Overview: Focuses specifically on the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, legal procedures, and rehabilitation.
Benefits: Offers insights into the legal framework and the functioning of the criminal justice system, which is directly relevant to criminal law.
3. Sociology
Overview: Studies society, social behavior, and institutions, which can help you understand the broader social context of legal issues.
Benefits: Enhances understanding of social influences on crime and justice, which can inform your practice as a defense attorney.
4. Psychology
Overview: Explores human behavior, which is useful in understanding clients’ and jurors’ motivations and actions.
Benefits: Equips you with skills to analyze behavior, which is valuable in criminal defense, especially in understanding mental states and motivations.
5. Philosophy
Overview: Focuses on ethics, logic, and critical thinking—the foundation of legal reasoning and moral considerations in law.
Benefits: Develops strong analytical and reasoning skills, both essential for constructing legal arguments.
6. History
Overview: Examines past events and their impact on present laws and societies.
Benefits: Provides context for understanding the evolution of laws and legal systems.
7. English or Communications
Overview: Enhances writing and speaking skills, which are crucial for preparing legal documents and presenting cases effectively.
Benefits: Trains you to articulate arguments clearly and persuasively, both in written and spoken form.
Additional Tips
Get Involved: Consider joining debate clubs, mock trial teams, or student government in high school to develop your advocacy and public speaking skills.
Internships: Look for volunteer opportunities or internships at law firms, legal aid offices, or civic organizations to gain firsthand experience in the legal field.
Networking: Connect with professionals in the legal field to learn more about their experiences and gather advice.
As you approach college, consider majoring in one of the fields mentioned above that aligns with your interests and strengths. Whatever major you choose, focus on developing your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and communication skills, as these are essential for a successful career as a criminal defense attorney. Stay passionate about your goal, and seek opportunities to learn as much as you can about the legal profession on your journey!
Good luck!
Choosing the right major in college is an important step on your path to becoming a criminal defense attorney. While law schools don’t require a specific undergraduate major, certain fields can provide valuable skills and knowledge that will benefit you in law school and your future career. Here are some recommended majors to consider:
1. Political Science
Overview: This major explores government systems, political behavior, and public policy, providing a solid foundation for understanding the legal system and how laws are created and enforced.
Benefits: Develops critical thinking, argumentation, and analytical skills.
2. Criminal Justice
Overview: Focuses specifically on the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, legal procedures, and rehabilitation.
Benefits: Offers insights into the legal framework and the functioning of the criminal justice system, which is directly relevant to criminal law.
3. Sociology
Overview: Studies society, social behavior, and institutions, which can help you understand the broader social context of legal issues.
Benefits: Enhances understanding of social influences on crime and justice, which can inform your practice as a defense attorney.
4. Psychology
Overview: Explores human behavior, which is useful in understanding clients’ and jurors’ motivations and actions.
Benefits: Equips you with skills to analyze behavior, which is valuable in criminal defense, especially in understanding mental states and motivations.
5. Philosophy
Overview: Focuses on ethics, logic, and critical thinking—the foundation of legal reasoning and moral considerations in law.
Benefits: Develops strong analytical and reasoning skills, both essential for constructing legal arguments.
6. History
Overview: Examines past events and their impact on present laws and societies.
Benefits: Provides context for understanding the evolution of laws and legal systems.
7. English or Communications
Overview: Enhances writing and speaking skills, which are crucial for preparing legal documents and presenting cases effectively.
Benefits: Trains you to articulate arguments clearly and persuasively, both in written and spoken form.
Additional Tips
Get Involved: Consider joining debate clubs, mock trial teams, or student government in high school to develop your advocacy and public speaking skills.
Internships: Look for volunteer opportunities or internships at law firms, legal aid offices, or civic organizations to gain firsthand experience in the legal field.
Networking: Connect with professionals in the legal field to learn more about their experiences and gather advice.
As you approach college, consider majoring in one of the fields mentioned above that aligns with your interests and strengths. Whatever major you choose, focus on developing your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and communication skills, as these are essential for a successful career as a criminal defense attorney. Stay passionate about your goal, and seek opportunities to learn as much as you can about the legal profession on your journey!
Good luck!