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What is the most useful undergraduate major for law school? Are there any parts of law school that I would be better prepared for with a particular undergraduate major?

I am a senior in high school and my interests are fairly wide-ranging. I plan on eventually attending law school, but I am undecided on school I will attend and undergraduate major.
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Donna’s Answer

It depends on what you want to do in law. For instance, if you were interested in criminal law, I might recommend forensics or even police sciences. For a transactional lawyer, a business or accounting degree. For a civil trial attorney, go with English and psychology.
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Natasha’s Answer

Iowa has some good state schools; hence, consider going to college in your home state. Law School will likely be expensive so being conservative on costs during your undergraduate years might position you with less student debt at each stage.

Majoring in the humanities or social sciences may provide you with the analytical and critical thinking foundations necessary to thrive in law school (not to mention communication skills -- verbal, writing). Your undergraduate degree (whether in Philosophy, English Literature, Sociology or Psychology) will not constrain your options for law school as much as your overall portfolio (test scores, essay/goals, recommendations, clubs/activities, scholarships, honors, GPA, internship/volunteering, etc). Enjoy those years of intellectual curiosity, challenges, development and stimulation. Join a debate team or toastmasters group!

Best of Luck & Stay Healthy,
Natasha
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Kim’s Answer

Hi Joe,

Law schools look at a wide range of majors. More important than your major will be the classes you took to prepare you. As far as majors, think about preparing for life in case you don't become a lawyer, or, think about what types of skills you might need for the field of law you want to go into.

How to use school to prepare for law school. First, truly learn how to write. I have seen several cases that all hinged on the interpretation of a written law or regulation, where the parties were arguing about grammar, and I had no idea what they were talking about! If offered, try to take a class in Latin/Greek vocabulary. Definitely take a class called "Logic." It is usually in the Philosophy Department. Get into Speech and Debate. Challenge yourself. Take professors who are demanding, rather than seeking out the easy ones. Join the Pre-Law club. Use course options wisely. For example, rather than taking US Govt 1033, perhaps Constitutional Law is an acceptable substitute. Take it! These suggestions will help you in law school. Also, learn how to study, take notes, use your time wisely, form study groups, etc. Time Management Skills are a must!

Now, after law school. . . let's say you want to get into criminal prosecution. What types of crimes are there? Cyber security, DWI, homicide, embezzlement, etc. I would encourage you to take something that exposes you to corporate finance/record keeping. Take some sciences. Let's say you are working on a traffic accident fatality. You will need to be able to understand the blood alcohol reports. You will also need to be able to work with information such as tire tread, type of road surface, condition of the vehicle's brakes, etc. to figure out if the accident was preventable. It all sort of depends on what type of law you want to get into. Corporate law? Lots of business classes. Environmental Law? Science/Chemistry. You may not need to be an expert in these areas, but familiarity with terminology, etc will help.

Now, if for whatever reason you don't go to law school, would you want to get a job with that Chemistry degree? Or one with a business degree? I know people don't want to think about the what if's, but it does help to have a Plan B at least floating around in the back of your head!

Best!
Kim
Thank you comment icon I appreciate the input. Thinking about those classes and the options that surround them is something that will help me greatly. Thanks! Joe
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FAVOUR’s Answer

Constitutional and Administrative Law
Contract law
Criminal law
Land law
Tort Law
Equity and trust Law
Ethics
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