2 answers
Liduvina
Student
Gallup, New Mexico
1
Question
Asked
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What would be good options for me if I want to become a Lawyer?
I am a high school student looking to become a lawyer after school but I need help figuring out what classes would be good for me to take and what universities would be good options.
#school #lawyer
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2 answers
Glenn Rowley
Attorney
36
Answers
Dardenne Prairie, Missouri
Updated
Glenn’s Answer
The best paying jobs in the legal profession tend to go to those who attend prestigious law schools and graduate at the top of their law school class.
The way to get into a prestigious law school is: (1) to attend the best university you can afford to get your Bachelor's degree; (2) get really good grades in college; and (3) take and perform very well on the LSAT exam. The major you choose for your undergraduate degree is not very important. But taking classes in college that will develop your skills in the following areas is important: reading carefully and critically for meaning, thinking logically, and speaking and writing clearly and concisely. Most lawyers prosper or fail on those skills.
The way to get into the best university for your undergraduate studies is to get really good grades in high school, participate in extra-curricular activities in high school, and get good ACT or SAT exam scores.
So, there is your road map. But I have to tell you that there are all kinds of exceptions to that road map. Sometimes people who graduate from prestigious law schools don't always turn out to be good lawyers. Sometimes people who did poorly in law school excel at being lawyers.
Sometimes being a good lawyer is overshadowed by personal shortcomings that undermine that person's success. Such shortcomings include an inability to work well with others, an inability to accept advice from those with more experience, and the inability to see things from another person's point of view. Sometimes alcohol or drugs sabotage a lawyer's success. Sometimes mental illness can stop a promising legal career in its tracks.
So, in following the road map for success, don't forget to develop and retain your humanity, your compassion, and your humility.
The way to get into a prestigious law school is: (1) to attend the best university you can afford to get your Bachelor's degree; (2) get really good grades in college; and (3) take and perform very well on the LSAT exam. The major you choose for your undergraduate degree is not very important. But taking classes in college that will develop your skills in the following areas is important: reading carefully and critically for meaning, thinking logically, and speaking and writing clearly and concisely. Most lawyers prosper or fail on those skills.
The way to get into the best university for your undergraduate studies is to get really good grades in high school, participate in extra-curricular activities in high school, and get good ACT or SAT exam scores.
So, there is your road map. But I have to tell you that there are all kinds of exceptions to that road map. Sometimes people who graduate from prestigious law schools don't always turn out to be good lawyers. Sometimes people who did poorly in law school excel at being lawyers.
Sometimes being a good lawyer is overshadowed by personal shortcomings that undermine that person's success. Such shortcomings include an inability to work well with others, an inability to accept advice from those with more experience, and the inability to see things from another person's point of view. Sometimes alcohol or drugs sabotage a lawyer's success. Sometimes mental illness can stop a promising legal career in its tracks.
So, in following the road map for success, don't forget to develop and retain your humanity, your compassion, and your humility.
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
147
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Liduvina: Glenn's answer nails it. However, I'd add that the road to becoming a lawyer is rarely straight. Be yourself. Follow your passions. As Glenn points out, there are many pitfalls that deter or derail people as they push to law school. There is also burn-out. I've seen a number of very good lawyers burn out from the stress and riggors of being a lawyer. So follow Glenn's advice, keep your grades up but remember to be yourself and follow your passions - it will make you a better lawyer and a better person! Good luck!