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Would it be a good idea to double major for law school?

I've been considering becoming a lawyer as my parents really want me to become one. Would it be a good idea to double major in undergrad for law school? I might not want to be a lawyer in the end, so having a double major might help if I didn't want to go to law school. Would having a double major in undergrad help if I were to go into specific field of law such as a double major of econ and a business degree for business law?

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Bruce B.’s Answer

Hello Andrew,
Do you need to double major for law school? No! But if you enjoy academics, then a double major is certainly impressive Keep in mind that it is extremely tough to finish your undergraduate degree in 4 years, and most likely will take 5 years to finish. But it can be done sooner if you can handle larger course loads each semester or quarter. Another option is to have a minor in something else, instead of an additional major. Your first year in college, you don't have to declare a major (or double major), so I suggest taking a class in what you consider as your second major, to see if you actually want to pursue that as a second major. I definitely would consult your college advisor on your course of action. I would suggest taking Intro to Political Science (Political Science 101) or Pre-Law as an elective. This will give you a great overview as to whether you truly want to go to law school. I would also say this...it's ok to change majors if you find something else that peaks your interest. Many students change majors in college. Go to Law School because that is truly your desire, not just because your parents want you to. For instance, there are many times that the parents desire for their child to take over the family business, but the child's heart and desire is to go into another field. The child may not be happy working the family business, and would be miserable trying to please his/her parents. It becomes an internal conflict.

In due time you will eventually figure out this puzzle called life. I wish you well in your future endeavors.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Bruce B. Andrew
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sharmela’s Answer

Hello Andrew: Many people have doubts about a potential career before and during college. There are some people, who seem to know exactly what they want to "do for a living". They sometimes change their minds in the future as well. That is the way life is. Your idea of keeping your options open is good. You can major in any subject prior to law school. If there is another field in which you are interested, that requires you to have a particular major, you should choose that major. It would not affect you where law school is concerned. Law school is very interesting, as is the practice of law. However, many lawyers have varied interests and sometimes dabble in other types of businesses and endeavors, while practicing. A broad perspective, through a double major, or other ways of making yourself more "well rounded" will definitely help in the practice of law. Do some research about the profession to see if it will be a good fit for you. You are on the right track in seeking out advice and planning your course. Best of luck.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, sharmela! Andrew
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William’s Answer

Hey Andrew!
The choice is yours to make. You need to consult your course advisor at your school of choice or admissions office.
Economics and Business Law is possible.
People run double major in Law as:
Law + Law
Law + Art
Law + Business
Law + Education
Law + Social Science
Law + more options

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES USA
Central Michigan University Law + Economics

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OUTSIDE USA
Queen Mary University of London Law + Business
University of New South Wales Law + Economics
University of Strathclyde Law + Economics

DUAL GRADUATE DEGREES IN LAW
University of South Dakota runs dual degree at graduate level
https://www.usd.edu/Academics/Graduate-Programs/Joint-Law-Programs

California University of Pennsylvania, Florida State University, University of North Dakota, Yale School of Management, and South Eastern University run (MBA + Juris Doctor).


Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Andrew
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Baljit’s Answer

Hi Andrew,
Doing a double major for undergrad for law is a great idea. It will help you in some of the courses that you will undertake in Law School. Majoring in business or economics sounds like a plan to help you take law classes, especially business law. You will find that some of the material in those classes will overlap, and hopefully you will get great grades. Business law may not in fact evolve in profit and loss sheets and balance sheets, but it would include business organizations and the way they operate. Also in would include commercial dealings and business regulations. With a double major you could anticipate a corporate lawyer job or even in-house counsel at a company albeit large or small.
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