4 answers
Mya
Student
Stow, Ohio
1
Question
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What is the best field of law to major in?
What is the best field of law to major in, depending on salary, skills, and workload? I want to work in law when I graduate college, and I'm in 8th grade right now. I am good at math and ELA and am also interested in finance. I am also interested in making a good salary, which is very important.
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4 answers
Mackenzie Ward
associate
103
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
The "best" field of law to major in depends on your personal interests, career goals, and the areas of law that resonate with you. The legal field is diverse, and different areas of law cater to various interests and skills. Here are some popular fields of law to consider:
Corporate Law: Corporate lawyers deal with business-related legal matters, including mergers and acquisitions, contracts, intellectual property, securities regulation, and more. If you're interested in business and enjoy working with corporate clients, this could be a good fit. This is what I do. It pays well but its only worth the long hours if you really love what you do. You can take some business and finance classes to give you an idea of if this area of law/business really interests you. It's good you're already thinking about what you like and where your strengths lie!
Here are some other common areas of law:
Criminal Law: Criminal lawyers represent individuals or entities accused of committing crimes. This field involves working with law enforcement, courts, and clients facing criminal charges.
Family Law: Family lawyers handle cases related to family matters such as divorce, child custody, adoption, and marital agreements. This area requires strong interpersonal skills and empathy.
Environmental Law: Environmental lawyers focus on legal issues related to environmental protection, conservation, and regulations. This field can involve advocacy for environmental causes.
Intellectual Property Law: Intellectual property (IP) lawyers deal with patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other forms of intellectual property protection. If you're interested in creativity and innovation, IP law might be appealing.
Healthcare Law: Healthcare lawyers work on legal issues in the healthcare industry, including compliance, medical malpractice, healthcare policies, and patient rights.
Labor and Employment Law: This field deals with workplace issues, such as employee rights, labor unions, discrimination cases, and employment contracts.
Real Estate Law: Real estate lawyers handle legal matters related to property transactions, land use, zoning laws, and property disputes.
International Law: International lawyers work on legal matters involving international relations, treaties, trade agreements, human rights, and more.
Entertainment Law: Entertainment lawyers handle legal matters related to the entertainment industry, including contracts, copyrights, licensing, and negotiations for actors, musicians, and other creative professionals.
Immigration Law: Immigration lawyers assist clients with immigration and naturalization processes, visas, asylum, and related matters.
Bankruptcy Law: Bankruptcy lawyers work with individuals and businesses facing financial difficulties, helping them navigate bankruptcy proceedings and debt relief.
Ultimately, the best field of law to major in is the one that aligns with your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals. It's important to research each field, consider your personality and passions, and potentially intern or gain experience in areas that interest you before making a decision. Keep in mind that some areas of law might be more competitive or in demand than others, so staying informed about industry trends can also be beneficial.
Corporate Law: Corporate lawyers deal with business-related legal matters, including mergers and acquisitions, contracts, intellectual property, securities regulation, and more. If you're interested in business and enjoy working with corporate clients, this could be a good fit. This is what I do. It pays well but its only worth the long hours if you really love what you do. You can take some business and finance classes to give you an idea of if this area of law/business really interests you. It's good you're already thinking about what you like and where your strengths lie!
Here are some other common areas of law:
Criminal Law: Criminal lawyers represent individuals or entities accused of committing crimes. This field involves working with law enforcement, courts, and clients facing criminal charges.
Family Law: Family lawyers handle cases related to family matters such as divorce, child custody, adoption, and marital agreements. This area requires strong interpersonal skills and empathy.
Environmental Law: Environmental lawyers focus on legal issues related to environmental protection, conservation, and regulations. This field can involve advocacy for environmental causes.
Intellectual Property Law: Intellectual property (IP) lawyers deal with patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other forms of intellectual property protection. If you're interested in creativity and innovation, IP law might be appealing.
Healthcare Law: Healthcare lawyers work on legal issues in the healthcare industry, including compliance, medical malpractice, healthcare policies, and patient rights.
Labor and Employment Law: This field deals with workplace issues, such as employee rights, labor unions, discrimination cases, and employment contracts.
Real Estate Law: Real estate lawyers handle legal matters related to property transactions, land use, zoning laws, and property disputes.
International Law: International lawyers work on legal matters involving international relations, treaties, trade agreements, human rights, and more.
Entertainment Law: Entertainment lawyers handle legal matters related to the entertainment industry, including contracts, copyrights, licensing, and negotiations for actors, musicians, and other creative professionals.
Immigration Law: Immigration lawyers assist clients with immigration and naturalization processes, visas, asylum, and related matters.
Bankruptcy Law: Bankruptcy lawyers work with individuals and businesses facing financial difficulties, helping them navigate bankruptcy proceedings and debt relief.
Ultimately, the best field of law to major in is the one that aligns with your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals. It's important to research each field, consider your personality and passions, and potentially intern or gain experience in areas that interest you before making a decision. Keep in mind that some areas of law might be more competitive or in demand than others, so staying informed about industry trends can also be beneficial.
Wow, thank you so much for taking your time to write all of this out! I really needed something like this, something that highlighted the most important things about each field of law. I like the idea of corporate law, intellectual property law, immigration law, and bankruptcy law. I will look into these more, and thank you again!
Mya
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1880
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Mya -
Your plans sound very exciting and you will need a lot of positive support as you take each step toward becoming an attorney. Most people go into law because they very much care about society, people and people's rights to a defense when they need an attorney. Most attorneys that I know personally have all been financially successful and it didn't matter what their specialty was.
I would say that if you're going to base your career on salary, which no one can tell you now before you even become an attorney, you may want to look at the salary range on line and see if that is suitable for you. However, it will be the salary for 2022 - 2023, not for the year you graduate law school. You will not know now what opportunities will lie ahead upon graduation. I also know that sometimes attorneys start out small and work their way up the ladder of success. So, I think the issue of salary motivation can be resolved for now and be replaced with the various aspects of law that you care about most. Your heart will have to be in it first and the money comes later.
It is excellent that you have a flair for English and Language arts because to talk about the mechanics of the profession, you will be speaking a lot, Public speaking, interviewing clients, presenting in court. You mentioned that you are also good in math, but if you also love math, you might consider going into business or corporate law.
While you are in law school, that may be the place and time that you discover what area of law is best for you. It's perfectly fine to not know now, especially when your main experience with learning law is about five or six years away. Also keep in mind that attorneys' salaries are based on what the company or agency offers.
I hope this was a bit of help to you and I wish you all the best in school and for your future plans !
Your plans sound very exciting and you will need a lot of positive support as you take each step toward becoming an attorney. Most people go into law because they very much care about society, people and people's rights to a defense when they need an attorney. Most attorneys that I know personally have all been financially successful and it didn't matter what their specialty was.
I would say that if you're going to base your career on salary, which no one can tell you now before you even become an attorney, you may want to look at the salary range on line and see if that is suitable for you. However, it will be the salary for 2022 - 2023, not for the year you graduate law school. You will not know now what opportunities will lie ahead upon graduation. I also know that sometimes attorneys start out small and work their way up the ladder of success. So, I think the issue of salary motivation can be resolved for now and be replaced with the various aspects of law that you care about most. Your heart will have to be in it first and the money comes later.
It is excellent that you have a flair for English and Language arts because to talk about the mechanics of the profession, you will be speaking a lot, Public speaking, interviewing clients, presenting in court. You mentioned that you are also good in math, but if you also love math, you might consider going into business or corporate law.
While you are in law school, that may be the place and time that you discover what area of law is best for you. It's perfectly fine to not know now, especially when your main experience with learning law is about five or six years away. Also keep in mind that attorneys' salaries are based on what the company or agency offers.
I hope this was a bit of help to you and I wish you all the best in school and for your future plans !
Thank you so much! You're right, I should focus more on what I love right now and the salary will come afterward. That's cool that ELA can help me with my law goals. I will look more into the fields that best align with my interests, but corporate law does sound pretty exciting! I truly appreciate your advice, especially since I've never gotten advice from a professional.
Mya
You are very welcome, Mya ! I am happy that my advice was helpful to you. I do want to clarify that I am not an attorney and my profession is as a Social Service Case Manager, Certified Life Coach and I also do some acting as well.
Michelle M.
Job Hall
Real Estate Manager
126
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Job’s Answer
That is completely up to you. Are you going to law school to make money or for social justice. I went to make money so I majored in taxes and real estate. You make the most as a trial attorney.
Pick a field that you are very interested in, since if you are lucky you will get to practice that field of law. Many times you get a job in a different field. I did a lot of legal clinic and had experience doing trials prior to graduating. I opened a firm with a buddy from law school and we built the business. I was also a large developer and home builder so I had contacts in my field.
Law school is both expensive and hard. Make sure that is what you want to do first. I left a job as a broker on the floor of the New York stock exchange to attend law school at 23. I have plenty of money to pay for school and knew what I wanted to do.
Good luck.
Pick a field that you are very interested in, since if you are lucky you will get to practice that field of law. Many times you get a job in a different field. I did a lot of legal clinic and had experience doing trials prior to graduating. I opened a firm with a buddy from law school and we built the business. I was also a large developer and home builder so I had contacts in my field.
Law school is both expensive and hard. Make sure that is what you want to do first. I left a job as a broker on the floor of the New York stock exchange to attend law school at 23. I have plenty of money to pay for school and knew what I wanted to do.
Good luck.
Thank you for sharing your perspective. You addressed some very important issues, and I really appreciate that! That's really impressive how you have your own law firm. I am pretty sure that I want to work in law, as I have wanted that since 4th grade - but then, I am still young, so I am grateful for the insight. Thanks again!
Mya
Avinash Chandran p
Career Exert
20
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Avinash’s Answer
It’s fantastic that you’re already thinking about your future career in law! Since you’re good at math and ELA and have an interest in finance, you’re well-positioned for certain legal fields. Let’s look at a few options that balance salary, skills, and workload.
Corporate Law: If you enjoy finance, corporate law could be a great fit. Corporate lawyers handle business transactions, mergers, acquisitions, and legal issues within companies. It requires strong analytical skills, a good understanding of finance, and excellent communication—skills you’re already building. Salaries can be very high in this field, especially in large firms or as in-house counsel for big corporations. However, the workload can be intense, with long hours depending on the projects.
Tax Law: With your math skills, tax law might also be appealing. Tax lawyers work with individuals and companies on tax-related issues, helping them navigate complex tax regulations. This field is in high demand, particularly as tax laws change frequently. The salary is competitive, and if you enjoy solving complex financial puzzles, this could be rewarding. The workload can vary, with some busy seasons, especially during tax filing periods.
Intellectual Property Law: This field is more specialized but can also be highly lucrative. Intellectual property lawyers help protect people’s creations (like inventions or trademarks). If you’re creative and detail-oriented, this could be a fascinating and financially rewarding path. The workload tends to be steady, with plenty of room for specialization.
Finance Law: Since you’re interested in finance, could be an excellent choice. These lawyers advise clients on financial transactions, investments, and regulatory compliance. Strong math and finance skills are key, and the salary potential is high, particularly in big firms or financial hubs. Like corporate law, the workload can be demanding, especially during deal-making periods.
Each field has its own balance of salary, skills, and workload, but if financial success is a big motivator for you, corporate and finance law are generally the top earners. That said, law requires a genuine interest in the field you're working in—so follow what excites you while considering these factors. You're still in 8th grade, so you have plenty of time to explore and refine your interests!
Corporate Law: If you enjoy finance, corporate law could be a great fit. Corporate lawyers handle business transactions, mergers, acquisitions, and legal issues within companies. It requires strong analytical skills, a good understanding of finance, and excellent communication—skills you’re already building. Salaries can be very high in this field, especially in large firms or as in-house counsel for big corporations. However, the workload can be intense, with long hours depending on the projects.
Tax Law: With your math skills, tax law might also be appealing. Tax lawyers work with individuals and companies on tax-related issues, helping them navigate complex tax regulations. This field is in high demand, particularly as tax laws change frequently. The salary is competitive, and if you enjoy solving complex financial puzzles, this could be rewarding. The workload can vary, with some busy seasons, especially during tax filing periods.
Intellectual Property Law: This field is more specialized but can also be highly lucrative. Intellectual property lawyers help protect people’s creations (like inventions or trademarks). If you’re creative and detail-oriented, this could be a fascinating and financially rewarding path. The workload tends to be steady, with plenty of room for specialization.
Finance Law: Since you’re interested in finance, could be an excellent choice. These lawyers advise clients on financial transactions, investments, and regulatory compliance. Strong math and finance skills are key, and the salary potential is high, particularly in big firms or financial hubs. Like corporate law, the workload can be demanding, especially during deal-making periods.
Each field has its own balance of salary, skills, and workload, but if financial success is a big motivator for you, corporate and finance law are generally the top earners. That said, law requires a genuine interest in the field you're working in—so follow what excites you while considering these factors. You're still in 8th grade, so you have plenty of time to explore and refine your interests!