4 answers
Elizabeth
Student
Long Beach
1
Question
Asked
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What classes shouldi take if i want to become a lawyer?
I'm in high school and would like to become a lawyer I just don't know how or what classes I would have to take. Being a lawyer is something I'm considering.
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4 answers
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
147
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Elizabeth: First and foremost - be a kid first! Growing up is in itself a learning experience! I practiced law in New York for 40 years and practice now in North Carolina. The best lawyers are the ones who enjoy themselves and like helping others.
High School is high school. Do your best and get good grades and KEEP YOUR NOSE CLEAN. Getting in trouble even at a young age can be an issue at later times. Get into a good college you can afford and major in something that interests you. Being a well rounded you makes you a better lawyer. Once in law school you will take the core classes and the ones that interest you as electives - you'll know which ones by then.
Elizabeth I know hundreds of lawyers. They are some of the finest people I know. You sound as though you are on a road to joining our ranks. Remember, be true to yourself and respect the rule of law and you will make a great lawyer!
High School is high school. Do your best and get good grades and KEEP YOUR NOSE CLEAN. Getting in trouble even at a young age can be an issue at later times. Get into a good college you can afford and major in something that interests you. Being a well rounded you makes you a better lawyer. Once in law school you will take the core classes and the ones that interest you as electives - you'll know which ones by then.
Elizabeth I know hundreds of lawyers. They are some of the finest people I know. You sound as though you are on a road to joining our ranks. Remember, be true to yourself and respect the rule of law and you will make a great lawyer!
anahi diaz
54
Answers
Tempe, Arizona
Updated
anahi’s Answer
If you aspire to become a lawyer, it's important to pursue a strong educational foundation. Here are the typical steps and classes you should consider:
1. **Undergraduate Degree:** Choose a bachelor's degree program. Law schools generally accept students from various academic backgrounds, so choose a major that interests you. Common choices include political science, history, English, or business.
2. **Law School Admission Test (LSAT):** Prepare for and take the LSAT, a standardized test required for admission to most law schools. Your performance on the LSAT, along with your undergraduate GPA, is a crucial part of the law school application process.
3. **Law School:** Upon acceptance into law school, you will complete a Juris Doctor (JD) program. Law schools do not require specific undergraduate majors, but they often look for strong analytical and writing skills. Common law school courses include:
- Contracts
- Torts
- Civil Procedure
- Criminal Law
- Constitutional Law
- Legal Research and Writing
- Property Law
- Evidence
4. **Legal Internships and Externships:** Gain practical experience through internships or externships. This can provide exposure to different areas of law and enhance your resume.
5. **Specialized Courses:** Depending on your interests, consider taking specialized courses in law school related to the area of law you plan to practice, such as environmental law, corporate law, criminal law, etc.
6. **Clinic or Moot Court Participation:** Many law schools offer clinics or moot court programs where you can gain hands-on experience and practice your legal skills in a simulated setting.
7. **Bar Exam Preparation:** After completing law school, you'll need to pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction where you plan to practice. Bar exam preparation courses can be beneficial.
Remember that the specific requirements and recommendations may vary by country and region, so it's essential to research the prerequisites for law school admission in your desired location.
1. **Undergraduate Degree:** Choose a bachelor's degree program. Law schools generally accept students from various academic backgrounds, so choose a major that interests you. Common choices include political science, history, English, or business.
2. **Law School Admission Test (LSAT):** Prepare for and take the LSAT, a standardized test required for admission to most law schools. Your performance on the LSAT, along with your undergraduate GPA, is a crucial part of the law school application process.
3. **Law School:** Upon acceptance into law school, you will complete a Juris Doctor (JD) program. Law schools do not require specific undergraduate majors, but they often look for strong analytical and writing skills. Common law school courses include:
- Contracts
- Torts
- Civil Procedure
- Criminal Law
- Constitutional Law
- Legal Research and Writing
- Property Law
- Evidence
4. **Legal Internships and Externships:** Gain practical experience through internships or externships. This can provide exposure to different areas of law and enhance your resume.
5. **Specialized Courses:** Depending on your interests, consider taking specialized courses in law school related to the area of law you plan to practice, such as environmental law, corporate law, criminal law, etc.
6. **Clinic or Moot Court Participation:** Many law schools offer clinics or moot court programs where you can gain hands-on experience and practice your legal skills in a simulated setting.
7. **Bar Exam Preparation:** After completing law school, you'll need to pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction where you plan to practice. Bar exam preparation courses can be beneficial.
Remember that the specific requirements and recommendations may vary by country and region, so it's essential to research the prerequisites for law school admission in your desired location.
David Pinski
Data Scientist
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
David’s Answer
Two important skills for lawyers are reading comprehension and persuasion. I would suggest two classes:
Debate - This will help you learn how to formulate arguments and consider opposing viewpoints.
Philosophy - This is a very popular undergraduate major for students who go to law school. Philosophy requires reading and understanding a variety of texts, and bringing abstract concepts into practice.
Debate - This will help you learn how to formulate arguments and consider opposing viewpoints.
Philosophy - This is a very popular undergraduate major for students who go to law school. Philosophy requires reading and understanding a variety of texts, and bringing abstract concepts into practice.
M. Z.
Lawyer
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
M.’s Answer
Elizabeth,
It's fantastic that you're thinking about your career while you're in high school!
At this stage of your educational journey, you may wish to focus on classes that help you build a good foundation in reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking. These skills will prove helpful when you become a lawyer, as many lawyers use these skills in their day-to-day work. When thinking about which classes may help you develop these skills, consider not just obvious choices (like English or public-speaking), but also classes that are based on subjects you enjoy, since learning about an interesting subject can also help sharpen your reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. If you have the services of a guidance counselor available, don't hesitate to reach out to them for help in planning out a class schedule that helps you develop these skills while taking your own interests into account.
Hope this helps, and good luck to you!
It's fantastic that you're thinking about your career while you're in high school!
At this stage of your educational journey, you may wish to focus on classes that help you build a good foundation in reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking. These skills will prove helpful when you become a lawyer, as many lawyers use these skills in their day-to-day work. When thinking about which classes may help you develop these skills, consider not just obvious choices (like English or public-speaking), but also classes that are based on subjects you enjoy, since learning about an interesting subject can also help sharpen your reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. If you have the services of a guidance counselor available, don't hesitate to reach out to them for help in planning out a class schedule that helps you develop these skills while taking your own interests into account.
Hope this helps, and good luck to you!