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What should I major in if I want to become a Lawyer?
Hi! I'm currently a community college student who will be graduating with their associates this upcoming December. I started off as a Nursing major but after taking some classes I've decided that my over goal is to become a Lawyer. I need to start applying to transfer schools soon but I do not know what major would be best. I would love to be a family lawyer. I've considered Political Science and Sociology but I would love to get a second opinion.
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Kelly’s Answer
I agree with all the answers provided so far:
(1) No particular major should preclude you from entering law school.
(2) Certain majors may help prepare you for the rigors of law school: Political Science, Economics, Sociology, and Criminal Justice are a few.
(3) Writing well (accurately, clearly, persuasively) and comprehending complex writing are crucial skills for an attorney. Any major that enhances these skills can only help.
(4) You might reconsider your passion while you seek your four-year college degree. Majoring in an area that is meaningful to you and that can afford you opportunities other than attending law school (or while you prepare to attend law school) is fine choice.
(1) No particular major should preclude you from entering law school.
(2) Certain majors may help prepare you for the rigors of law school: Political Science, Economics, Sociology, and Criminal Justice are a few.
(3) Writing well (accurately, clearly, persuasively) and comprehending complex writing are crucial skills for an attorney. Any major that enhances these skills can only help.
(4) You might reconsider your passion while you seek your four-year college degree. Majoring in an area that is meaningful to you and that can afford you opportunities other than attending law school (or while you prepare to attend law school) is fine choice.
Updated
Connor’s Answer
If you know you want to be a litigator (trial lawyer), I would recommend studying social sciences. Personally, I think psychology is a fantastic major for a future litigator. If you know you want to be a transactional lawyer (think contracts, advising businesses not in the courtroom, etc.), I would recommend a business or business-adjacent major, such as economics or business administration.
Most lawyers do not know what type of lawyer they want to be until they are already in law school. I would caution against choosing a major simply because you believe it is a "good pre-law major." I myself made this mistake. I chose to major in political science because I thought it would be helpful both for getting me into law school, as well as for succeeding as a lawyer. In hindsight, I could not have been more wrong -- political science did not help me get into law school (it's one of the most common majors among law school applicants, which generally is not a good thing), nor have I ever found it helpful in my practice as a lawyer.
Most lawyers do not know what type of lawyer they want to be until they are already in law school. I would caution against choosing a major simply because you believe it is a "good pre-law major." I myself made this mistake. I chose to major in political science because I thought it would be helpful both for getting me into law school, as well as for succeeding as a lawyer. In hindsight, I could not have been more wrong -- political science did not help me get into law school (it's one of the most common majors among law school applicants, which generally is not a good thing), nor have I ever found it helpful in my practice as a lawyer.
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Amber’s Answer
Hi Melanie,
If you have your heart set on becoming a lawyer, Political Science and Sociology are both excellent choices. Other common majors I have seen law students do are History, English, Economics, Journalism, and Philosophy. As you are not required to major in anything specific to go to law school, I would recommend completing a major that will not limit your prospects after college in the event you change your mind about going to law school. The goal is to develop marketable skills while allowing yourself opportunities to explore different interests that will help guide you towards a career in the legal field.
If you have your heart set on becoming a lawyer, Political Science and Sociology are both excellent choices. Other common majors I have seen law students do are History, English, Economics, Journalism, and Philosophy. As you are not required to major in anything specific to go to law school, I would recommend completing a major that will not limit your prospects after college in the event you change your mind about going to law school. The goal is to develop marketable skills while allowing yourself opportunities to explore different interests that will help guide you towards a career in the legal field.
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neysa’s Answer
Choosing a career in law demands top-notch writing abilities, regardless of the specific field you decide to specialize in. Take litigation, for instance, where you'll need to craft motions, briefs, and several other legal documents. Hence, majoring in English at the undergraduate level can be a highly beneficial choice, as it sharpens these necessary skills.
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Sophia’s Answer
Hello Melanie, you're not bound by any particular major to pursue law school. I'd suggest choosing a major that not only sparks joy in you but could also open doors to job opportunities post-college, just in case you decide to explore paths outside of law school.
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Joseph’s Answer
A good start is Criminal Justice, but others are political science, sociology, English, philosophy, and communication studies. I can also suggest statues related to argumentative practices and maybe even another language to make you even more marketable.