4 answers
valeria
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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How can I become a lawyer?
What kind of classes do I have to take to study law? I have been wanting to be a lawyer since I was little
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4 answers
JOHN DARROUZET
Writer
10
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
JOHN’s Answer
Hi, Valeria.
When I started college, many years ago, I wanted to be a doctor. My interest quickly disappeared when I found math and science courses not fitting me.
I took a bold move and went in search of the dean of the liberal arts college and found him in his office at night. I described my situation and he had an immediate response. He would assign me to a professor who would have the power to approve any course I wanted to take.
And, oh, how fun college became as I took courses in a wide variety of disciplines. In this way I learned how to read and write in so many areas.
When I graduated, the credits I received in English courses were enough to obtain a B.A. my uncle, an accountant, reacted when he heard this with: "What on earth are you going yo do with an Enhlish major?" My response: "I'm going to read the law next."
My journey in law was one of being a generalist. I did private practice, criminal and civid work. I worked with legislation at the national and state levels. I was an administrative law judge, an attorney for The University of Texas System, a general counsel for a hospital, and a vice president for an award-winning private company.
Moreover, because of my curiosity, I went on to become a successful Hollywood screenwriter and, of all things, a software engineer.
Reading the law helped me understand how our society works. You can find a way to make a living, for sure. Better still, you will find ways to enjoy serving others with wise counsel.
Let me know if this helps.
Thanks.
John Darrouzet
When I started college, many years ago, I wanted to be a doctor. My interest quickly disappeared when I found math and science courses not fitting me.
I took a bold move and went in search of the dean of the liberal arts college and found him in his office at night. I described my situation and he had an immediate response. He would assign me to a professor who would have the power to approve any course I wanted to take.
And, oh, how fun college became as I took courses in a wide variety of disciplines. In this way I learned how to read and write in so many areas.
When I graduated, the credits I received in English courses were enough to obtain a B.A. my uncle, an accountant, reacted when he heard this with: "What on earth are you going yo do with an Enhlish major?" My response: "I'm going to read the law next."
My journey in law was one of being a generalist. I did private practice, criminal and civid work. I worked with legislation at the national and state levels. I was an administrative law judge, an attorney for The University of Texas System, a general counsel for a hospital, and a vice president for an award-winning private company.
Moreover, because of my curiosity, I went on to become a successful Hollywood screenwriter and, of all things, a software engineer.
Reading the law helped me understand how our society works. You can find a way to make a living, for sure. Better still, you will find ways to enjoy serving others with wise counsel.
Let me know if this helps.
Thanks.
John Darrouzet
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
41
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi Valeria,
You don't need to take any specific classes in order to study law in the US! You can major in anything as an undergrad and still be able to enroll in law school, provided you do well in your LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and have a decent GPA from your undergrad. That said, there are certain classes and/or majors that would give you a slight advantage during the first year of law school. Classes in government, history, and writing are all excellent classes to take, but they are by no means required to succeed as a law student. I myself was an art student in college and I was able to transition to law school just fine even though I didn't have a legal background prior to law school. I actually think having a diverse educational background is a great way for you to bring unique perspectives to the classroom (what a positive way to set yourself apart from your fellow classmates!), so I would suggest taking classes you are passionate about while you are in college.
As a law student, regardless of your interest in any specific legal practice areas, you are typically required to take core classes such as torts, criminal law, constitutional law, contracts, property, civil procedure, and legal writing & research during your first year. Depending on the course offerings at the law school, you can then take electives that cater to your interests you during your second and third year. For example, if you are interested in being a prosecutor or defense attorney, you might take classes in criminal procedures. If you think you are more interested in doing transactional work, you might take classes like corporate law or tax law. Exploring different topics during law school is usually how folks figure out which practice areas they might enjoy after law school, so I highly recommend being open to enrolling in different classes while in law school and see where that takes you.
You don't need to take any specific classes in order to study law in the US! You can major in anything as an undergrad and still be able to enroll in law school, provided you do well in your LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and have a decent GPA from your undergrad. That said, there are certain classes and/or majors that would give you a slight advantage during the first year of law school. Classes in government, history, and writing are all excellent classes to take, but they are by no means required to succeed as a law student. I myself was an art student in college and I was able to transition to law school just fine even though I didn't have a legal background prior to law school. I actually think having a diverse educational background is a great way for you to bring unique perspectives to the classroom (what a positive way to set yourself apart from your fellow classmates!), so I would suggest taking classes you are passionate about while you are in college.
As a law student, regardless of your interest in any specific legal practice areas, you are typically required to take core classes such as torts, criminal law, constitutional law, contracts, property, civil procedure, and legal writing & research during your first year. Depending on the course offerings at the law school, you can then take electives that cater to your interests you during your second and third year. For example, if you are interested in being a prosecutor or defense attorney, you might take classes in criminal procedures. If you think you are more interested in doing transactional work, you might take classes like corporate law or tax law. Exploring different topics during law school is usually how folks figure out which practice areas they might enjoy after law school, so I highly recommend being open to enrolling in different classes while in law school and see where that takes you.
Lisa Martin
Lawyer
6
Answers
Northport, New York
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
The beauty of pursuing a career in law is that it doesn't restrict you to a specific field of study during your high school or college years. However, a strong affinity for reading is essential, as law school entails a significant amount of reading. Writing skills are equally important, and you can hone these by enrolling in persuasive writing courses.
If you're uncertain about becoming a lawyer, consider working part-time as a paralegal in a law firm. This position often doesn't require a specific degree, and many firms offer training. This experience can provide valuable insight into whether a legal career suits you.
During my college years, I found that courses in law philosophy, business law, and ethics were particularly relevant to my legal career. However, I also pursued an accounting degree, which allowed me to integrate both disciplines in my legal practice. It's worth noting that many science students opt to specialize in patent law or health law, so there's no incorrect path to follow!
I want to reiterate previous advice you've received: strive for academic excellence in college because law school admission is competitive. Dedicate yourself to preparing for the LSAT to increase your chances of acceptance into a top-tier law school. Wishing you the best on your journey!
If you're uncertain about becoming a lawyer, consider working part-time as a paralegal in a law firm. This position often doesn't require a specific degree, and many firms offer training. This experience can provide valuable insight into whether a legal career suits you.
During my college years, I found that courses in law philosophy, business law, and ethics were particularly relevant to my legal career. However, I also pursued an accounting degree, which allowed me to integrate both disciplines in my legal practice. It's worth noting that many science students opt to specialize in patent law or health law, so there's no incorrect path to follow!
I want to reiterate previous advice you've received: strive for academic excellence in college because law school admission is competitive. Dedicate yourself to preparing for the LSAT to increase your chances of acceptance into a top-tier law school. Wishing you the best on your journey!
Andrew Gasdick
Editor
2
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
I agree with each of the responses provided so far. I would also add that the classes you might most want to focus on may depend on what type of lawyer you'd like to be (By the way, it's ok if you don't know exactly what type of lawyer you want to be yet!).
If you want to be the type of lawyer who often appears before a judge, jury, or other decision-makers, you may want to focus on public speaking classes. Even classes in theatrical performance can be very helpful in developing skills you can use to deliver persuasive arguments.
Some lawyers rarely, if ever, appear in court. They might focus more on legal research and writing, as well as communicating with others one-on-one. Any classes that help you develop these skills would be useful to you. Speaking from my own experience, I think my undergraduate degree in journalism, and its associated classes in reporting and copyediting, went a long way toward making me the kind of lawyer I wanted to be (I work in legal publishing, and I've never been to court).
Finally, I'd consider whether there are any subject areas beyond law that interest you. If you like learning about concepts of design and engineering, maybe you'd want to take STEM-related classes and become a patent attorney. Maybe you're really interested in the arts, and you'd like to apply those interests by taking fine arts or performing arts classes that could add to your knowledge as a media lawyer. These are all just examples, of course, but they're offered as things to consider while you make your decisions.
If you want to be the type of lawyer who often appears before a judge, jury, or other decision-makers, you may want to focus on public speaking classes. Even classes in theatrical performance can be very helpful in developing skills you can use to deliver persuasive arguments.
Some lawyers rarely, if ever, appear in court. They might focus more on legal research and writing, as well as communicating with others one-on-one. Any classes that help you develop these skills would be useful to you. Speaking from my own experience, I think my undergraduate degree in journalism, and its associated classes in reporting and copyediting, went a long way toward making me the kind of lawyer I wanted to be (I work in legal publishing, and I've never been to court).
Finally, I'd consider whether there are any subject areas beyond law that interest you. If you like learning about concepts of design and engineering, maybe you'd want to take STEM-related classes and become a patent attorney. Maybe you're really interested in the arts, and you'd like to apply those interests by taking fine arts or performing arts classes that could add to your knowledge as a media lawyer. These are all just examples, of course, but they're offered as things to consider while you make your decisions.