4 answers
Adilay
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
26
Questions
Asked
634 views
What kinds of classes or job opportunities should I be taking in high school if I want to go into law?
I'm currently a junior in high school and might be interested in something like a lawyer or paralegal for my future career. Are there any jobs that would be good for me to get into now for experience? Any classes that I should take in school?
Login to comment
4 answers
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
139
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
I would sign up for speech and debate competitions, call your local state and federal representatives to see if you can work as an intern in their office and take as many dual credit courses as possible. If you any attorneys talk to them about the profession. Good luck, you will do well.
Rebecca Rubino
Pricing Program Manager
6
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hello Adilay - Talk to your guidance counselor at school. There may be some legal related coursework you can take in High School and there may also be some junior college courses you can take while in high school. It also would be a good idea to shadow a few different types of lawyers to understand what a day in the life of a real lawyer is like and they would be great resources for you in the future. Best of luck!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Adilay !
I am happy to know that you have chosen a future career and are interested in becoming familiar with information about it while you are still in high school. That's great !
Most of the substance for this career will be obtained while you are a Political Science or Government Major in undergraduate college. When you attend Law School, that is where you'll learn how to become a Lawyer, if that's the career you want because you said "in law" and that is a very broad field.
Things that you can do in high school center around sharpening your skills for college and your interest. It's going to depend on if it's a career as an Attorney or a politician, paralegal or what your exact goal is, however, you can get some practice in high school. You will want to sharpen your knowledge of federal and state government and you can do this by reading the federal constitution and Bill of Rights as well as the state of Minnesota's constitution. Having that knowledge base will help you understand the way things are run in law and government.
You can seek out extracurriculars that would sharpen your leadership and communication skills. Some of these may be running for a class office, such as Class President, or being part of any debate team or simulated trial exercises if your high school offers that. Take frequent trips 39 miles from where you live to Saint Paul and visit your State Capitol. Have a parent or adult friend go with you or ask your teachers if they can plan a class trip there for the students. If you can secure an adult or group, you can also attend hearings there and become familiar with the process of law. This will be both exciting and informative for you if you plan a future career in law.
While in high school, you can also do volunteer work. I would suggest visiting your local politicians offices and offer to do volunteer work or work on campaigns. Even if it is computer work or filing or making phone calls, just being around the environment would help you obtain valuable experience.
Now this next suggestion is going to sound very simple, but you'll be surprised at how much you will learn. Watch court shows on TV. This will give you an idea of how different each case is and the conditions around cases as well as how a courtroom flows. Some of the current TV shows that you can watch at your leisure are: The Court TV Channel, Judge Judy, Hot Bench, Court Cam, Judge Mathis, The People's Court, and Divorce Court. You can also pinpoint what exact career you want "in law" and search for videos about the career on You Tube.
To obtain paid employment as a paralegal or an attorney, you would have to be qualified and you would be after your college or training path, but for high school, you can surround yourself with the knowledge and skill sharpening that you will need for college. Take it one step at a time.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best !
I am happy to know that you have chosen a future career and are interested in becoming familiar with information about it while you are still in high school. That's great !
Most of the substance for this career will be obtained while you are a Political Science or Government Major in undergraduate college. When you attend Law School, that is where you'll learn how to become a Lawyer, if that's the career you want because you said "in law" and that is a very broad field.
Things that you can do in high school center around sharpening your skills for college and your interest. It's going to depend on if it's a career as an Attorney or a politician, paralegal or what your exact goal is, however, you can get some practice in high school. You will want to sharpen your knowledge of federal and state government and you can do this by reading the federal constitution and Bill of Rights as well as the state of Minnesota's constitution. Having that knowledge base will help you understand the way things are run in law and government.
You can seek out extracurriculars that would sharpen your leadership and communication skills. Some of these may be running for a class office, such as Class President, or being part of any debate team or simulated trial exercises if your high school offers that. Take frequent trips 39 miles from where you live to Saint Paul and visit your State Capitol. Have a parent or adult friend go with you or ask your teachers if they can plan a class trip there for the students. If you can secure an adult or group, you can also attend hearings there and become familiar with the process of law. This will be both exciting and informative for you if you plan a future career in law.
While in high school, you can also do volunteer work. I would suggest visiting your local politicians offices and offer to do volunteer work or work on campaigns. Even if it is computer work or filing or making phone calls, just being around the environment would help you obtain valuable experience.
Now this next suggestion is going to sound very simple, but you'll be surprised at how much you will learn. Watch court shows on TV. This will give you an idea of how different each case is and the conditions around cases as well as how a courtroom flows. Some of the current TV shows that you can watch at your leisure are: The Court TV Channel, Judge Judy, Hot Bench, Court Cam, Judge Mathis, The People's Court, and Divorce Court. You can also pinpoint what exact career you want "in law" and search for videos about the career on You Tube.
To obtain paid employment as a paralegal or an attorney, you would have to be qualified and you would be after your college or training path, but for high school, you can surround yourself with the knowledge and skill sharpening that you will need for college. Take it one step at a time.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best !
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6333
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Adilay!
Classes to Take in High School
To prepare for a career in law, it is essential to focus on classes that develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication. Here are some recommended subjects:
English Language Arts: Strong reading and writing skills are crucial for any legal profession. Courses that emphasize literature analysis, essay writing, and research will help you articulate arguments clearly.
Social Studies/Government: Understanding the structure of government, the legal system, and civic responsibilities is fundamental. Classes in U.S. History, Government, or Political Science will provide insight into how laws are created and enforced.
Debate or Speech: Participating in debate or speech classes can enhance your public speaking abilities and teach you how to construct logical arguments and think on your feet.
History: A solid grasp of historical events can provide context for current laws and legal systems. Courses that cover both U.S. history and world history can be beneficial.
Economics: Understanding economic principles can be advantageous, especially if you plan to specialize in corporate law or financial regulations.
Mathematics: While not directly related to law, courses in statistics or business math can help develop analytical skills useful for understanding legal documents involving financial data.
Foreign Language: Learning a second language can be beneficial in law careers where bilingual communication is an asset.
Ethics or Philosophy: These courses encourage critical thinking about moral issues and the philosophy behind laws, which is valuable for any aspiring lawyer.
Job Opportunities for Experience
Gaining practical experience while still in high school can significantly bolster your resume when applying for college or law school later on. Here are some job opportunities:
Internships at Law Firms: Many law firms offer internship programs for high school students interested in gaining exposure to the legal field.
Volunteer Work with Legal Aid Organizations: Volunteering at organizations that provide legal assistance to low-income individuals can give you insight into the practical aspects of law while helping your community.
Clerk Positions at Courts: Some local courts may offer clerk positions where you can observe court proceedings and learn about the judicial process firsthand.
Student Government or Debate Team Leadership Roles: Engaging in student government or leading a debate team helps develop leadership skills and provides experience in governance processes.
Part-time Jobs Related to Customer Service or Administration: Working in roles that require strong communication skills—such as retail or administrative assistant positions—can also be beneficial as they help build interpersonal skills necessary for a career in law.
Shadowing Professionals: Consider reaching out to local attorneys or paralegals to see if they would allow you to shadow them for a day or two to understand their daily responsibilities better.
By focusing on these classes and seeking relevant job experiences now, you’ll be well-prepared for further education in law after high school.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Bar Association (ABA): The ABA provides comprehensive resources regarding educational pathways for aspiring lawyers including recommended coursework.
National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA): NALA offers insights into the paralegal profession including educational requirements and job opportunities.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides detailed information on various careers within the legal field including job outlooks, necessary education levels, and typical duties associated with different roles such as lawyers and paralegals.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Classes to Take in High School
To prepare for a career in law, it is essential to focus on classes that develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication. Here are some recommended subjects:
English Language Arts: Strong reading and writing skills are crucial for any legal profession. Courses that emphasize literature analysis, essay writing, and research will help you articulate arguments clearly.
Social Studies/Government: Understanding the structure of government, the legal system, and civic responsibilities is fundamental. Classes in U.S. History, Government, or Political Science will provide insight into how laws are created and enforced.
Debate or Speech: Participating in debate or speech classes can enhance your public speaking abilities and teach you how to construct logical arguments and think on your feet.
History: A solid grasp of historical events can provide context for current laws and legal systems. Courses that cover both U.S. history and world history can be beneficial.
Economics: Understanding economic principles can be advantageous, especially if you plan to specialize in corporate law or financial regulations.
Mathematics: While not directly related to law, courses in statistics or business math can help develop analytical skills useful for understanding legal documents involving financial data.
Foreign Language: Learning a second language can be beneficial in law careers where bilingual communication is an asset.
Ethics or Philosophy: These courses encourage critical thinking about moral issues and the philosophy behind laws, which is valuable for any aspiring lawyer.
Job Opportunities for Experience
Gaining practical experience while still in high school can significantly bolster your resume when applying for college or law school later on. Here are some job opportunities:
Internships at Law Firms: Many law firms offer internship programs for high school students interested in gaining exposure to the legal field.
Volunteer Work with Legal Aid Organizations: Volunteering at organizations that provide legal assistance to low-income individuals can give you insight into the practical aspects of law while helping your community.
Clerk Positions at Courts: Some local courts may offer clerk positions where you can observe court proceedings and learn about the judicial process firsthand.
Student Government or Debate Team Leadership Roles: Engaging in student government or leading a debate team helps develop leadership skills and provides experience in governance processes.
Part-time Jobs Related to Customer Service or Administration: Working in roles that require strong communication skills—such as retail or administrative assistant positions—can also be beneficial as they help build interpersonal skills necessary for a career in law.
Shadowing Professionals: Consider reaching out to local attorneys or paralegals to see if they would allow you to shadow them for a day or two to understand their daily responsibilities better.
By focusing on these classes and seeking relevant job experiences now, you’ll be well-prepared for further education in law after high school.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Bar Association (ABA): The ABA provides comprehensive resources regarding educational pathways for aspiring lawyers including recommended coursework.
National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA): NALA offers insights into the paralegal profession including educational requirements and job opportunities.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides detailed information on various careers within the legal field including job outlooks, necessary education levels, and typical duties associated with different roles such as lawyers and paralegals.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.