4 answers
Happiness
Student
Lagos, Nigeria
1
Question
Asked
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"Hi, I'm 14 this month and interested in exploring future career options. What skills or subjects should I focus on in school to prepare for a successful and fulfilling career in law "?
I'm interested in Human rights lawyer but am having second thoughts on everything am also planning on taking the Jamb Utme exams next year 2025 .
Do you think am rushing up things or on the right track.
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4 answers
Erika Cooper
Artist
3
Answers
Fort Myers, Florida
Updated
Erika’s Answer
Greetings!
Your vibrant energy and ambition are truly commendable! Also, best wishes on your birthday! When I was around 14, I too was intrigued by the prospect of attending law school and aligned my actions accordingly. Although I eventually chose a different path, I've seen numerous friends of mine attend and graduate from law school, each from unique paths. I believe understanding that there are various ways to achieve the same goal could alleviate your concerns about your current lack of focus. If all your efforts, from taking different exams to contemplating future career options, could potentially lead to law school, then you're on the right track, aren't you? But remember this: Being young, intelligent, curious, and ambitious gives you the freedom to change your mind at any time, whether it's now, at the last moment, or any other day in your future. It's perfectly fine to change your mind, switch directions, or make changes if you discover that something isn't right for you or is causing you unhappiness. I say this from personal experience! Now, let's move on…
Law schools prioritize skills that will make you a successful lawyer - logical thinking, reasoning, rational thinking abilities, and empathy. The primary goal of law school is to train students to THINK like lawyers, just as medical schools train students to THINK like doctors. Being able to read, write, and research effectively and for extended periods is crucial to the administrative aspect of being a lawyer. Be ready for lots of reading, writing, and research.
Many people opt for the Arts & Humanities route to prepare for the LSAT and law school. This means your undergraduate major could be centered around Literature and Composition or Political Science. Psychology or even a double major (I pursued English Literature and Psychology) not only look impressive on your transcripts when applying to law schools, but also demonstrate your breadth of interest. If possible, include some logic and/or statistics classes. This path covers the reading, writing, and research aspects, and many law school candidates and graduates have their undergraduate degree from the Arts & Humanities department.
Regarding your interest in Human Rights law, one way to enhance your chances of entering this field is to start volunteering for a Human Rights organization. This will give you a glimpse into the daily operations, the types of issues that exist, what you feel most passionate about, and who the key players are in various areas of Human Rights activism, including legal counsel. This experience will also be extremely beneficial when you need recommendation letters for undergraduate and law school applications.
Another underrated but effective path is Mathematics. An undergraduate degree in Math or Economics can help you stand out from the Humanities crowd and demonstrate to law schools that you're already developing the mindset of a lawyer. A Math degree requires a lot of logic, reasoning, rational thought, and research skills, all of which are essential for a successful lawyer. The LSAT focuses on language, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning skills, which can be significantly developed while pursuing a Math degree. Law schools find this particularly valuable in a potential candidate. Most undergraduate programs allow you to take a few Humanities classes, so you can still align some of your studies with Human Rights law, education, and activism.
I wish you all the best in your future pursuits! I hope this advice proves beneficial for your future and that whatever path you choose, you enjoy a rewarding and satisfying career!
Best regards,
Erika Cooper
Your vibrant energy and ambition are truly commendable! Also, best wishes on your birthday! When I was around 14, I too was intrigued by the prospect of attending law school and aligned my actions accordingly. Although I eventually chose a different path, I've seen numerous friends of mine attend and graduate from law school, each from unique paths. I believe understanding that there are various ways to achieve the same goal could alleviate your concerns about your current lack of focus. If all your efforts, from taking different exams to contemplating future career options, could potentially lead to law school, then you're on the right track, aren't you? But remember this: Being young, intelligent, curious, and ambitious gives you the freedom to change your mind at any time, whether it's now, at the last moment, or any other day in your future. It's perfectly fine to change your mind, switch directions, or make changes if you discover that something isn't right for you or is causing you unhappiness. I say this from personal experience! Now, let's move on…
Law schools prioritize skills that will make you a successful lawyer - logical thinking, reasoning, rational thinking abilities, and empathy. The primary goal of law school is to train students to THINK like lawyers, just as medical schools train students to THINK like doctors. Being able to read, write, and research effectively and for extended periods is crucial to the administrative aspect of being a lawyer. Be ready for lots of reading, writing, and research.
Many people opt for the Arts & Humanities route to prepare for the LSAT and law school. This means your undergraduate major could be centered around Literature and Composition or Political Science. Psychology or even a double major (I pursued English Literature and Psychology) not only look impressive on your transcripts when applying to law schools, but also demonstrate your breadth of interest. If possible, include some logic and/or statistics classes. This path covers the reading, writing, and research aspects, and many law school candidates and graduates have their undergraduate degree from the Arts & Humanities department.
Regarding your interest in Human Rights law, one way to enhance your chances of entering this field is to start volunteering for a Human Rights organization. This will give you a glimpse into the daily operations, the types of issues that exist, what you feel most passionate about, and who the key players are in various areas of Human Rights activism, including legal counsel. This experience will also be extremely beneficial when you need recommendation letters for undergraduate and law school applications.
Another underrated but effective path is Mathematics. An undergraduate degree in Math or Economics can help you stand out from the Humanities crowd and demonstrate to law schools that you're already developing the mindset of a lawyer. A Math degree requires a lot of logic, reasoning, rational thought, and research skills, all of which are essential for a successful lawyer. The LSAT focuses on language, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning skills, which can be significantly developed while pursuing a Math degree. Law schools find this particularly valuable in a potential candidate. Most undergraduate programs allow you to take a few Humanities classes, so you can still align some of your studies with Human Rights law, education, and activism.
I wish you all the best in your future pursuits! I hope this advice proves beneficial for your future and that whatever path you choose, you enjoy a rewarding and satisfying career!
Best regards,
Erika Cooper
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
95
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Happiness! Congrats on getting a head start on thinking about your career at such a young age! You have plenty of time to look into multiple avenues of study. I am not familiar with Nigeria, but I have no doubt we need more human rights activists in every corner of the world. If law appeals to you and you want to make a difference with the work you do, you may also consider these topics- sociology, anthropology, criminal justice, public health, social work, psychology, and political science. These are all potential routes to working either directly or indirectly with people who have been underrepresented. Additionally, any of these subjects will form a good foundation for entering law school and other similar graduate programs. To study law you need to have a good memory as there will be much to memorize and keep organized in your head. It will help if you are also skilled at debate and viewing an argument from both sides. Having the ability to be cognitively flexible is also important. It may be useful to join your school's debate team or get involved in theater. Improvisation (in drama) will build your skills in thinking on your feet and coming up with creative solutions. Take advantage of having years ahead before college/university to explore this for yourself. Other typical undergraduate studies that may lead to law- history and philosophy. There are many options- not only one path to what you want in life. Think about what specifically drew you to human rights law- what about it sounds appealing? Do you see yourself working in an office or would you rather work in the field- something that involves travel or outreach to areas in crisis. Look at NGO's - nongovernmental organizations that exist to improve conditions (social, environmental, political, economic, etc.). Volunteer with a nonprofit that does work you find interesting. Getting hands-on experience will provide more information than most anything else. If you decide years of study might not be feasible, train to be a paralegal. This is a great entry point into law if you choose to get started in the field prior to graduate school. Anyone pursuing human rights work needs above all to have a lot of compassion, empathy, and an understanding about the impact of trauma and adverse conditions. I wish you the best in whatever you end up pursuing! May it be endlessly fulfilling and meaningful for you!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
528
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Happiness,
It's fantastic that you're already thinking about your future career at such a young age! While it's great to have aspirations, it's also important to remember that your interests may evolve. Here's some advice to help you on your journey:
Skills and Subjects to Focus On:
1. Strong Academic Foundation: Prioritize subjects like English, History, and Social Studies. These subjects will help you develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills, which are essential for a career in law.
2. Develop Your Communication Skills: Practice public speaking, debating, and writing. These skills will be invaluable for presenting arguments and persuading others.
3. Cultivate Your Analytical Skills: Pay attention to detail, analyze complex information, and think critically. These skills will help you understand legal concepts and solve problems effectively.
4. Build Your Research Skills: Learn how to conduct thorough research, evaluate sources, and synthesize information. This will be crucial for legal research and writing.
5. Embrace Curiosity and a Passion for Justice: Stay curious about the world around you and develop a strong sense of justice. This will fuel your motivation to pursue a career in human rights law.
Considering Your Timeline:
You must be at least 16 years old to get into a university in Nigeria, but it’s also important to take things one step at a time. It’s never too early to start thinking about your future. Here are a few things to consider:
1. Explore Different Career Paths: While human rights law is a noble pursuit, it's worth exploring other legal fields to broaden your understanding.
2. Gain Practical Experience: Look for opportunities to volunteer, intern, or shadow lawyers to gain firsthand experience and confirm your interest.
3. Seek Guidance: Talk to teachers, counselors, and mentors about your career goals. They can provide valuable advice and support.
4. Take Your Time: Don't feel pressured to make a final decision right now. Your interests may change, and that's perfectly normal.
Regarding the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) exam:
It's commendable that you're already thinking about the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) exam. However, it's important to focus on your current studies and enjoy your teenage years. As you get closer to the exam, you can start preparing more seriously. Remember, your journey is unique. Take your time, explore your options, and don't be afraid to change your mind. With hard work, dedication, and a passion for justice, you can achieve your goals.
Best wishes!
It's fantastic that you're already thinking about your future career at such a young age! While it's great to have aspirations, it's also important to remember that your interests may evolve. Here's some advice to help you on your journey:
Skills and Subjects to Focus On:
1. Strong Academic Foundation: Prioritize subjects like English, History, and Social Studies. These subjects will help you develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills, which are essential for a career in law.
2. Develop Your Communication Skills: Practice public speaking, debating, and writing. These skills will be invaluable for presenting arguments and persuading others.
3. Cultivate Your Analytical Skills: Pay attention to detail, analyze complex information, and think critically. These skills will help you understand legal concepts and solve problems effectively.
4. Build Your Research Skills: Learn how to conduct thorough research, evaluate sources, and synthesize information. This will be crucial for legal research and writing.
5. Embrace Curiosity and a Passion for Justice: Stay curious about the world around you and develop a strong sense of justice. This will fuel your motivation to pursue a career in human rights law.
Considering Your Timeline:
You must be at least 16 years old to get into a university in Nigeria, but it’s also important to take things one step at a time. It’s never too early to start thinking about your future. Here are a few things to consider:
1. Explore Different Career Paths: While human rights law is a noble pursuit, it's worth exploring other legal fields to broaden your understanding.
2. Gain Practical Experience: Look for opportunities to volunteer, intern, or shadow lawyers to gain firsthand experience and confirm your interest.
3. Seek Guidance: Talk to teachers, counselors, and mentors about your career goals. They can provide valuable advice and support.
4. Take Your Time: Don't feel pressured to make a final decision right now. Your interests may change, and that's perfectly normal.
Regarding the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) exam:
It's commendable that you're already thinking about the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) exam. However, it's important to focus on your current studies and enjoy your teenage years. As you get closer to the exam, you can start preparing more seriously. Remember, your journey is unique. Take your time, explore your options, and don't be afraid to change your mind. With hard work, dedication, and a passion for justice, you can achieve your goals.
Best wishes!
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
29
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi Happiness,
While I'm not from Nigeria, my understanding is that you can enroll in an LLB program through JAMB, so it's a good thing you're thinking about this now. Regardless of where you intend to practice law, I think a good skill to have as a lawyer is the ability to read, write, and communicate effectively. I know this sounds almost generic, but having gone through law school myself (albeit in a different country), I find that reading legal texts is very different from your everyday casual reading. While law school classes are designed to rewire your brain and get you accustomed to reading dense and complex material, it wouldn't hurt to take certain classes now to make your transition into law school a little easier (e.g., classes with a focus on reading comprehension, research and writing, and public speaking).
Since law programs in Nigeria admit students based on their exam results, it would be a good idea to focus on the subjects you will be writing the exam for next year and make sure you do well in them. Here's the link in case you haven't already looked at the requirements: https://jamb2025.com/jamb-requirements-for-law/
Lastly, I would also encourage you to speak with current law students in your area since they are more likely to be familiar with the Nigerian legal education system and can offer you valuable insights and advice about your career path. Best of luck!
While I'm not from Nigeria, my understanding is that you can enroll in an LLB program through JAMB, so it's a good thing you're thinking about this now. Regardless of where you intend to practice law, I think a good skill to have as a lawyer is the ability to read, write, and communicate effectively. I know this sounds almost generic, but having gone through law school myself (albeit in a different country), I find that reading legal texts is very different from your everyday casual reading. While law school classes are designed to rewire your brain and get you accustomed to reading dense and complex material, it wouldn't hurt to take certain classes now to make your transition into law school a little easier (e.g., classes with a focus on reading comprehension, research and writing, and public speaking).
Since law programs in Nigeria admit students based on their exam results, it would be a good idea to focus on the subjects you will be writing the exam for next year and make sure you do well in them. Here's the link in case you haven't already looked at the requirements: https://jamb2025.com/jamb-requirements-for-law/
Lastly, I would also encourage you to speak with current law students in your area since they are more likely to be familiar with the Nigerian legal education system and can offer you valuable insights and advice about your career path. Best of luck!