3 answers
maddy
Student
Texas City, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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how do I chose what type of lawyer I want to be and how can I prepare in advance before going into law??
I am in 7th grade and I want to get into law but any tips will help me so I can get a head start on my career.
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3 answers
Jocelyne Greco, MHRM
Human Resources
6
Answers
Katy, Texas
Updated
Jocelyne’s Answer
That's amazing that you're thinking ahead! Here’s how to explore law early on:
1. Research Different Fields: Law has many areas—like criminal, environmental, and family law. Read books or articles about different types of lawyers to see what interests you.
2. Build Strong Communication Skills: Lawyers need strong reading, writing, and speaking skills. Focus on doing well in English and joining clubs like debate or mock trials (if available).
3. Shadow or Talk to Lawyers: If possible, connect with lawyers in different fields to learn about their daily work.
Stay curious and keep exploring—you're off to a great start!
1. Research Different Fields: Law has many areas—like criminal, environmental, and family law. Read books or articles about different types of lawyers to see what interests you.
2. Build Strong Communication Skills: Lawyers need strong reading, writing, and speaking skills. Focus on doing well in English and joining clubs like debate or mock trials (if available).
3. Shadow or Talk to Lawyers: If possible, connect with lawyers in different fields to learn about their daily work.
Stay curious and keep exploring—you're off to a great start!
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1731
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Maddy,
Law is a very diverse field, and, it is most difficult to know what you'd like to specialize in if you've never tried it!
This sort of reminds me of the process I went through a few years ago in buying a house. After looking at house after house, I began to form a mental list. Surprisingly, it was not one of what I liked, but rather, what I did not like! It truly helped me to narrow it down.
Do you know anyone in law? If so, I would encourage you to talk with them, to try to get an idea of how their day goes. Usually, it's not anything like you see on TV. There is a lot of time spent researching, on the phone, in conferences, etc, and normally, not a lot of time spent in the courtroom.
So, what is one to do? Learn about the various specializations, and see if you can picture yourself doing that type of law. Do you see yourself working for a big law firm helping corporate clients reduce fines they've been assessed for polluting the air? Working for someone who was fired for taking care of his wife when she got sick? Sitting at a desk in Washington DC writing the regulatory parts of laws after they are passed by Congress? Representing an NFL coach in contract negotiations? Meeting with a client in jail? The list goes on and on. This link takes you to a page for the State Bar of Texas.
Scroll down on the left to "practice area" and look at the dropdown menu. This is a pretty exhaustive list.
https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Find_A_Lawyer&Template=/CustomSource/MemberDirectory/Search_Form_Client_Main.cfm
In the meantime, use some of your free classes (electives) or clubs to see what you like. Take an accounting class, or environmental science. See where you find it easy to learn the material. And what interests you. You can continue doing this in college. There is no rush to making this decision. Take your time, and enjoy the exploratory journey!
Also, I just googled "what type of lawyer should I be?" And lots of quizzes came up. I do not know how valid any of them are. But, if you take 3 or 4 and they all point you in the same direction, I would give that some consideration!
Best of luck,
Kim
Law is a very diverse field, and, it is most difficult to know what you'd like to specialize in if you've never tried it!
This sort of reminds me of the process I went through a few years ago in buying a house. After looking at house after house, I began to form a mental list. Surprisingly, it was not one of what I liked, but rather, what I did not like! It truly helped me to narrow it down.
Do you know anyone in law? If so, I would encourage you to talk with them, to try to get an idea of how their day goes. Usually, it's not anything like you see on TV. There is a lot of time spent researching, on the phone, in conferences, etc, and normally, not a lot of time spent in the courtroom.
So, what is one to do? Learn about the various specializations, and see if you can picture yourself doing that type of law. Do you see yourself working for a big law firm helping corporate clients reduce fines they've been assessed for polluting the air? Working for someone who was fired for taking care of his wife when she got sick? Sitting at a desk in Washington DC writing the regulatory parts of laws after they are passed by Congress? Representing an NFL coach in contract negotiations? Meeting with a client in jail? The list goes on and on. This link takes you to a page for the State Bar of Texas.
Scroll down on the left to "practice area" and look at the dropdown menu. This is a pretty exhaustive list.
https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Find_A_Lawyer&Template=/CustomSource/MemberDirectory/Search_Form_Client_Main.cfm
In the meantime, use some of your free classes (electives) or clubs to see what you like. Take an accounting class, or environmental science. See where you find it easy to learn the material. And what interests you. You can continue doing this in college. There is no rush to making this decision. Take your time, and enjoy the exploratory journey!
Also, I just googled "what type of lawyer should I be?" And lots of quizzes came up. I do not know how valid any of them are. But, if you take 3 or 4 and they all point you in the same direction, I would give that some consideration!
Best of luck,
Kim
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
339
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Maddy:
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in law. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be English, social studies, and American history and government. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Lawyer, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clients, legal staff, law enforcement, etc. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
The educational pathway to become a lawyer will be between 7-8 years. 4 Years will be to earn a Bachelor Degree. LSAT entrance exam will need to be taken. Law school will be 2-3 years to earn a Juris Doctor Degree. Then, there is the bar exam to take, to pass and to be earned in the state where you plan to practice law.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for Law school:
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania (Carey)
- Duke University
- Harvard University
- New York University
- Columbia University
- University of Virginia
- Northwestern University (Pritzker)
- University of California (Berkeley)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Cornell University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and to gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Lawyer!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in law. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be English, social studies, and American history and government. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Lawyer, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clients, legal staff, law enforcement, etc. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
The educational pathway to become a lawyer will be between 7-8 years. 4 Years will be to earn a Bachelor Degree. LSAT entrance exam will need to be taken. Law school will be 2-3 years to earn a Juris Doctor Degree. Then, there is the bar exam to take, to pass and to be earned in the state where you plan to practice law.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for Law school:
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania (Carey)
- Duke University
- Harvard University
- New York University
- Columbia University
- University of Virginia
- Northwestern University (Pritzker)
- University of California (Berkeley)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Cornell University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and to gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Lawyer!