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Law degrees are some of the most challenging and sought-after at university. Unlike undergraduate degrees, which last three years before entering graduate level studies, Law degrees at graduate-level usually last three years in length and are known as Juris Doctor (JD) degrees in countries like Japan or America.
Pre-law majors that are most widely chosen are Political Science and Psychology; however, nearly any major can qualify you to attend law school.
Selecting law school is an important decision and should not be taken lightly. Your choice will influence your legal career for years to come and will serve as an investment in shaping its direction.
Considerations should include location, financial costs and practice opportunities. Furthermore, students should consider what kind of attorney they wish to become; this may have an effect on which school is most suitable.
For example, if your career goals involve working in government or with indigenous populations, law schools that offer programs focused on natural resource or American Indian law may provide you with useful skills.
Students should visit potential law schools and speak with professors and students to gain an understanding of the school environment. Key things to look out for include class size and what kinds of student groups the school supports – larger schools will likely provide more resources, but can lack intimacy; while smaller schools provide a sense of family atmosphere.
Although the American Bar Association doesn’t recommend an undergraduate major specifically, they do emphasize selecting an academic subject that will enhance research skills such as reading comprehension and analytical reasoning as well as one that fits your career interests and increases chances for law school admissions.
Criminal justice is a popular pre-law major for students interested in representing those accused of crimes. Coursework typically includes criminology theory, court proceedings and an overview of the legal system. Psychology also makes for an excellent pre-law major since it offers students insight into societal issues and human behavior that is essential for effective legal practice.
Economics and finance courses can also be great preparation for law school. These subjects cover economic systems and money management practices as well as how laws impact the economy. Economics and finance may prove valuable for those aspiring to practice corporate or tax law.
Assuming you have found a law school that meets both your personal and professional goals, the next step should be preparing adequately for its rigorous academic curriculum. You can do this by seeking educational, work and life experiences which help cultivate skills necessary for excelling in legal studies programs.
Comparable to undergraduate schools, law school classes focus more on applying theory to practical situations and memorization than lecturing or instructional course structures. Furthermore, you will spend considerable time prepping before attending each class, with 40 to 100 pages of reading required each week in law school courses.
While studying various disciplines, consider enrolling in courses to hone reading and writing critically, argue convincingly and think analytically – skills essential for a fulfilling law school experience regardless of your major.
Many law schools require applicants to submit letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with them, who can speak about their character, academic abilities and work ethic. Professors should be considered first; coworkers, spiritual leaders or employers could also be useful sources. Avoid asking someone who only knows you socially or from high school class.
Admissions committees consider more than grades and the LSAT when reviewing applications to law school; they look at your personal statement and resume/CV, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, writing sample sample, as well as any experience gained in legal fields. Demonstrating excellent written communication skills as well as analytic thinking abilities is essential to admissions.
Many schools pay careful consideration to changes in a student’s GPA over their undergraduate career, taking into account factors like death or illness, family circumstances and an unfavorably difficult semester. When applying, make sure you read application instructions thoroughly and submit materials on time!