What kind of law should I study if I want to enter politics eventually?

Question

I plan to go to graduate school and study law, but if I want to enter politics eventually, what law would be best to study? Not only do I love studying government but I love studying chemistry as well, so I have always considered becoming a chemical patent attorney. Would my transition into politics be significantly easier if I studied constitutional law or some other type of law instead? If so, what type of law? Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

It probably depends on how you want to enter politics. You might want to consider criminal law. A number of successful politicians--e.g. Rudy Giuliani-- began their careers as prosecutors. If you want to have a more behind the scenes position, almost any kind of law would be OK, as the government is involved in almost all areas--business, education, the environment, science, etc. Good luck.

Answer 2

What specific classes you take in law school has very little effect on what you can do after law school. However, there are more traditional approaches to entry into political life that can be helped along in law school.
A traditional job for a lot of aspiring politicos is the district attorney's office. As a prosecutor, you have the possibility of getting your name out there and your boss (or boss' boss, depending) will be an elected official who may take you under his wing. At the very least, voters tend to like people who are tough on crime and a prosecutorial record is a good credential in that regard.
So, if you think that might be a good career move for you, then you should take criminal law classes (criminal procedure, white collar crimes, etc.) and litigation-related classes (public speaking, court room persuasion, etc.). Also, moot court is an activity that a lot of prosecutor's offices like. This shows an interest in prosecution that will help you get the interviews you want.
You should also join political groups in law school (Federalist Society, your school's student Democrat or Republican group) to meet people who share your beliefs and may be able to help you down the line.
Also, the law school you go to has a significant impact on political careers down the line. Generally, a top 10 law school is considered an asset anywhere you may go later on in life. If you look at the Who's Who of American Politics in any given year, you'd think that a Harvard Law School degree automatically made someone an elected or appointed official.
However, if you aren't going to Harvard or Yale or Columbia, the best public school in your region is a good place. You will meet people who become lawyers, judges, and executives in your area. These are the same people who will have influence and money for campaign contributions later on down the line. Building a network of people who respect you and are willing to support you in a given area of the country is extraordinarily valuable in advancing your political career.

Answer 3

personally, i'd recommend constitutional law.

take lots of first amendment--religion, first amendment--speech, fourth amendment, fourteenth amendment--due process, fourteenth amendment--equal protection.

take a look at places like yale, harvard, stanford, columbia, the university of virginia, duke, william and mary, ohio state, the university of maryland, university of north carolina, and american university.

they all have solid con law programs, in descending order.

EDIT 1: to correct nicole's comment:

article one section 9 says this:
No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States: and no person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without the consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state.

being a lawyer is not a title of nobility. it's not saying "i'm the earl of new york" it's a profession.

so lawyers are not constitutionally barred from practicing law. shocking, i know.

EDIT 2: contrary to the person below me, the first year is indeed required classes but the second and third years are almost all electives.

thus, you can specialize in things like constitutional law.

you might want to look into a clerkship for a federal court, that way you can do a broad variety of areas.

Answer 4

Constitutional although a lawyer is one of the least honorable ways to get into politics even though most of them all do. The constitution states all titles and nobilities should be surrenderd upon entering public office translation believe it or not

NO LAWYERS

Answer 5

If you buy into anything ever said by any politician, anywhere at any time on any subject, you are in fact a meat-headed chump!

http://www.blogcharm.com/nostate