I would like to be a lawyer one day and I was wondering, do I have to major in something else, say history, for the first four years, and then I finally go to law school for the next three? Or do I major in Law for all seven years?
2007-09-04 09:42:56 · 4 answers · asked by wondercutie711 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Law & Legal
In the US, there is no undergraduate major in "law".
Many aspiring lawyers major in political science, business or history, but there is no restriction whatsoever. What _is_ very important is to have a good GPA, so that you can get admitted into one of the best law schools.
Therefore, we recommend that you major in a subject that (a) you have an aptitude for (i.e. you are 'good' at, so that you get a high GPA), and (b) you enjoy.
Good luck!
2007-09-04 09:57:04 · answer #1 · answered by Tim F 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to www.abanet.org that is the website for the American Bar Assoc. They have a section just for those interested in becoming a lawyer.
There is no requirement for a major in college. In my experience the pre-law courses tend to mess people up once they are in law school. These pre-law or business law courses are not taught like law school courses are, often the information is not up to date, and it gives you a false sense of knowing the subject once you get into law school.
My undergraduate degrees are in computer science and one in business admin. The courses about setting up and running a busines were invaluable for some of my law courses about dealing with corporations. You want your undergraduate major to be something you enjoy and get good grades in.
Law school is a separate entitity done after you graduate a 4 year college/university and take the LSAT entrance exam. Law school is three years on the day program and 4 years for the night program (for schools that offer this). If at all possible opt for the day program. You will not be allowed to be employed during that first year, until the summer break. You literally will be spending all your time studying for school.
Law school is tough, it is not as fun or enjoyable as college. It is more like 3-4 years of hazing by some nasty people. Once you graduate you will sit for the Bar Exam ( a 2 day test). Prior to the Bar Exam you should take a bar review course. Best of luck to you.
2007-09-04 12:44:54 · answer #2 · answered by CatLaw 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
During their undergraduate years, students interested in law typically major in history, english, political science, etc. A few larger school have a law program at the bachelors level, but not many. The true law degree is like a doctorate, you get it in a specialized school after you've completed your bachelors degree.
2007-09-04 09:54:50 · answer #3 · answered by hottotrot1_usa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can major in pre-law depending on if your school offers it. Otherwise, pick a field that is related to the field of law you wish to go into (my wife picked business administration).
Lawyers tend to pick English or history because being a lawyer requires a lot of writing and a lot of research (research in particular).
2007-09-04 09:53:39 · answer #4 · answered by PRC SD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋