What Degree Do You Need to Be a Lawyer? A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right academic path can feel overwhelming, especially when you have a specific career in mind like becoming a lawyer. Aspiring lawyers often wonder about the best undergraduate preparation for law school. Do you need a specific “pre-law” degree? What do law schools actually look for in their applicants beyond grades and test scores?

Understanding the educational requirements is the first step toward a successful legal career. While graduating from law school is mandatory to practice law, the path you take before that is more flexible than you might think. Let’s delve into the essential degrees and skills you need to become a lawyer and navigate your journey to law school effectively.

Debunking the “Pre-Law” Major Myth: Any Degree Can Lead to Law School

Many believe that a specific undergraduate major is a prerequisite for law school. However, the American Bar Association (ABA), the primary accrediting body for law schools in the United States, clarifies that there is no mandatory bachelor’s degree for aspiring lawyers.

The ABA explicitly states: “You may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics or business, or you may focus your undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science and mathematics, computer science, engineering, nursing or education.”

This broad acceptance underscores a crucial point: law schools value a well-rounded education and the development of key skills over specific subject matter expertise at the undergraduate level. The ABA emphasizes that students should pursue “an area of study that interests and challenges you, while taking advantage of opportunities to develop your research and writing skills.” Essentially, rigorous coursework and intellectual curiosity are more important than the name on your degree.

So, when considering what degree you need to be a lawyer, remember that the answer isn’t about a prescribed major but rather about cultivating the skills and knowledge that will make you a successful law student and legal professional.

Building a Strong Foundation: Skills Law Schools Value

While your undergraduate major is flexible, law schools are keenly interested in your skillset. They seek applicants who demonstrate the aptitude for the rigorous study of law and the demands of legal practice. Here are some key skills that law schools prioritize:

Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Lawyers must be able to analyze complex issues, identify relevant facts, and construct logical arguments. Courses that challenge you to think critically, such as philosophy, logic, mathematics, and even game theory, can be highly beneficial.
Reading Comprehension and Writing Proficiency: The legal profession is heavily reliant on reading and interpreting dense legal documents and writing clearly and persuasively. Majors that emphasize reading and writing, like English, history, political science, and communications, can provide excellent preparation. Strong writing skills are paramount for crafting legal briefs, memos, and opinions.
Research Abilities: Legal research is a cornerstone of legal practice. The ability to locate, analyze, and synthesize information from various sources is essential. Disciplines that require extensive research, such as history, sociology, and the sciences, help develop these skills.
Communication and Argumentation: Lawyers must be effective communicators, both orally and in writing. They need to articulate arguments persuasively, negotiate effectively, and present information clearly. Courses in public speaking, debate, and rhetoric can be invaluable.

By focusing on developing these core competencies during your undergraduate studies, regardless of your chosen major, you will significantly strengthen your law school application and prepare yourself for the challenges of legal education.

Strategic Degree Choices: Majors That Align with Legal Fields

Although any degree is acceptable, choosing a major that aligns with a potential area of legal specialization can offer advantages. This doesn’t guarantee admission or career success, but it can provide a stronger foundation and demonstrate a focused interest. Here are some examples of strategic degree choices:

Business or Economics: For students interested in corporate law, commercial law, or financial law, a business or economics degree offers a strong understanding of financial principles, market dynamics, and business operations. This background is highly valuable in these specialized legal fields.
Political Science or History: Aspiring constitutional lawyers, public interest lawyers, or those interested in government and policy often benefit from a political science or history degree. These majors provide a deep understanding of political systems, legal history, and social issues, which are directly relevant to these areas of law.
Criminal Justice or Sociology: Students drawn to criminal law, human rights law, or social justice law may find a criminal justice or sociology degree beneficial. These fields offer insights into the criminal justice system, social behavior, and the root causes of crime, providing a valuable perspective for legal work in these areas.
Science or Technology (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science): For those intrigued by intellectual property law, environmental law, healthcare law, or technology law, a science or technology-related degree is highly advantageous. These majors provide the necessary technical background to understand complex scientific and technological issues that arise in these legal specialties.
Humanities or Philosophy: Majors like philosophy, literature, or religious studies cultivate critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and strong communication skills. These disciplines, while seemingly less directly related to law, provide a robust intellectual foundation applicable to any legal field, fostering analytical rigor and nuanced understanding.

Choosing a major that sparks your genuine interest is crucial. Passion for your undergraduate studies will translate into greater engagement and academic success, ultimately strengthening your law school application, regardless of the specific field.

Beyond the Bachelor’s: Experience Matters

While academic preparation is vital, practical experience can significantly enhance your law school application and provide valuable insights into the legal profession. Consider these experiential opportunities:

Internships: Legal internships, whether in law firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or corporate legal departments, offer firsthand exposure to the day-to-day work of lawyers. Internships provide practical skills, networking opportunities, and a clearer understanding of different legal fields.
Paralegal or Legal Assistant Roles: Working as a paralegal or legal assistant after completing your bachelor’s degree provides in-depth experience in a legal setting. You’ll gain practical skills in legal research, document preparation, and case management, making you a more competitive law school applicant and better prepared for your legal studies.
Legal Clinics and Volunteer Work: Participating in legal clinics during your undergraduate studies or volunteering with legal aid organizations allows you to apply your knowledge to real-world legal issues and assist underserved communities. This experience demonstrates your commitment to justice and provides valuable practical skills.

Gaining practical experience not only strengthens your application but also helps you confirm your passion for law and refine your career interests within the legal field.

Choosing the Right Law School: Accreditation and Fit

Selecting the right law school is a critical decision that impacts your legal education and career prospects. Here are key considerations:

ABA Accreditation: Ensure that the law schools you consider are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Graduating from an ABA-accredited law school is generally required to sit for the bar exam in most jurisdictions and is often preferred by employers. ABA accreditation signifies that the law school meets established standards of quality in legal education.
Non-ABA Accredited Options: While ABA accreditation is generally recommended, some jurisdictions may allow graduates of non-ABA accredited law schools, including online law schools, to sit for the bar exam. However, these options should be carefully researched, as bar admission requirements vary by state. Non-accredited law schools may have limitations in terms of reciprocity and employer recognition.
Law School Specializations and Programs: Research the specific programs and specializations offered by different law schools. Some law schools are known for particular strengths, such as intellectual property law, environmental law, or public interest law. Choose a law school that aligns with your legal interests and career goals.
Location and Network: Consider the location of the law school and its network within the legal community. Studying in a location where you hope to practice law can provide valuable networking opportunities and familiarity with the local legal landscape.
School Culture and Resources: Visit prospective law schools, if possible, to get a sense of the school culture, faculty, and resources available to students, such as career services, legal clinics, and student organizations. Choose a learning environment where you feel you will thrive.

Thorough research and careful consideration of these factors will help you choose a law school that is the right fit for your academic and career aspirations.

Career Flexibility with a Law Degree: Expanding Your Horizons

A law degree provides a versatile foundation for a wide range of career paths, both within and beyond traditional legal practice.

Changing Legal Fields: It’s common for lawyers to shift their focus areas throughout their careers. The skills you develop in one area of law, such as legal research, writing, and negotiation, are transferable to other legal fields. A lawyer who starts in corporate law might later transition to environmental law or international law, leveraging their core legal skills in a new domain.
Transferable Skills Beyond Law: The analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills honed through legal education are highly valued in diverse fields beyond traditional legal practice. Law graduates find successful careers in business, finance, government, policy, education, journalism, and non-profit organizations. A law degree can open doors to leadership roles in various sectors.
Non-Traditional Legal Careers: Many law graduates pursue non-traditional legal careers, such as legal consulting, mediation, arbitration, compliance, legal technology, and legal academia. These roles leverage legal expertise in different contexts, often combining legal knowledge with other skills and interests.

The legal field is dynamic and evolving, offering diverse opportunities for those with a law degree. Your career path may evolve in unexpected ways, and the strong foundation of a legal education will equip you for a fulfilling and impactful career journey.

Conclusion

So, what degree do you need to be a lawyer? The most direct answer is no specific undergraduate degree is mandated. Your journey to becoming a lawyer is more about cultivating essential skills and pursuing your intellectual passions. Focus on developing critical thinking, writing, research, and communication skills during your undergraduate studies. Choose a major that genuinely interests you, whether it’s history, science, business, or the humanities. Supplement your academic preparation with practical experiences, and carefully select an ABA-accredited law school that aligns with your career aspirations. Becoming a lawyer is a multifaceted process, and with strategic planning and dedication, you can build a successful and rewarding legal career, regardless of your undergraduate major.

About the Author

Ilan Fuchs, Ph.D.

Dr. Ilan Fuchs is a scholar of international law and legal history. He holds a B.A. in humanities and social science from The Open University of Israel and an M.A. in Jewish history from Bar-Ilan University. Ilan’s other degrees include an LL.B., an LL.M., and a Ph.D. in law from Bar-Ilan University. He is the author of “Jewish Women’s Torah Study: Orthodox Education and Modernity,” and 18 articles in leading scholarly journals. At the University, Ilan teaches courses on international law while maintaining a law practice in several jurisdictions.