Choosing the right undergraduate major can feel daunting, especially when you have a specific career path in mind like becoming a lawyer. Aspiring lawyers know that law school is the next step after their bachelor’s degree, but the question often arises: what is the best degree to set you up for law school and a successful legal career?
Law school admissions committees look for a combination of factors in applicants. They evaluate objective criteria such as your Law School Admission Test (LSAT®) score and your undergraduate GPA. They may also consider personal experiences and unique qualities that you bring. But when it comes to your undergraduate major, does it actually matter?
Is There a Specific Bachelor’s Degree for Law School?
The American Bar Association (ABA®), the accrediting body for law schools, doesn’t recommend a particular major for those planning to attend law school.
According to the ABA, “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.”
The ABA emphasizes that “Whatever major you select, you are encouraged to pursue an area of study that interests and challenges you, while taking advantage of opportunities to develop your research and writing skills. Taking a broad range of difficult courses from demanding instructors is excellent preparation for legal education.”
In simple terms, there isn’t one single “best” degree to become a lawyer. Law schools are more interested in your academic abilities as demonstrated by your grades and LSAT score. The focus should be on choosing a degree that provides strong training in critical thinking, reading comprehension, and communication – skills essential for legal practice.
Beyond academics, practical experience can significantly strengthen your law school application. Consider engaging in legal research during your undergraduate studies or gaining work experience as a paralegal after graduation. These experiences demonstrate your commitment to the legal field and provide valuable insights that can be highlighted during the law school admissions process.
Top Undergraduate Degrees to Prepare for a Legal Career
While any degree can be a stepping stone to law school, certain undergraduate majors can offer a more direct pathway depending on your desired legal specialization. If you have a specific area of law in mind, aligning your bachelor’s degree accordingly can be advantageous. For instance, if you’re interested in corporate law, a business-related degree could be beneficial.
Here are some undergraduate degrees that are often considered strong preparation for specific legal fields:
- Economics: An economics degree provides a solid understanding of financial principles and economic systems, which is highly relevant to various areas of law, particularly corporate and commercial law.
- Business Administration/Management: A business degree offers a broad overview of business operations, finance, and management, making it ideal for students interested in corporate law, business law, or contract law.
- Political Science: For those drawn to constitutional law, public policy, or government roles, a political science degree provides a strong foundation in political systems, legal frameworks, and governance.
- History: History majors develop strong analytical and research skills, and gain a deep understanding of societal evolution and legal precedents, which are valuable assets for any legal field.
- English: An English degree cultivates exceptional writing, reading comprehension, and communication skills – all crucial for legal professionals who must articulate arguments clearly and persuasively.
- Criminal Justice: If you’re interested in criminal law, a criminal justice degree provides foundational knowledge of the criminal justice system, legal procedures, and criminology.
- Accounting: An accounting degree is particularly useful for aspiring tax lawyers, corporate lawyers dealing with financial regulations, or those interested in forensic accounting and legal contexts.
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, etc.): Science backgrounds are increasingly valuable in specialized legal areas like intellectual property law (patents), environmental law, or pharmaceutical law, where understanding scientific concepts is essential.
Choosing a degree that aligns with your potential legal interests allows you to build foundational knowledge in that area. This can be beneficial not only in law school but also in your future legal career, enabling you to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders within specific industries.
How Undergraduate Coursework Can Support Bar Exam Preparation
While the bar exam focuses on legal principles and procedures taught in law school, your undergraduate studies can indirectly contribute to your preparedness. Certain degrees can expose you to concepts and skills that are helpful for legal training.
For example, a criminal justice degree can familiarize you with legal terminology and processes within the criminal justice system, potentially making related law school courses more accessible. Similarly, an accounting degree can provide a strong foundation for understanding complex financial issues often encountered in tax law or corporate law.
Furthermore, any undergraduate degree that emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and strong writing skills will inherently contribute to your ability to succeed in law school and pass the bar exam. These transferable skills are honed through rigorous coursework across various disciplines.
Aligning Your Law Degree with Your Personality and Interests
Choosing a legal specialization is a significant decision that should be driven by your personal interests and aptitudes. Becoming a lawyer requires dedication and passion, so selecting an area of law that genuinely interests you is crucial for long-term career satisfaction.
Consider your personality and preferences. Do you enjoy working directly with people? Or are you more drawn to in-depth research and analysis of legal documents? Different legal fields demand different skill sets and work environments.
Before committing to a specific area of law, explore various options. Don’t rely solely on media portrayals or hearsay. Seek firsthand experiences by shadowing lawyers in different fields, interning at law firms, or conducting informational interviews. This real-world exposure will provide valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of different legal practices and help you make an informed decision about your specialization.
Thinking about your desired legal career early on can also influence your law school choices and financial planning. Different law programs may have strengths in specific areas of law, and understanding your career goals can guide you toward the most suitable program.
Key Considerations When Selecting an Accredited Law School
The choice of law school is a critical factor in your legal education. Accreditation, particularly by the American Bar Association (ABA), is a primary consideration. Graduating from an ABA-accredited law school generally provides broader opportunities for taking the bar exam in various jurisdictions.
However, it’s important to note that not all jurisdictions mandate ABA accreditation. Some jurisdictions may allow graduates of state-accredited or even non-accredited law schools to sit for the bar exam. Online law schools, for instance, may offer flexible and potentially more affordable options that can qualify graduates for bar admission in certain states.
Choosing a non-ABA accredited law school should be a carefully considered decision, often based on specific circumstances such as geographic limitations or financial constraints. Thoroughly research the bar admission requirements in your desired jurisdiction and consult with legal professionals in your area to understand the implications of attending a non-accredited institution.
Ultimately, whether you pursue a traditional ABA-accredited law school or explore alternative options, prioritize thorough research and informed decision-making throughout your journey to becoming a lawyer.
Career Flexibility After Law School
The extensive education required to become a lawyer can lead to personal and professional growth that may reshape your career aspirations. It’s not uncommon for lawyers to evolve their areas of focus over time.
Even after specializing in a particular area of law initially, such as health law, you may find yourself drawn to a different field like administrative law or medical malpractice later in your career. The legal profession offers considerable flexibility for specialization shifts.
The core skills you develop as a lawyer – legal research, legal writing, negotiation, critical thinking – are transferable across various legal domains. If you decide to transition from tax law to international law, for example, your foundational legal skills remain highly relevant.
Furthermore, there can be unexpected synergies between seemingly disparate legal fields. Environmental law and international law, for instance, share overlapping concerns, and expertise in one area can be a valuable asset in the other.
Becoming a lawyer is a multifaceted journey encompassing undergraduate education, law school, bar admission, and ongoing professional development. Each stage contributes to shaping you into a well-rounded and effective legal professional. Embrace every experience as an opportunity to refine your skills and become a more capable and adaptable attorney throughout your career.
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.
