I. Introduction
Choosing the right degree is a crucial decision for those aspiring to become a lawyer. The different education paths available for future lawyers can be confusing, and it takes time and effort to understand the right degree that can pave one’s way into practicing law. In this article, we will explore everything that you need to know about the degree you need to become a lawyer, the academic requirements, and the different paths you can take on your journey to become a legal professional.
II. 5 Most Popular Degrees for Aspiring Lawyers: A Comprehensive Guide
Aspiring lawyers have many options years before they start their formal legal education. An undergraduate degree program can provide aspiring lawyers with the foundation and skills that are essential to pursuing a legal career.
Here are some of the most common bachelor’s degrees pursued by aspiring lawyers:
1. Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Political Science provides aspiring lawyers with a strong foundation in history, philosophy, and law theory. It is a popular degree choice for students interested in the intersection of politics and the law. Political Science majors are trained to analyze legal disputes through critical thinking and comprehensive research techniques, skills that are essential to law school and ultimately, practicing law.
2. Bachelor of Science in Criminology
A degree in Criminology comprehensively examines issues like policing policies, causes of criminal activity, and the role of criminal justice in society. For many aspiring lawyers, Criminology is the perfect way to gain deep insights into law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and their intertwining relation to the legal profession.
3. Bachelor of Arts in History
A degree in History teaches students about the legal, social, and cultural forces that have shaped society over time. Students who choose a history degree gain a comprehensive understanding of how the evolution of human rights law, civil rights law, or indigenous peoples law has happened over the years and how that history informs contemporary legal issues.
4. Bachelor of Science in Psychology
A degree in Psychology gives aspiring lawyers a framework to understand the behavior of clients, witnesses, and judges, which is critical to the legal profession. It helps lawyers to understand and empathize with their clients and build a stronger legal case through the advanced study of behavior and patterns.
5. Bachelor of Arts in English
An English degree prepares aspiring lawyers to read and interpret dense legal documents. The degree enhances critical reading skills, communication, and writing skills, which are crucial in the legal profession. English majors develop a perspective of how to present a position persuasively; craft an argument, and communicate clearly.
III. Breaking Down Different Law Degree Choices and Their Requirements
A law degree is an essential qualification to become a lawyer. There are three primary law degrees available, each with its unique academic and practical requirements. They are:
1. Juris Doctor (JD)
The Juris Doctor (JD) is the cornerstone law degree that every aspiring lawyer needs to study to practice law in the United States. The JD is a three-year graduate program in law designed to provide students with foundational knowledge on the legal system and all of its components. It provides students with a comprehensive body of legal knowledge and teaches them to analyze legal problems critically. Also, note that most JD programs require students to complete an internship, a legal research project, or a clinical legal program before graduation.
2. Master of Laws (LLM)
The Master of Laws (LLM) is a postgraduate degree designed for students who have already obtained a JD or equivalent law degree. It typically takes one-to-two years to complete and is focused on specific areas of law, including tax law, international law, or intellectual property law. LLM is an opportunity for law students to specialize in an area of interest and create professional connections.
3. Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) is the highest legal degree. It is a research-based degree that aims to produce scholars, educators, and researchers. The SJD is designed for students who want to contribute to legal scholarship and research. The SJD largely involves extended research in the student’s specified legal field, and often takes three-to-four years.
IV. The Path to Becoming a Lawyer: Understanding Degrees and Education Requirements
Before law school, aspiring lawyers must obtain a relevant undergraduate degree. The path typically includes three stages:
A. Bachelor’s degree
As discussed earlier, aspiring lawyers can choose from a variety of undergraduate degree programs. Completing a bachelor’s degree can take anywhere from four-to-five years depending on the program. Although there isn’t a specific major that’s required for admission to law school, some schools favor candidates with degrees in certain majors
B. Law School
Law programs generally take three years to complete. During this time, students complete courses to become proficient in contract law, property law, torts, and other vital legal areas. Students also undertake clinical programs, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities that permit them to practice their legal skills in practice.
C. State Bar Exam
To practice law, attorneys must be licensed by the state, they intend to practice. The bar exam tests a student’s knowledge of law and the practical applications of that knowledge. The exams generally test candidates on multiple aspects of law, including civil procedures, criminal procedures, contracts, constitutional law, and torts, among others.
V. What Degree Do You Need to Practice Law? A Step-by-Step Guide
A. Step-by-step breakdown of the education and training required to practice law
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
2. Pass the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
3. Complete a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree at a law school.
4. Pass the State Bar Exam to receive a license to practice law.
5. Gain practical experience through internships, clinics, legal organizations, and bar associations
B. Detailed explanation of the requirements for each step
The application and admission process for law school can be very competitive, as a result, aspiring lawyers have to meet specific requirements. They need to take an undergraduate program, take the LSAT; score well, and earn a JD degree. After graduation, they will need to sit for the state bar exam and gain practical experience in their field to practice law.
C. Overview of the different paths to practicing law (private practice, public interest, government)
After completing the degree program, every aspiring lawyer has different paths to take, in terms of their career goals. You can pursue private law practice, public interest law, or government law.
VI. The Academic Journey to a Law Degree: Which Undergraduate Programs are Best Suited for Law School?
Admissions committees in all law schools want to see how an applicant’s undergraduate degree can translate into law studies. Some of the best undergraduate programs that prepare students for law school are:
- History
- Political Science
- English
- Philosophy
- Criminal Justice
These undergraduate programs are best suited for law school as they help students develop their analytical and reasoning skills and improve their communication skills through writing, presentation, and oral argumentation.
VII. A Comparison of Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for Aspiring Lawyers
A. Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a bachelor’s versus a master’s degree as preparation for law school
While a bachelor’s degree is the necessary starting point for law students, whether to get a master’s degree before law school is an individual decision. Pursuing a master’s degree before law school has its advantages and disadvantages, including:
Advantages
- Master’s degrees can improve an applicant’s chances of admission to top law schools.
- A specialized master’s degree can provide a foundation of legal knowledge before law school.
- Master’s degrees can enhance an applicant’s critical thinking ability and writing skills, which are important in law school.
Disadvantages
- Master’s degrees often come with a higher tuition cost.
- A master’s degree may delay admission to law school, as completing it may take some time.
- Master’s degrees in fields outside of law may not be a good investment in the long term.
B. Overview of the types of master’s degrees that are most commonly pursued by aspiring lawyers
Master’s degrees commonly pursued by aspiring lawyers include:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ)
- Master of Science in Education Law (MSEL)
- Master of Arts in Legal Studies (MALS)
C. Discussion of the pros and cons of pursuing a master’s degree before law school
Whether or not to pursue a master’s degree before law school ultimately depends on an individual’s interests, career goals, and financial considerations. While a master’s degree can provide a solid foundation for law school, it may not be the best option for everyone.
VIII. Deciding on the Right Law Degree: An Overview of Different Degree Options and Specializations
A. Overview of the different law degree options available
Aspiring lawyers have three primary law degree options. However, the degrees’ specializations and focuses can vary, allowing lawyers to specialize in a specific area of law.
There are four primary degree options available:
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
- Doctorate in Law and Policy (DLP)
