3 answers
Preston
Student
Wichita, Kansas
1
Question
Asked
1774 views
Patent law , cybersecurity law, ip law, tech law, privacy law roadmap?
I am 18 going to college. I want to pursue tech law. I am currently doing a computer engineering undergrad with comp sci minor. I am wondering if this will set me up well for law school
3 answers
Cameron Cooley
IT Field Technician
8
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Cameron’s Answer
Great question — and it’s awesome that you’re thinking ahead like this. You’re actually setting yourself up really well for a future in tech law.
Here's the roadmap, broken down step by step:
🔹 1. Undergrad – You're on the Right Track
Doing a Computer Engineering major with a CS minor is a fantastic foundation. Law schools don’t require a specific major, but your technical background will stand out — especially for patent law, cybersecurity, IP, and privacy. Lawyers in these fields need to understand the tech, not just the legal frameworks.
💡 Bonus: A technical degree is actually required to become a patent attorney in the U.S. (You’ll need to pass the USPTO registration exam, aka the “patent bar.”)
🔹 2. Build Your Tech + Law Fusion Early
Start mixing your interests even now. Consider:
Taking electives in ethics, cybersecurity policy, or tech policy if your school offers them.
Getting involved in student groups related to tech, law, or ethics.
Following major legal cases in tech (Apple v. Epic Games, Google antitrust stuff, etc.) to build context.
🔹 3. Law School Prep – During Undergrad
Grades matter for law school admissions, so keep those strong.
Prep for the LSAT (or GRE — some schools accept it).
Look into tech law-focused law schools later (more on that below).
Try to intern in spaces that intersect law & tech: university compliance offices, IT security, or even local law firms with a tech focus.
🔹 4. Law School – What to Aim For
Look for schools that have strong programs in:
Intellectual Property (IP) Law
Cybersecurity & Privacy Law
Technology & Innovation Law Some standout programs: Berkeley, Stanford, NYU, Georgetown, George Washington, and Northeastern.
💡 During law school:
Join law journals or clinics focused on tech/IP.
Take courses in patents, privacy, cybersecurity, antitrust, and digital rights.
Network like crazy — internships at tech companies, law firms, or even government agencies like the FTC are golden.
🔹 5. Choose Your Focus (Or Mix Them!)
Once you’re in law school, you can choose your lane — or merge them:
Patent Law → Requires passing the patent bar (your engineering degree qualifies you).
IP Law → Covers copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, etc.
Cybersecurity/Privacy Law → Huge and growing fast. Think data breaches, compliance, consumer protection.
Tech Policy/Law → Broader field, working at the intersection of law, innovation, and regulation.
🔹 TL;DR
-Computer Engineering + CS Minor
-Keep your GPA up
-Explore tech & law intersections early
-Prep for LSAT
-Apply to law schools strong in IP/privacy/cyber law
-Consider patent bar if you want that path
-Intern/network with people in tech law
You're not just on the right path — you’re ahead of the curve. Most people don’t connect tech and law until way later. You’re already building a rare and in-demand combo. Hope this helps!
Here's the roadmap, broken down step by step:
🔹 1. Undergrad – You're on the Right Track
Doing a Computer Engineering major with a CS minor is a fantastic foundation. Law schools don’t require a specific major, but your technical background will stand out — especially for patent law, cybersecurity, IP, and privacy. Lawyers in these fields need to understand the tech, not just the legal frameworks.
💡 Bonus: A technical degree is actually required to become a patent attorney in the U.S. (You’ll need to pass the USPTO registration exam, aka the “patent bar.”)
🔹 2. Build Your Tech + Law Fusion Early
Start mixing your interests even now. Consider:
Taking electives in ethics, cybersecurity policy, or tech policy if your school offers them.
Getting involved in student groups related to tech, law, or ethics.
Following major legal cases in tech (Apple v. Epic Games, Google antitrust stuff, etc.) to build context.
🔹 3. Law School Prep – During Undergrad
Grades matter for law school admissions, so keep those strong.
Prep for the LSAT (or GRE — some schools accept it).
Look into tech law-focused law schools later (more on that below).
Try to intern in spaces that intersect law & tech: university compliance offices, IT security, or even local law firms with a tech focus.
🔹 4. Law School – What to Aim For
Look for schools that have strong programs in:
Intellectual Property (IP) Law
Cybersecurity & Privacy Law
Technology & Innovation Law Some standout programs: Berkeley, Stanford, NYU, Georgetown, George Washington, and Northeastern.
💡 During law school:
Join law journals or clinics focused on tech/IP.
Take courses in patents, privacy, cybersecurity, antitrust, and digital rights.
Network like crazy — internships at tech companies, law firms, or even government agencies like the FTC are golden.
🔹 5. Choose Your Focus (Or Mix Them!)
Once you’re in law school, you can choose your lane — or merge them:
Patent Law → Requires passing the patent bar (your engineering degree qualifies you).
IP Law → Covers copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, etc.
Cybersecurity/Privacy Law → Huge and growing fast. Think data breaches, compliance, consumer protection.
Tech Policy/Law → Broader field, working at the intersection of law, innovation, and regulation.
🔹 TL;DR
-Computer Engineering + CS Minor
-Keep your GPA up
-Explore tech & law intersections early
-Prep for LSAT
-Apply to law schools strong in IP/privacy/cyber law
-Consider patent bar if you want that path
-Intern/network with people in tech law
You're not just on the right path — you’re ahead of the curve. Most people don’t connect tech and law until way later. You’re already building a rare and in-demand combo. Hope this helps!
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
171
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Preston: One step at a time. Computer engineering is a tough field. It is changing constantly. Take your time, work your way through this major first and as you go you may change. Relax - at 18 that is not unheard of. I had 6 majors going through college. My kids changed majors a few times. College introduces you to new things. Keep your mind and options open.
As to setting you up for law school, lawyers come in all sizes and shapes. They come from all different backgrounds. Being a computer engineer helps but remember, there is more to law than one subject. There are property cases, torts, contracts, taxes all of which a lawyer needs to be familar with - if for no other reason than to pass the Bar Exam. So relax - you are doing fine and if you can get through Computer Engineering you can get through all the rest!
Preston, enjoy your college years and remember, a client hires a lawyer for their mind and heart! Good luck!
As to setting you up for law school, lawyers come in all sizes and shapes. They come from all different backgrounds. Being a computer engineer helps but remember, there is more to law than one subject. There are property cases, torts, contracts, taxes all of which a lawyer needs to be familar with - if for no other reason than to pass the Bar Exam. So relax - you are doing fine and if you can get through Computer Engineering you can get through all the rest!
Preston, enjoy your college years and remember, a client hires a lawyer for their mind and heart! Good luck!
Sneha Deb
Tech Consultant
194
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hi Preston! You're off to a strong start. Doing a computer engineering major with a computer science minor is actually a great foundation for tech law fields like patent law, cybersecurity law, IP law, and privacy law. Law schools value students from STEM backgrounds because of the critical thinking and analytical skills they bring, especially in tech-focused legal areas where understanding complex systems is a huge plus.
If you’re thinking about patent law specifically, a technical degree is required to take the patent bar, so you're right on track. While in college, try to gain experience in both worlds: join pre-law or tech law student organizations, intern in legal or tech compliance roles if you can, and build relationships with mentors in both tech and law. After your undergrad, you’ll take the LSAT and apply to law schools with strong IP or tech law programs. You’re building a unique and valuable path, so keep going, there’s real demand for people who understand both code and legal code. Good luck!
If you’re thinking about patent law specifically, a technical degree is required to take the patent bar, so you're right on track. While in college, try to gain experience in both worlds: join pre-law or tech law student organizations, intern in legal or tech compliance roles if you can, and build relationships with mentors in both tech and law. After your undergrad, you’ll take the LSAT and apply to law schools with strong IP or tech law programs. You’re building a unique and valuable path, so keep going, there’s real demand for people who understand both code and legal code. Good luck!
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