5 answers
Jasmitha
Student
Frisco, Texas
1
Question
Asked
444 views
#Spring25 What major can I go for in my bachelors and what skills I should contrate on improving. I am interested in doing law. I took the AP courses on World history, US history, Computer Science, Biology, AP English Lang, Precalculus etc. Will they help me in my college courses. Can you please help me understand this.?
#Spring25 I am high school student in 11th grade interested in my career as corporate lawyer.
Login to comment
5 answers
Chiquria Willis
Loan Processor - Rocket Mortgage
94
Answers
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Updated
Chiquria’s Answer
It's fantastic that you're already charting your path to becoming a corporate lawyer while still in high school—you're paving the way for a bright future. As a future law student, you have the freedom to choose any major since law schools don't require a specific one. If corporate law excites you, consider majors like Political Science, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, English, or Philosophy. These areas will help you develop key skills in analysis, writing, and reasoning. If tech law or data privacy interests you, Computer Science or Cybersecurity could be great options too.
The AP courses you've taken—like U.S. History, World History, English Language, Computer Science, Biology, and Precalculus—are a solid foundation. AP English Language will boost your writing and reading skills, essential for legal work. History courses offer insights into historical context and governance. Your STEM courses, like Biology and Computer Science, show your critical thinking and discipline, both important in law school. Plus, high AP scores might let you skip some general courses in college, helping you graduate faster or explore more subjects.
To get ready for your future, work on your critical reading, persuasive writing, and argument skills. Join activities like debate, mock trial, student government, or business clubs. These will build your confidence in speaking and understanding legal and business topics. Keeping up with current events, especially in business and law, will make your studies more relatable and give you a head start.
Keep focusing on your studies, look for internships or pre-law programs, and stay involved in activities that grow your leadership and communication skills. If you want, I can help you plan a sample first-year college schedule that aligns with your corporate law interests.
The AP courses you've taken—like U.S. History, World History, English Language, Computer Science, Biology, and Precalculus—are a solid foundation. AP English Language will boost your writing and reading skills, essential for legal work. History courses offer insights into historical context and governance. Your STEM courses, like Biology and Computer Science, show your critical thinking and discipline, both important in law school. Plus, high AP scores might let you skip some general courses in college, helping you graduate faster or explore more subjects.
To get ready for your future, work on your critical reading, persuasive writing, and argument skills. Join activities like debate, mock trial, student government, or business clubs. These will build your confidence in speaking and understanding legal and business topics. Keeping up with current events, especially in business and law, will make your studies more relatable and give you a head start.
Keep focusing on your studies, look for internships or pre-law programs, and stay involved in activities that grow your leadership and communication skills. If you want, I can help you plan a sample first-year college schedule that aligns with your corporate law interests.
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi,
That’s great that you’re already thinking ahead about a career as a corporate lawyer! Your preparation in high school with AP courses is already setting you up for success. Let’s break down your path, from choosing the right major to developing essential skills.
1. Choosing the Right Major for Corporate Law:
While there isn’t a specific “pre-law” major that law schools require, some fields naturally prepare you better for corporate law. Here are some of the best options:
a. Business Administration/Management:
Why: You’ll gain an understanding of how businesses operate, which is crucial when dealing with corporate contracts, mergers, and compliance.
Skills Gained: Financial analysis, management strategies, corporate structure knowledge.
Useful for: Working with companies on contracts, mergers, acquisitions, and business regulations.
b. Political Science:
Why: Offers a strong foundation in government, law, and policy analysis.
Skills Gained: Critical thinking, understanding of the legal system, research skills.
Useful for: Understanding the legal frameworks and policies that impact businesses.
c. Economics:
Why: Corporate lawyers often deal with financial regulations, mergers, and business transactions.
Skills Gained: Economic theory, data analysis, financial literacy.
Useful for: Analyzing the economic impact of corporate decisions or regulations.
d. English or Communications:
Why: You’ll develop strong writing and argumentation skills.
Skills Gained: Advanced writing, public speaking, critical reading.
Useful for: Drafting legal documents, crafting persuasive arguments, and communicating with clients.
e. Philosophy:
Why: Teaches logic, ethics, and critical thinking, all crucial for law.
Skills Gained: Analytical reasoning, ethical decision-making.
Useful for: Building strong arguments and understanding legal principles.
2. Skills to Concentrate On Improving:
a. Critical Thinking and Analysis:
Why: Lawyers must analyze cases, contracts, and legal texts thoroughly.
How to Improve:
Take classes in logic, debate, and philosophy.
Join the debate team or Model United Nations (MUN) to practice forming arguments.
b. Writing and Communication:
Why: You’ll draft contracts, memos, and legal documents regularly.
How to Improve:
Take advanced English or writing courses.
Write for your school newspaper or join the speech and debate club.
Practice essay writing and public speaking.
c. Research Skills:
Why: Legal cases and corporate regulations require thorough research.
How to Improve:
Participate in research-based projects or mock trials.
Learn how to use online databases and analyze sources.
d. Analytical Reasoning:
Why: You’ll interpret laws and how they apply to business situations.
How to Improve:
Practice logic puzzles and critical thinking exercises.
Take courses like statistics to learn data interpretation.
e. Networking and Professionalism:
Why: Corporate law involves client interaction and maintaining professional relationships.
How to Improve:
Join business clubs or pre-law societies in college.
Attend law-related seminars or career fairs to meet professionals.
3. How Your AP Courses Help:
Your current AP courses are already giving you a head start:
AP World History & US History:
Helps develop analytical reading and writing skills.
Teaches you to build arguments based on evidence.
AP English Language:
Perfect for building writing and critical analysis skills.
Helps in drafting well-structured essays, essential for law school.
AP Computer Science:
Useful if you specialize in technology law or intellectual property.
Shows logical thinking and problem-solving ability.
AP Biology:
Less directly related to corporate law, but builds research and analytical skills.
Precalculus:
Math isn’t a huge focus in law, but understanding logic and problem-solving is useful.
4. Getting Hands-On Experience:
Internships:
Look for summer programs or internships at law firms, even if it’s just shadowing an attorney.
Networking:
Connect with alumni or local attorneys to learn more about corporate law.
Mock Trial or Debate Teams:
These activities build your argumentation and public speaking skills.
Legal Volunteering:
Organizations like Teen Court or local legal aid clinics may have opportunities.
5. Why Corporate Law is a Great Choice:
Corporate lawyers work on contracts, mergers, intellectual property, and compliance. They are in high demand in cities like Chicago and New York, where corporate law firms thrive. By majoring in a relevant field and building strong analytical and communication skills, you’ll be well-prepared for law school and beyond.
That’s great that you’re already thinking ahead about a career as a corporate lawyer! Your preparation in high school with AP courses is already setting you up for success. Let’s break down your path, from choosing the right major to developing essential skills.
1. Choosing the Right Major for Corporate Law:
While there isn’t a specific “pre-law” major that law schools require, some fields naturally prepare you better for corporate law. Here are some of the best options:
a. Business Administration/Management:
Why: You’ll gain an understanding of how businesses operate, which is crucial when dealing with corporate contracts, mergers, and compliance.
Skills Gained: Financial analysis, management strategies, corporate structure knowledge.
Useful for: Working with companies on contracts, mergers, acquisitions, and business regulations.
b. Political Science:
Why: Offers a strong foundation in government, law, and policy analysis.
Skills Gained: Critical thinking, understanding of the legal system, research skills.
Useful for: Understanding the legal frameworks and policies that impact businesses.
c. Economics:
Why: Corporate lawyers often deal with financial regulations, mergers, and business transactions.
Skills Gained: Economic theory, data analysis, financial literacy.
Useful for: Analyzing the economic impact of corporate decisions or regulations.
d. English or Communications:
Why: You’ll develop strong writing and argumentation skills.
Skills Gained: Advanced writing, public speaking, critical reading.
Useful for: Drafting legal documents, crafting persuasive arguments, and communicating with clients.
e. Philosophy:
Why: Teaches logic, ethics, and critical thinking, all crucial for law.
Skills Gained: Analytical reasoning, ethical decision-making.
Useful for: Building strong arguments and understanding legal principles.
2. Skills to Concentrate On Improving:
a. Critical Thinking and Analysis:
Why: Lawyers must analyze cases, contracts, and legal texts thoroughly.
How to Improve:
Take classes in logic, debate, and philosophy.
Join the debate team or Model United Nations (MUN) to practice forming arguments.
b. Writing and Communication:
Why: You’ll draft contracts, memos, and legal documents regularly.
How to Improve:
Take advanced English or writing courses.
Write for your school newspaper or join the speech and debate club.
Practice essay writing and public speaking.
c. Research Skills:
Why: Legal cases and corporate regulations require thorough research.
How to Improve:
Participate in research-based projects or mock trials.
Learn how to use online databases and analyze sources.
d. Analytical Reasoning:
Why: You’ll interpret laws and how they apply to business situations.
How to Improve:
Practice logic puzzles and critical thinking exercises.
Take courses like statistics to learn data interpretation.
e. Networking and Professionalism:
Why: Corporate law involves client interaction and maintaining professional relationships.
How to Improve:
Join business clubs or pre-law societies in college.
Attend law-related seminars or career fairs to meet professionals.
3. How Your AP Courses Help:
Your current AP courses are already giving you a head start:
AP World History & US History:
Helps develop analytical reading and writing skills.
Teaches you to build arguments based on evidence.
AP English Language:
Perfect for building writing and critical analysis skills.
Helps in drafting well-structured essays, essential for law school.
AP Computer Science:
Useful if you specialize in technology law or intellectual property.
Shows logical thinking and problem-solving ability.
AP Biology:
Less directly related to corporate law, but builds research and analytical skills.
Precalculus:
Math isn’t a huge focus in law, but understanding logic and problem-solving is useful.
4. Getting Hands-On Experience:
Internships:
Look for summer programs or internships at law firms, even if it’s just shadowing an attorney.
Networking:
Connect with alumni or local attorneys to learn more about corporate law.
Mock Trial or Debate Teams:
These activities build your argumentation and public speaking skills.
Legal Volunteering:
Organizations like Teen Court or local legal aid clinics may have opportunities.
5. Why Corporate Law is a Great Choice:
Corporate lawyers work on contracts, mergers, intellectual property, and compliance. They are in high demand in cities like Chicago and New York, where corporate law firms thrive. By majoring in a relevant field and building strong analytical and communication skills, you’ll be well-prepared for law school and beyond.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
412
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Jasmitha:
For college, any field of concentration that you are interested in and have the determination, will and passion to excel in will help you prepare for law school. The AP courses that you have taken are providing you with a varied background of knowledge to hone in on your educational pathway. Since you mentioned Corporate Law, the focus on an undergraduate degree can be Business Administration, Political Science, Finance, Accounting, Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Analytics, etc. Your High School Guidance Counselor and/or Academic Advisor can provide advice to you for which direction to go.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in law. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be English, social studies, and American history and government. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Lawyer, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clients, legal staff, law enforcement, etc. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
The educational pathway to become a lawyer will be between 7-8 years. 4 Years will be to earn a Bachelor Degree. LSAT entrance exam will need to be taken. Law school will be 2-3 years to earn a Juris Doctor Degree. Then, there is the bar exam to take, to pass and to be earned in the state where you plan to practice law.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for Law school:
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania (Carey)
- Duke University
- Harvard University
- New York University
- Columbia University
- University of Virginia
- Northwestern University (Pritzker)
- University of California (Berkeley)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Cornell University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and to gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/websites-to-kick-off-your-scholarship-search
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Corporate Lawyer!
For college, any field of concentration that you are interested in and have the determination, will and passion to excel in will help you prepare for law school. The AP courses that you have taken are providing you with a varied background of knowledge to hone in on your educational pathway. Since you mentioned Corporate Law, the focus on an undergraduate degree can be Business Administration, Political Science, Finance, Accounting, Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Analytics, etc. Your High School Guidance Counselor and/or Academic Advisor can provide advice to you for which direction to go.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in law. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be English, social studies, and American history and government. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Lawyer, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clients, legal staff, law enforcement, etc. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
The educational pathway to become a lawyer will be between 7-8 years. 4 Years will be to earn a Bachelor Degree. LSAT entrance exam will need to be taken. Law school will be 2-3 years to earn a Juris Doctor Degree. Then, there is the bar exam to take, to pass and to be earned in the state where you plan to practice law.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for Law school:
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania (Carey)
- Duke University
- Harvard University
- New York University
- Columbia University
- University of Virginia
- Northwestern University (Pritzker)
- University of California (Berkeley)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Cornell University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and to gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/websites-to-kick-off-your-scholarship-search
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Corporate Lawyer!
Mitch Olson
Operations Specialist
3
Answers
Gilbert, Arizona
Updated
Mitch’s Answer
In your undergraduate years, the world is your oyster—you can choose any major that sparks your passion, from dance interpretation to theater to biochemistry. It's incredibly important to find a field you love so you can excel and achieve outstanding grades. When it comes to applying to law schools, your undergraduate GPA and LSAT score are key. Remember, once you graduate, your GPA is set in stone for law school applications, so aim high in every class.
Building connections with your professors can also be invaluable. These relationships can lead to strong letters of recommendation when you're ready to apply to law schools. You're in an exciting phase of life, so don't hesitate to try new things. Join clubs, volunteer in your community, and engage in outreach programs—these experiences will enrich your law school applications.
While many head straight to law school after undergrad, consider gaining work experience during and after your studies. This not only strengthens your application but also provides practical insights that will benefit you in your legal career. Embrace these opportunities to grow and pave your path to your dream school.
Building connections with your professors can also be invaluable. These relationships can lead to strong letters of recommendation when you're ready to apply to law schools. You're in an exciting phase of life, so don't hesitate to try new things. Join clubs, volunteer in your community, and engage in outreach programs—these experiences will enrich your law school applications.
While many head straight to law school after undergrad, consider gaining work experience during and after your studies. This not only strengthens your application but also provides practical insights that will benefit you in your legal career. Embrace these opportunities to grow and pave your path to your dream school.
Tara DT
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Tara’s Answer
Best Majors for Law School
Political Science: This major helps you learn about government, politics, and public policies, important for a legal career.
History: Studying history boosts your research and analytical skills and helps you understand legal precedents.
English: This major improves your reading, writing, and critical thinking, all vital for law school.
Philosophy: Philosophy teaches critical and logical thinking, essential for legal reasoning.
Economics: Knowing economic principles is useful, especially if you're interested in corporate or financial law.
Skills to Focus On
Critical Thinking: Law requires analyzing complex issues and creating logical arguments.
Research: Efficient research is key for building cases and understanding legal precedents.
Writing: Strong writing skills are needed for drafting legal documents and arguments.
Public Speaking: Good communication is important for arguing cases and presenting in court.
Problem-Solving: Finding solutions to legal problems is a major part of law practice.
AP Courses and Their Benefits
Your AP courses in World History, US History, Computer Science, Biology, AP English Language, and Precalculus will help in college:
World History & US History: These courses provide a strong grasp of historical contexts, useful for understanding legal precedents.
AP English Language: This course improves your writing and analytical skills, crucial for law school.
Computer Science: While not directly related to law, it enhances logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Biology: A biology background is helpful if you're interested in environmental or health law.
Precalculus: This course develops analytical and problem-solving skills, useful in any field.
Choosing a major that matches your interests and strengths makes your undergraduate experience enjoyable and prepares you for law school. Are there specific areas of law you are interested in?
Political Science: This major helps you learn about government, politics, and public policies, important for a legal career.
History: Studying history boosts your research and analytical skills and helps you understand legal precedents.
English: This major improves your reading, writing, and critical thinking, all vital for law school.
Philosophy: Philosophy teaches critical and logical thinking, essential for legal reasoning.
Economics: Knowing economic principles is useful, especially if you're interested in corporate or financial law.
Skills to Focus On
Critical Thinking: Law requires analyzing complex issues and creating logical arguments.
Research: Efficient research is key for building cases and understanding legal precedents.
Writing: Strong writing skills are needed for drafting legal documents and arguments.
Public Speaking: Good communication is important for arguing cases and presenting in court.
Problem-Solving: Finding solutions to legal problems is a major part of law practice.
AP Courses and Their Benefits
Your AP courses in World History, US History, Computer Science, Biology, AP English Language, and Precalculus will help in college:
World History & US History: These courses provide a strong grasp of historical contexts, useful for understanding legal precedents.
AP English Language: This course improves your writing and analytical skills, crucial for law school.
Computer Science: While not directly related to law, it enhances logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Biology: A biology background is helpful if you're interested in environmental or health law.
Precalculus: This course develops analytical and problem-solving skills, useful in any field.
Choosing a major that matches your interests and strengths makes your undergraduate experience enjoyable and prepares you for law school. Are there specific areas of law you are interested in?