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Imarah
Student
Waynesburg, Ohio
2
Questions
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What's the best path for someone interested in pursuing law #Fall2025?
After my bachelor's, I'm planning on going to law school. Are there any fields or aspects of study I should consider? What are some activities I can involve myself in to get a better understanding of the career?
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2 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1087
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Here are a few more ideas, to help outline a straightforward path, for entering law school, that emphasizes foundational academic success, volunteer legal internships, and standardized testing.
Undergraduate Preparation: Start by earning a bachelor’s degree, ideally in a social science-related subject. This field of study helps provide a necessary understanding of the legal system, government, and history.
Academic Excellence: Maintaining a high GPA during your undergraduate years is critical for entry into law school.
The LSAT: After graduating, the next step is to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Strong scores on this exam are essential for a successful application.
Practical Experience: Gain early exposure to the field through internships or volunteer work to ensure the legal profession is a good fit before committing to three years of law school.
You might try the local county and district courthouses. While in college I worked for a non-profit, at the local courthouse that specialized in landlord-tenant law. I volunteered for their program, which helped to earn college credit for graduation.
Paralegal positions are also an excellent way to learn experience about the legal system.
Undergraduate Preparation: Start by earning a bachelor’s degree, ideally in a social science-related subject. This field of study helps provide a necessary understanding of the legal system, government, and history.
Academic Excellence: Maintaining a high GPA during your undergraduate years is critical for entry into law school.
The LSAT: After graduating, the next step is to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Strong scores on this exam are essential for a successful application.
Practical Experience: Gain early exposure to the field through internships or volunteer work to ensure the legal profession is a good fit before committing to three years of law school.
You might try the local county and district courthouses. While in college I worked for a non-profit, at the local courthouse that specialized in landlord-tenant law. I volunteered for their program, which helped to earn college credit for graduation.
Paralegal positions are also an excellent way to learn experience about the legal system.
Nate Reed
Corporate Counsel
2
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Nate’s Answer
Hi Imarah,
There's no one right answer in what fields you need to study as an undergraduate before you apply for law school. That said, some undergraduate studies may be more appropriate than others, especially if you already know what type of law you want to practice. I.e. if you want to pursue a career as a patent lawyer, you should focus on STEM (science/tech/engineering/math) classes and degrees. If you know you want to be a criminal lawyer, taking criminal justice classes that dive into the current criminal landscape and philosophies may help you feel more prepared to go down that path in law school. However, none of these are required, and if you're unsure of what type of law you want to practice, try and focus on studies that hone your research, writing, and reasoning skills. History, Political Science, and Communications degrees are common.
If your undergraduate school offers any Pre-Law clubs or associations, those could be helpful, if for no other reason than to start networking. But, again, that's not necessary. The debate team can also be a good way to start sharpening your mind with skills that maybe transferable to law school, or if your school offers any sort of mock UN that may help you develop useful skills as well. Hope this helps, and good luck!
There's no one right answer in what fields you need to study as an undergraduate before you apply for law school. That said, some undergraduate studies may be more appropriate than others, especially if you already know what type of law you want to practice. I.e. if you want to pursue a career as a patent lawyer, you should focus on STEM (science/tech/engineering/math) classes and degrees. If you know you want to be a criminal lawyer, taking criminal justice classes that dive into the current criminal landscape and philosophies may help you feel more prepared to go down that path in law school. However, none of these are required, and if you're unsure of what type of law you want to practice, try and focus on studies that hone your research, writing, and reasoning skills. History, Political Science, and Communications degrees are common.
If your undergraduate school offers any Pre-Law clubs or associations, those could be helpful, if for no other reason than to start networking. But, again, that's not necessary. The debate team can also be a good way to start sharpening your mind with skills that maybe transferable to law school, or if your school offers any sort of mock UN that may help you develop useful skills as well. Hope this helps, and good luck!
Thank you for your answer! I appreciate it
Imarah