3 answers
lydia
Student
Ann Arbor, Michigan
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What classes did you take to be a lawyer?
#lawyer #classes
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3 answers
Jenna Zebrowski, JD, MBA
Bilingual JD/MBA with compliance and regulatory experience and real estate (leasing and franchise) expertise
135
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jenna’s Answer
You'll need to graduate from high school and from college with a 4-year degree in the United States. You'll need to take certain classes, such as torts, evidence and contracts, which are among the basic concepts of American common law. After your first year, you'll be able to pick classes that are focused on your interests, as well as have other required classes. I focused on classes that were also on the bar exam, as well as classes I found interesting, and where the professor had a good reputation and fit my schedule. You'll have lots of opportunities once you get into law school to decide how to best pick your class schedule.
Desiree Giler Mann
Attorney
166
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
In High School, I took a lot of science classes, in addition to AP English and AP American History. But I was not even thinking about being a lawyer back then. The important thing to focus on is getting good grades to get admitted to university. You don't need to worry much about specific classes, but you might consider extracurricular activities like Model UN, Moot Court, Debate, student govnt, etc. to get familiar with law-like situations and sharpen your skills. If your high school offers classes like Intro to Criminal Law or the US Constitution, then you should consider them, as they will give you a pre-view of law school.
At university, you need good grades with your Bachelor's Degree (typically, 4 years) - which can be in any subject really, although people planning to go to law school often major in things like: History, English, Political Science. That said, if your interest is in specific type of law, you could pick a major in the field, too. My undergrad was a BS in Biology and Marine Science (again, I wasn't really thinking about become a lawyer then) and I started practicing environmental law. There was a nurse in my law school class who wanted to go into health care law, and a couple of police officers who wanted to go into criminal law (one for the prosecution, one for the defense). For Law School admission, the major is not as important as the grades - so select a major in which you will excel!
With good grades from University and strong LSAT score, you move on to law school (typically, 3-years). The first few semesters at law school you will not have much choice in your subjects, your law school will require certain basics (all of which you'll need for the Bar Exam - Criminal Law, Civil Procedure, Property, Real Estate, Torts, etc.). You'll have a chance to take classes that align with your preferred area of the law towards the end of law school. Also, there are subject for the bar exam that are not mandatory, but which you might want to take (e.g., Family Law) if your schedule allows. I pursued an Environmental Law Certificate (an additional credential in addition to my Juris Doctor (JD or law degree). You can think of the JD as the "major" that all law students gets, and Certificates as optional "minors". Different law schools offer different certificates, some don't offer any. For the Environmental Law Certificate, I elected classes in Hazardous Waste Law, International Environmental Law, Clean Water Act, etc. A great option at many law schools is the clinical experience - where law students, under the direction of admitted attorneys, get to practice law with real clients. Clinics are often subject matter driven - Immigration Law Clinics, Securities Arbitration Clinic, etc -- and not every law school offers them, but it's a great way to explore a field of law which may be if interest to you, and to get some real world experience. Opting for a Clinic often means more work than a normal law school class, but it can be very rewarding. Again, getting good law school grades matters a lot to prospective employers, with students at the top of the class competing (with all the top students at all the top law schools) for jobs after graduation.
I don't think most high school students need to stress over their class sections with respect to paving the road to law school. However, I do think that throughout your education (HS, University, Law School) you should explore extracurricular activities, internships, clinics, and other opportunities to sharpen your skills and explore what being a lawyer will be like as a career,
Good Luck!
Research on-line Law School admission criteria to see what sort of grades and LSAT scores you'll need to get in, and what courses may be helpful
Research on-line Law School curriculm - what courses you'll take each year, what the electives are, etc.
Participate in extracurricular activies that are related to the pratice of law
At university, you need good grades with your Bachelor's Degree (typically, 4 years) - which can be in any subject really, although people planning to go to law school often major in things like: History, English, Political Science. That said, if your interest is in specific type of law, you could pick a major in the field, too. My undergrad was a BS in Biology and Marine Science (again, I wasn't really thinking about become a lawyer then) and I started practicing environmental law. There was a nurse in my law school class who wanted to go into health care law, and a couple of police officers who wanted to go into criminal law (one for the prosecution, one for the defense). For Law School admission, the major is not as important as the grades - so select a major in which you will excel!
With good grades from University and strong LSAT score, you move on to law school (typically, 3-years). The first few semesters at law school you will not have much choice in your subjects, your law school will require certain basics (all of which you'll need for the Bar Exam - Criminal Law, Civil Procedure, Property, Real Estate, Torts, etc.). You'll have a chance to take classes that align with your preferred area of the law towards the end of law school. Also, there are subject for the bar exam that are not mandatory, but which you might want to take (e.g., Family Law) if your schedule allows. I pursued an Environmental Law Certificate (an additional credential in addition to my Juris Doctor (JD or law degree). You can think of the JD as the "major" that all law students gets, and Certificates as optional "minors". Different law schools offer different certificates, some don't offer any. For the Environmental Law Certificate, I elected classes in Hazardous Waste Law, International Environmental Law, Clean Water Act, etc. A great option at many law schools is the clinical experience - where law students, under the direction of admitted attorneys, get to practice law with real clients. Clinics are often subject matter driven - Immigration Law Clinics, Securities Arbitration Clinic, etc -- and not every law school offers them, but it's a great way to explore a field of law which may be if interest to you, and to get some real world experience. Opting for a Clinic often means more work than a normal law school class, but it can be very rewarding. Again, getting good law school grades matters a lot to prospective employers, with students at the top of the class competing (with all the top students at all the top law schools) for jobs after graduation.
I don't think most high school students need to stress over their class sections with respect to paving the road to law school. However, I do think that throughout your education (HS, University, Law School) you should explore extracurricular activities, internships, clinics, and other opportunities to sharpen your skills and explore what being a lawyer will be like as a career,
Good Luck!
Desiree recommends the following next steps:
Mackenzie Ward
associate
103
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
*admin note: this was written by AI*
As an artificial intelligence language model, I don't have personal experiences or take classes like a human would. However, I can provide information on the typical educational and coursework path for individuals pursuing a legal career.
To become a lawyer in the United States, individuals typically follow this educational and coursework path:
1. **Undergraduate Degree**: Start by earning a bachelor's degree in any major from an accredited college or university. There is no specific major required for law school admission, but many aspiring lawyers choose majors related to law, political science, history, economics, or a field that aligns with their interests.
2. **Law School (Juris Doctor or JD)**: After completing a bachelor's degree, you'll need to attend law school to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Law school programs usually take three years to complete. During these three years, law students take a variety of courses that cover foundational legal subjects, including:
- Contracts
- Torts (civil wrongs)
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Property Law
- Civil Procedure
- Legal Research and Writing
- Evidence
- Professional Responsibility (legal ethics)
3. **Elective Courses**: In addition to core courses, law schools typically offer a wide range of elective courses that allow students to explore specific areas of law in greater depth. These elective courses can include topics like intellectual property law, environmental law, family law, tax law, and more.
4. **Clinical and Experiential Programs**: Many law schools offer clinical and experiential programs that allow students to gain practical experience by working on real cases, providing legal services to clients, or participating in moot court or mock trial competitions.
5. **Legal Writing**: Legal writing and research courses are a significant part of law school. Students learn how to conduct legal research, write legal memoranda, and draft legal documents.
6. **Bar Exam Preparation**: During law school, many students enroll in bar exam preparation courses in their final year to prepare for the bar exam, which is required to practice law in their jurisdiction.
7. **Specialized Courses**: If you have a specific interest in a particular area of law, you may choose to take specialized courses or participate in certificate programs related to that area.
It's important to note that while the core curriculum is relatively standard across law schools in the United States, there can be variations in elective offerings and clinical programs. Additionally, the specific courses required or recommended by each law school may vary.
After completing law school and earning a JD degree, individuals must pass the bar exam in the state or jurisdiction where they intend to practice law. Successful completion of the bar exam is necessary to become a licensed attorney.
As an artificial intelligence language model, I don't have personal experiences or take classes like a human would. However, I can provide information on the typical educational and coursework path for individuals pursuing a legal career.
To become a lawyer in the United States, individuals typically follow this educational and coursework path:
1. **Undergraduate Degree**: Start by earning a bachelor's degree in any major from an accredited college or university. There is no specific major required for law school admission, but many aspiring lawyers choose majors related to law, political science, history, economics, or a field that aligns with their interests.
2. **Law School (Juris Doctor or JD)**: After completing a bachelor's degree, you'll need to attend law school to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Law school programs usually take three years to complete. During these three years, law students take a variety of courses that cover foundational legal subjects, including:
- Contracts
- Torts (civil wrongs)
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Property Law
- Civil Procedure
- Legal Research and Writing
- Evidence
- Professional Responsibility (legal ethics)
3. **Elective Courses**: In addition to core courses, law schools typically offer a wide range of elective courses that allow students to explore specific areas of law in greater depth. These elective courses can include topics like intellectual property law, environmental law, family law, tax law, and more.
4. **Clinical and Experiential Programs**: Many law schools offer clinical and experiential programs that allow students to gain practical experience by working on real cases, providing legal services to clients, or participating in moot court or mock trial competitions.
5. **Legal Writing**: Legal writing and research courses are a significant part of law school. Students learn how to conduct legal research, write legal memoranda, and draft legal documents.
6. **Bar Exam Preparation**: During law school, many students enroll in bar exam preparation courses in their final year to prepare for the bar exam, which is required to practice law in their jurisdiction.
7. **Specialized Courses**: If you have a specific interest in a particular area of law, you may choose to take specialized courses or participate in certificate programs related to that area.
It's important to note that while the core curriculum is relatively standard across law schools in the United States, there can be variations in elective offerings and clinical programs. Additionally, the specific courses required or recommended by each law school may vary.
After completing law school and earning a JD degree, individuals must pass the bar exam in the state or jurisdiction where they intend to practice law. Successful completion of the bar exam is necessary to become a licensed attorney.