I do not know what majors to do in college and I would love to know some tips in becoming a nonprofit lawyer.
I want to become a nonprofit lawyer, (a lawyer who helps with advocacy, public defense, legal services, etc.) #college #lawyer #majors #and #nonprofit
3 answers
Camille’s Answer
To get into law school you just need A college degree. There is not a specific major that you need. Law schools look at whether you get good grades in college and your law school admission test (LSAT) scores.
Since you don't need a specific major, definitely pick one that is a good fit for you.
I would recommend a major that could potentially lead to a job even without going to law school. For example, accounting or one of the STEM majors (science , technology, engineering, and math).
What's my major quiz: http://www.luc.edu/undergrad/academiclife/whatsmymajorquiz/
Here's a quiz if you have any interest in STEM: http://www.purdue.edu/STEM/
Info about accounting: http://www.aiuniv.edu/blog/september-2015/is-accounting-a-good-major
Info about STEM jobs: http://money.usnews.com/careers/slideshows/the-25-best-stem-jobs-of-2016
Some things you CAN do while in college to prepare to be a nonprofit lawyer:
1) Participate in mock trial/moot court team if your college has it. You can develop lawyer skills
2) Take a legal class or two if your school offers, to see if you like the law
3) Try to get an internship or volunteer at a law firm or a nonprofit organization or legal clinic
Sylvia’s Answer
I agree with the previous attorney who answered this question.
There is no specific major which law school requires and in fact law schools do like people who are well-rounded and not necessarily tailoring a college focus on a major that seems to "fit" the direction.
By the same token mixing in classes that focus on what you are interested in such as a class in non-profit organizations, psychology, management or something like sociology which will give you some perspective on what you want to do in the future and will give you a good frame of reference and also knowledge that you can apply in your career.
As a former Assistant District Attorney and a litigator I realize that law is still about people and anything you can do to help others or understand human relationships and dynamics is extremely important. Especially in a non-profit organization and with your goals of helping others. In this vain volunteering at any service which provides help to those less fortunate or in need is satisfying as a human being but also will be invaluable to you in your career.
It is not all about your major to a law school - it is also about a passion for what you believe in and pursuing those interests however you can. Your goals are noble and admirable and you will shine if you focus on people and understanding their needs. You can do this while you are in school, in summer or even in the small amount of time you have.
This isn't a link to generic guidelines online. It comes from the heart of an attorney who has been in trenches with real people! Good luck!
Sylvia’s Answer
And to answer your question regarding tips about becoming a non-profit attorney- if/when you go to law school there are many resources there to help you. I went to Boston University and they had an entire clinical program you could do in legal aid - non-proft organization to assist less fortunate people confront a whole range of legal problems. There are classes to take on the subject and career resources that will help you.
If you really want to plan ahead you could simply give the facilities that inspire you a call. I have found that just asking questions of real people such as "what route should I take to become involved here or a service like this" gets you further than guessing. People like to help others in pusuing their career goals and human contact always works best.
There are also summer internships you can do while in law school to do this kind of work. Keep your ears open while there and you will find what you are looking for. There are ALWAYS opportunities for people like you- who want to help people - and not are just driven by money.
I think you will find many, many opportunities in law school itself that you need not worry that you can acheive your goal!