Embarking on a legal career requires more than just a passion for justice; it begins with choosing the right educational path. But what degree do you need to be a lawyer? The journey to a legal profession is marked by strategic academic decisions that lay the groundwork for your success in law school and beyond. 

While law schools accept a variety of undergraduate majors, certain degrees can significantly enhance your legal skills and prepare you better for the challenges of law studies. This blog explores the most beneficial undergraduate degrees for aspiring lawyers, provides insights into the advanced degrees necessary for specialization, and discusses the essential tests and certifications needed to practice law. 

Whether you’re a high school student planning your future or a college student contemplating a career change, understanding the educational requirements to become a lawyer is your first step toward a successful legal career.

The Best Undergraduate Degrees to Help You Become a Lawyer

Choosing the right undergraduate degree is crucial for anyone aspiring to become a lawyer. While law schools accept various academic backgrounds, certain degrees can provide a solid foundation for legal studies. Here are some of the most beneficial undergraduate degrees for prospective law students:

1. Political Science: This degree offers an understanding of governmental structures, political behavior, and constitutional issues—critical areas in legal studies.

2. English: Majoring in English hones critical reading and writing skills, essential for success in law school, where complex texts and legal documents abound.

3. History: A degree in history provides insights into the evolution of legal systems and the context of societal changes, helping students understand legal precedents and reasoning.

4. Economics: Economics teaches analytical skills and invaluable economic principles in areas like corporate law, tax law, and antitrust law.

5. Philosophy: Known for its emphasis on logic and ethics, philosophy is excellent for developing reasoning skills crucial for legal argumentation and ethical considerations in law.

6. Criminal Justice: This degree provides a direct understanding of criminal law, law enforcement, and the justice system, offering practical knowledge applicable to legal studies.

While these degrees are advantageous, law schools value diversity in academic backgrounds. Thus, students should pursue fields they are passionate about and excel in, ensuring they develop the critical thinking, research, and writing skills necessary for a successful law career.

What Advanced Degrees Can Lawyers Earn?

Lawyers seeking to deepen their expertise or expand their career options can pursue various advanced degrees beyond the standard Juris Doctor (JD). These degrees can enhance legal knowledge, open new professional pathways, or offer specialized skills highly valued in specific sectors. Here are some of the notable advanced degrees that lawyers can earn:

Master of Laws (LLM): 

This degree is primarily for those who have already completed their JD and wish to gain specialized knowledge in international law, tax law, or human rights law. It is also popular among international lawyers who must familiarize themselves with U.S. law to practice in the United States.

Doctor of Judicial Science (SJD): 

Often considered the terminal degree in law, the SJD is for lawyers interested in pursuing academic research or scholarly writing. It is highly selective and focuses heavily on independent research, culminating in a dissertation contributing to the legal literature.

Master of Business Administration (MBA): 

Combining a JD with an MBA can be powerful for lawyers interested in the corporate world. It equips them with a strong foundation in business management and financial principles, making them adept at handling complex business transactions and corporate legal matters.

(MPA) or (MPP): 

These degrees are suited for lawyers looking to shift into governmental or non-profit roles. They provide training in policy analysis, public administration, and the functioning of governmental agencies.

Certificates in Specialized Legal Areas:

Many law schools offer certificate programs in specific areas, such as environmental, health, intellectual property, or international law. These programs can be an efficient way to specialize without committing to a full degree program.

These advanced degrees can give lawyers a competitive edge in their field, offering specialized legal knowledge and a broader understanding of related disciplines.

What Tests or Certifications Does a Lawyer Need?

Becoming a lawyer in the United States involves several vital steps, including testing and certification. The primary requirements include:

• Law School Admission Test (LSAT): Aspiring lawyers must first pass the LSAT, a standardized test that assesses reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills. This test is a prerequisite for admission to most law schools in the U.S. and Canada.
• Juris Doctor (JD): While not a test, earning a JD from an accredited law school is essential. This degree involves three years of study covering various legal topics, including contracts, torts, constitutional law, and criminal law.
• Bar Examination: After graduating from law school, candidates must pass the bar exam in the state where they wish to practice. The bar exam is a comprehensive test covering various law areas and typically lasts two to three days. It includes multiple-choice and essay questions assessing a candidate’s knowledge of state and federal law.
• Character and Fitness Assessment: Lawyers must also undergo a character and fitness review by the bar association of the state where they apply. This assessment evaluates the moral character and suitability of candidates to practice law. It involves a thorough background check and can include scrutiny of a candidate’s financial history and criminal record.
• Continuing Legal Education (CLE): Lawyers must continually update their legal education once admitted to the bar. States have varying requirements for CLE, which helps lawyers stay current with new laws and legal practices.
• Specialization Certifications: While not mandatory, lawyers can pursue certifications in specialized areas of law, such as family law, tax law, or criminal law. These certifications, offered by various legal organizations, signify expertise in a particular legal field and can enhance a lawyer’s credentials.

These steps ensure that lawyers maintain a high standard of legal knowledge and ethical practice, essential for upholding the integrity and trustworthiness of the legal profession.

Can You Become a Lawyer Without Law School?

In a few states in the United States, becoming a lawyer without attending law school is possible through a legal apprenticeship, commonly called “reading the law.” This method allows an aspiring lawyer to apprentice under the supervision of an experienced attorney or a judge instead of attending a traditional law school.

California, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington are the most notable examples of this path. These states permit candidates to take the bar exam following an extended period of apprenticeship, which can range from three to four years, depending on the state. During this period, the apprentice must engage in rigorous study and practical training under their mentor, covering subjects similar to those taught in law schools.

However, this path is challenging and demands high discipline and dedication. In some states, the apprentice must pass the First-Year Law Students’ Examination (also known as the “Baby Bar”), which tests the apprentice’s knowledge of core legal subjects. If successful, the apprentice can continue their apprenticeship and eventually qualify for the bar exam.

While this route is less common and can be rigorous, it offers a viable alternative for those who wish to pursue a legal career without the financial or time commitments associated with traditional law school.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey to become a lawyer starts with making informed decisions about your undergraduate education. While no exclusive degree determines your success in law school, selecting a major that enhances critical thinking, analytical skills, and a comprehensive understanding of societal structures can provide a significant advantage. From Political Science and English to more direct paths like Criminal Justice or Legal Studies, each option offers unique benefits that prepare you for the rigorous challenges of law school and legal practice. Moreover, complementing your education with relevant extracurricular activities such as internships and debate clubs can significantly enhance your law school application and readiness. Remember, the path to becoming a lawyer is as much about building a solid educational foundation as it is about developing a keen understanding of the law and its impact on society.

FAQs

What is the best undergraduate degree for a future lawyer?

While law schools accept candidates from various academic backgrounds, degrees in Political Science, English, Philosophy, and Criminal Justice are considered particularly beneficial. These majors help develop critical skills such as analytical thinking, effective communication, and a deep understanding of legal principles, which are crucial for law school success.

Do I need a specific type of law degree to practice law?

To practice law in the United States, you must earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. This degree is necessary to sit for the bar exam, which you must pass to practice law legally. Some lawyers also pursue advanced degrees like a Master of Laws (LLM) for further specialization.

Can I become a lawyer without attending law school?

In a few states, there are alternative paths to becoming a lawyer without attending law school, such as through an apprenticeship or the “law office study program,” where you study under the supervision of a practicing lawyer or judge. However, these paths still require passing the bar exam and meeting other state-specific requirements.