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How to prepare for a career as a lawyer

Education for a law career has two main elements:

1. Skills and knowledge that all lawyers need.
2. Background knowledge about the kinds of issues you want to work with in your law practice.

There is no single specific major that leads directly to law school. You should choose a major where you can develop your skills and your background knowledge while earning excellent grades. (The excellent grades are important for your law school application.) What you do outside the classroom is important, too. Participate in internships and activities that give you a chance to practice your skills in the real world.

Phase 1 is to complete an associate's transfer degree at WCC.

Phase 2 is to transfer to a university as a junior and complete a bachelor's degree there. Or you might complete an applied bachelor's degree at WCC.

Phase 3 is law school, a three-year graduate-level program. 

Skills that all lawyers need

You can work on these skills no matter which major you choose.

• Reading and research
• Critical thinking
• Analysis
• Problem-solving
• Communication in writing and speaking
• Negotiating
• Organization
• Efficiency in completing projects
• Stamina

Background knowledge

Laws cover many different areas of life, and lawyers usually become specialists. Here are some examples:

• Business
• Criminal justice
• Employment
• Environment
• Family
• Healthcare
• Immigration
• Native American legal issues
• Patents
• Real estate

Individuals planning to go into politics sometimes use a law degree as a springboard. If a political career is your goal, philosophy or political science could be a useful major.

Once you decide how you want to use your law degree, create your plan for getting there. Click here to find out which advisor to see to customize a pathway that leads toward your goals.