what are popular undergraduate degrees for a family law attorney

by Emanuel Kilback 7 min read

A J.D. degree and a certificate in family law prepare individuals for several different careers defending, representing and advocating family causes. Some potential careers are: Public defender Women's rights advocate, father's rights advocate Adoption specialist Reproductive rights specialist Non-traditional family specialist

Students who aspire to attend law school major in a variety of areas such as political science, history, economics, or business. Even more technical fields such as engineering or nursing can be good precursors to a legal career.

Full Answer

How to become a family lawyer?

Mar 13, 2020 · Individuals interested in family law should take courses in psychology or sociology. Many students apply to law school while they're completing their undergraduate degrees. It is important to prepare for the LSAT. Scores on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) are an important requirement for law school admissions.

How to select a family lawyer?

They need an associate's degree. A bachelor's degree is required to be an arbitrator, mediator or conciliator. These professionals meet with opposing sides in a dispute and try to negotiate a compromise to resolve the conflict. Judges may hear arguments from opposing sides in a legal matter and make a ruling regarding the dispute.

Do I need a family lawyer?

Jan 03, 2022 · The best majors for aspiring lawyers will be in the realm of human behavior, public speaking, and writing. The practice of law is essentially the pursuit and communication of justice and conflict resolution, so any training in communication will be key to winning cases, handling clients, and more.

What can a family law lawyer do for You?

May 16, 2018 · At the Maurer School of Law at Indiana University—Bloomington, for example, if students focus on family law, they will study key issues including divorce, same-sex marriage, abortion, gender roles...

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What is the best undergraduate degree for lawyers?

Top 10 Best Pre-law Majors (see also: what did most law school students major in?)Political Science - 9,612 admitted. ... Other - 2,917 admitted. ... Psychology - 2,960 admitted. ... Criminal Justice - 2,220 admitted. ... English - 2,564 admitted. ... History - 2,657 admitted. ... Economics - 2,373 admitted. ... Philosophy - 1,858 admitted.More items...•Jun 23, 2018

What is the most common undergraduate degree for law school?

Political sciencePolitical science is overwhelmingly the most popular major for pre-law students. In fact, 18 percent of law school applicants between 2016 and 2017 majored in this area of study.

What majors do lawyers most?

The most popular major of law school candidates is political science. There's a reason why many successful politicians are lawyers—the link between law and political theory is very strong. Political science is the study of government systems, political behavior, and how the judicial system works.

Do law schools prefer double majors?

“If you are serious about law school, a few clients suggested you go one more step and take a double major. ... “A double major, or even a single major with a strong concentration in a secondary subject, will make you that much more competitive. But be cautious. Some majors are easier than others to combine.

Can any major go to law school?

A few colleges have a specific pre-law major for those students who intend to go to law school, but you can major in any subject and still enter law school, as long as you successfully complete college and get a bachelor's degree. There are no specific courses you have to take to be admitted to law school.Jun 13, 2021

What majors do best LSAT?

Physics and math majors do the best on the Law School Admissions Test, according to a study by an economics professor.Sep 1, 2009

What degrees do lawyers need?

You will need to have completed a law degree or an alternative degree and the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). You can then take the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and complete a two-year training contract.Oct 23, 2017

What degree do you need for law school?

If your goal is to become a practicing attorney, you'll need to earn a Juris Doctor degree (JD) and pass a State Bar exam. * The typical full-time JD program takes 3 years to complete, while part-time and online programs are generally structured over 4 years.Dec 2, 2019

What does "pre-law" mean?

When people say “pre-law,” they simply mean that they approached college with the plan that, after graduating, they would one day apply to law school. While there is no pre-law major or set of required classes, you can still prepare for law school while in college. Here are just a few ways you can do that:

Is it easy to get into law school?

Graduates go on to be judges, prosecutors, professors, legislators, mediators, and so much more. But getting into law school is no easy matter.

Is there a law school major?

Beyond taking these steps, there is no single best major for law school. You can major in absolutely anything and apply to law school. However, there are schools and programs that do a better job of preparing you for graduate study.

Where does Veronica live?

in History and Classics. After graduating, she joined CollegeVine serving as the Curriculum Development Manager. She currently lives in Cambridge, MA and is writing her debut novel.

What is the acceptance rate for law school?

Leading law schools have an acceptance rate well below 20 percent with an average GPA of admitted applicants close to or higher than 3.8. Your undergraduate-level education directly impacts your ability to get ...

Is it hard to maintain a high GPA in law school?

Majoring in business, such as in business administration or corporate business, may be a smart path for some pre-law students to follow. Business degree plans are often rigorous, which may make business majors more appealing to law schools. However, because the coursework can be more challenging, it may be more difficult to maintain a high GPA throughout all four years of school.

What is the benefit of majoring in English?

If you thrived in high school English classes, majoring in English may enable you to earn a higher GPA in college than you may earn in other areas of study. This major may provide other substantial benefits as you prepare for the future. Consider that 3,549 law school applicants held a degree in English in 2016 and 2017. The average LSAT score for these applicants was 154.4, and approximately 80 percent of applicants with this degree were admitted to at least one law school.

Is philosophy a pre-law major?

Philosophy is not a major that may immediately come to mind when pursuing a pre-law path. However, law is heavily based on philosophical aspects, such as human nature, ethics and other topics that are thoroughly covered in college-level philosophy courses. In addition to this essential link between law and philosophy, some law schools have higher admissions ratings for liberal arts majors that are considered to be more challenging. Philosophy often falls into this group.

What is the best degree for law school?

A degree in political science prepares you for success in law school and in a professional capacity by improving reading, writing and public speaking skills. In-depth knowledge about the Constitution and its founding principles as well as the development of the court system also provide strong benefits. 6. Economics.

Is psychology a science?

While there is a scientific aspect of psychology, this applied science also branches into principles of human behavior. Because the law impacts and moderates human behavior, law and psychology are intertwined.

What is the average LSAT score?

Their average LSAT score was 152.5, and 78 percent of applicants were admitted. An undergraduate-level education in psychology provides several benefits for students in law school and for legal professionals. In many areas of the law, lawyers must work directly with social services, such as social workers.

What does a family lawyer do?

Family lawyers counsel and represent clients in matters such as prenuptial agreements, adoptions and guardianships, child custody and visitation rights, civil unions and divorces. These issues often overlap with other areas of law, including domestic violence law, real estate law, children's rights laws, elder law and health law.

What is the job of an arbitrator?

Paralegals work under the supervision of lawyers, and may research matters related to a client or case or prepare documents or contracts. They need an associate's degree.

What degree do you need to be an arbitrator?

A bachelor's degree is required to be an arbitrator, mediator or conciliator. These professionals meet with opposing sides in a dispute and try to negotiate a compromise to resolve the conflict. Judges may hear arguments from opposing sides in a legal matter and make a ruling regarding the dispute.

Dave Bahr

There is not a specific "pre-law" major. Many chose poli-science. I majored in philosophy. English or something involving a lot of writing could be useful. There is no one "best" major. Family law can involve many different areas of concern; the interests of children to tax law. There is not a particular area I would recommend above another.

Christine Marie Heckler

First, I think you should research a little more about the legal job market. Right now the profession is in a depression. In fact several law schools are being sued by recent graduates who claim that the schools' employment statistics were inflated. However, things may improve by time you are ready to enter the field...

Adam Gregory Masserang

There is no specific major for pre-law, if you're dead set on becoming a particular type of attorney, choose a major based on the type of knowledge that will help you in that field, for example if you were looking to be a patent lawyer you might choose engineering...

Steven Heisler

I see you are from Lansing. One of the top law schools in the country has a campus in Lansing. You might want to check out www.cooley.edu. Also as to what area for an undergrad it depends on if you want to work for someone or yourself. If yourself, I suggest business. If working for someone else, it is much harder to say...

Stephen L. Redisch

A degree in psychology or social work would be helpful. Frequently, family law situations require counseling as a part of the legal process. It would be helpful to not only know and understand the legal issues but to also understand the family dynamics involved in these situations.

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How We Made This List

  • We put together this list based on 2 important main types of data: the number of students admitted to law school with a certain major, and the average LSAT score of the students with that major.
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Sociology

  • Students admitted to law school from this major last year:1,327 Average LSAT score of admitted students (out of 180):150.7 Sociology majors have to be comfortable scrutinizing data and writing long papers. Both the critical thinking and writing skills that this major cultivates can be leveraged in law school. Consider this major if the social dynamics of groups interest you, and you enjoy b…
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Arts & Humanities

  • Admitted Students:1,496 Average LSAT Score:154.2 This group of majors tends to be fairly writing-heavy and attracts students with the focus to spend hours reading. It’s a great pick if you love art and literature but also want to prepare yourself for a legal career.
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Philosophy

  • Admitted Students:1,858 Average LSAT Score:157.5 Traditionally, philosophy is considered the ultimate pre-law major. In this field, you wrestle deeply with logic and reasoning as you consider questions about knowledge, existence, and other fundamental concepts. The same skills directly improve a lawyer’s ability to do their job well.
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Criminal Justice

  • Admitted Students:2,220 Average LSAT Score:145.9 If you love to be hands-on with the justice system, this may be the major for you. No field of study gives you more exposure to law prior to law school. That said, notice how much lower the average LSAT score is relative to other majors. It is not considered as academically rigorous as theoretical disciplines. If you want to set yourse…
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Economics

  • Admitted Students:2,373 Average LSAT Score:158.9 Economics offers the perfect blend of quantitative and qualitative experience. Additionally, this field prepares you to be an effective lawmaker and advocate for sound monetary policy. Understanding capital is vital for understanding large portions of tax law and federal regulation.
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English

  • Admitted Students:2,564 Average LSAT Score:155.3 English is another famous choice for pre-law students, since so much reading and writing is required to perform well in this field. Learning to synthesize a lot of content and becoming sensitive to careful word choice will make you a stronger applicant and a better lawyer.
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History

  • Admitted Students:2,657 Average LSAT Score:156.2 Understanding the past is critical for interpreting law for two reasons. First, it establishes precedent, and knowing how legal cases have been resolved in the past is central to our understanding of how to decide current cases. Second, a grounding in the past helps you zoom out and understand the broader social context for a piec…
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Miscellaneous

  • Admitted Students:2,904 Average LSAT:151.2 This category is a catch-all for niche majors not commonly represented among law school applicants. The fact that this category has the third highest number of students accepted shows that you can successfully apply to law school from any major.
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Psychology

  • Admitted Students:2,960 Average LSAT Score:152.6 Psychology is the third social science to make an appearance on this list, and that is no surprise. This field blends history, reading, writing, and quantitative analysis together, making graduates in this field well-equipped to approach law from almost any angle. Consider becoming a Psychology major if you are fascinated by how peo…
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Juris Doctor with A Family Law Certificate

Juris Doctor / Master of Social Work (MSW) Dual-Degree Program

  • The dual J.D./MSW degree program is designed for students who plan to a take a more activist approach practicing family law. This program gives lawyers a broad understanding of the complex nature of the interaction of human behavior and public policy that helps them to advocate for victims. The combined social work and law program includes a social work practicum in additio…
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Master of Law

  • This degree program is designed for those who already possess a J.D. and either desire additional structured training in family law or plan to pursue it after years in another practice area. Courses included in an LL.M. in Family Law degree program typically provide students with an advanced background into specializations of the family law practice. Some examples include: 1. Advance…
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Popular Career Options

  • A J.D. degree and a certificate in family law prepare individuals for several different careers defending, representing and advocating family causes. Some potential careers are: 1. Public defender 2. Women's rights advocate, father's rights advocate 3. Adoption specialist 4. Reproductive rights specialist 5. Non-traditional family specialist
See more on bestaccreditedcolleges.org

Employment Outlook and Salary Info

  • Career options for graduates of an LL.M. in Family Law program are similar to those available for graduates of a J.D. program in family law. Graduates may add specialties in divorce, child custody, abuse, neglect and family violence to their current practice. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that employment of lawyers was predicted to grow four percent between 201…
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Continuing Education Information

  • All practicing lawyers must maintain a current state license in order to legally practice law. Many states also require continuing education classes that cover changes in the law as they pertain to the states in which they practice. Additionally, those who plan to actively practice clinical social work must be licensed and maintain the licensure according to state guidelines. Aspiring lawyer…
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History

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According to the Law School Admissions Council, 3,472 law school applicants in 2016 and 2017 held a 4-year degree in history. Of those, 85 percent were admitted to law school. The average LSAT score for this group of applicants was 156.1 out of 180. With a solid undergraduate-level foundation in history, you will have a dee…
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Business

  • Majoring in business, such as in business administration or corporate business, may be a smart path for some pre-law students to follow. Business degree plans are often rigorous, which may make business majors more appealing to law schools. However, because the coursework can be more challenging, it may be more difficult to maintain a high GPA throughout all four years of sc…
See more on collegeconsensus.com

English

  • If you thrived in high school English classes, majoring in English may enable you to earn a higher GPA in college than you may earn in other areas of study. This major may provide other substantial benefits as you prepare for the future. Consider that 3,549 law school applicants held a degree in English in 2016 and 2017. The average LSAT score for these applicants was 154.4, a…
See more on collegeconsensus.com

Philosophy

  • Philosophy is not a major that may immediately come to mind when pursuing a pre-law path. However, law is heavily based on philosophical aspects, such as human nature, ethics and other topics that are thoroughly covered in college-level philosophy courses. In addition to this essential link between law and philosophy, some law schools have higher admissions ratings for liberal ar…
See more on collegeconsensus.com

Political Science

  • Studying political science at the undergraduate level is a natural choice because of how closely it is linked to the legal system. Generally, pre-law students should select a major based on their personal interests and passion rather than what they believe would most likely bolster their chance of admission to law school. However, many students who are interested in law understa…
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Economics

  • Economics is a solid major to select if you are interested in delving into the corporate law niche. It may also be relevant to intellectual property law and other specializations. More than 2,700 students applying to law school between 2016 and 2017 majored in economics, and 85 percent of these applicants gained admission to at least one law school program. The average LSAT score …
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Arts and Humanities

  • Depending on the college or university, a broad degree in arts and humanities may be available, or you may be required to select a niche area of study that falls under this umbrella. Arts and humanities seemingly have little to do with an interested in the legal system and a desire to pursue a career in law. However, this type of degree is logical for several reasons. First, law scho…
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Psychology

  • Psychology is the study of the human mind, and it encompasses behaviors and general experiences. While there is a scientific aspect of psychology, this applied science also branches into principles of human behavior. Because the law impacts and moderates human behavior, law and psychology are intertwined. This is a popular major for pre-law students, with 3,778 law sch…
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Math

  • Fewer than 800 law school applicants majored in math, but more than 87 percent of those applicants were admitted to law school. Their average LSAT score was higher than 161, and their average GPA was 3.54. Notably, this group of applicants had the highest average LSAT scores than students with any other major. While the American Bar Association does not recommend t…
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Science

  • Several dozen specialized areas of study fall under the science umbrella. These include biology, ecology, chemistry and more. These areas of study provide students with a strong background that can be essential for success in various legal niches. For example, chemistry studies may be essential for a successful career in pharmaceutical law. Ecology coursework is beneficial for pr…
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