What High School Classes Can Help Me Prepare for a Career as a Lawyer?
QUESTION:
I am a high school student interested in becoming a lawyer in the future. I am considering immigration law, criminal law, or family law, and I would like to choose classes that will help me develop the skills needed for law school and legal practice.
What high school courses, activities, and skills should I focus on now to prepare for a future legal career?
ANSWER:
I am glad to hear that you are considering a legal career and are already taking steps to build the knowledge and skills that can set you up for long-term success.
In high school, focus on courses that strengthen the skills lawyers use every day, including advanced English and writing, speech or debate, U.S. government or civics, history, psychology or sociology, economics, and, particularly if you are interested in immigration law, Spanish or another second language. If available, dual-enrollment classes in composition, public speaking, government, psychology, sociology, or criminal justice can also be valuable. Outside the classroom, consider mock trial, debate team, Model UN, student government, honor societies, and community service to develop advocacy, research, leadership, and communication abilities.
In college, take advantage of pre-law resources, mock trial or pre-law organizations, internships, and entry-level opportunities in legal offices so you can learn how the profession works from the ground up. As you move closer to law school, plan ahead for LSAT preparation, and in law school pursue courses, clerkships, internships, and networking opportunities related to the practice areas that interest you.
I wish you the absolute best in your educational and professional endeavors!