Do you need to be good at math for law?

Asked by: Vallie Grady DVM  |  Last update: October 20, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (46 votes)

All newly credentialed law school graduates who go to work for law firms need basic math knowledge to fill out time sheets to bill clients and track their business expenses.

What type of math is used in lawyers?

Valuating the net worth of property and calculating the worth of each person involved that requires attorneys to be really cozy with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Malpractice law – many of these types of cases end up in litigation.

Is law math heavy?

Although the LSAT does not include a math section and law schools don't teach math as part of their curricula, basic mathematical competence is useful to attorneys.

How much math is involved in law?

In a typical law practice, it is common to have to deal with numbers as part of cases that might involve child support calculations, collection of debts that are accruing interest, totaling the value of estates, assessing losses in personal injury cases, etc.

Do law schools consider difficulty of major?

When you apply to law school, you can write a GPA addendum explaining how difficult your major was, and although this won't change the number itself, law schools will look more favorably upon your application (if explained well).

Law School FAQs: DO YOU NEED TO BE GOOD AT MATH IN LAW SCHOOL?

36 related questions found

What GPA do law schools like?

The average GPA for law school is between 3.91. However, like LSAT scores, it's important to understand that the specific average GPA can differ depending on the law school and its level of competitiveness. Top-ranking law schools often expect higher average GPAs, typically ranging from 3.8 to 4.0 or even higher.

What's the hardest year of law school?

Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.

Does a lawyer need to be good at math?

Another potentially helpful subject is mathematics. Although not directly linked to legal studies in a formal sense, studying mathematics can definitely aid in the development of thinking and problem- solving abilities, and such skills are essential in the field of law. Philosophy and ethics are a third useful area.

How much math is on the LSAT?

No, the LSAT does not explicitly test math. You may see some questions about percentages in the logical reasoning (arguments) section, and some analytical reasoning questions (i.e., logic games) may resemble math problems, but these questions are designed to test your logical reasoning, not your mathematical knowledge.

Do you need math to be a doctor?

Some medical schools specified math courses that they want incoming students to have taken. Twenty-six of the schools recommend or require that students take calculus and nine of the schools require or recommend statistics. So, just to get into medical school, pre-meds frequently have to take calculus or statistics.

What are the hardest subjects in law school?

Some of the hardest classes in law school, according to current and former students, are:
  • Constitutional Law.
  • Civil Procedure.
  • Contracts.
  • Federal Courts.
  • Federal Income Tax.
  • Administrative Law.
  • Partnership Tax.

What major is math heavy?

Physics – Physics is regarded as the most math-intensive degree path you can pursue within the sciences. Linear algebra, quantum mechanics, and engineering calculations are just a few of the core courses you'll need to take for this major.

Does law school have summer break?

As a traditional law student at a three-year law school, you have two summer “breaks.” The first is between your first and second years of law school (your “1L summer”). The second is between your second and third years of law school (your “2L summer”).

Is becoming a lawyer hard?

Considering there are a few more steps to take, the process to become a lawyer in this state is more extensive than other states. Law school is also challenging, regardless of the state you're in! High-ranking law California law schools will be even more competitive and rigorous.

What type of lawyer makes 6 figures?

IP attorneys are among the highest-paid types of lawyers, averaging around $167,000 a year, according to Salary.com, or $199,306, according to. ZipRecruiter for the year 2024*. Salary for intellectual property attorneys is subject to change due to the state, firm size, education, experience, and other factors.

Do law schools care about math?

Law schools have traditionally accepted students with undergraduate majors in many different fields, but an American Bar Association (ABA) essay, "Preparing for Law School," currently recommends that undergraduates planning to attend law school acquire "basic mathematical and financial skills, such as an understanding ...

How rare is a 170 LSAT?

170 score: Scoring a 170 on the LSAT is almost always considered a good score — that means you are in the 2-3% of test-takers.

Is a 145 on the LSAT bad?

LSAT scores span from 120 to 180, with higher scores boosting your likelihood of getting into top law schools. A score of 172 or above is excellent, while a score around 145 is considered below average. The average LSAT score is about 150, but competitive law schools typically require scores above 160.

How hard is it to study law?

First, the workload is heavy. Law school students are expected to read hundreds of pages of legal text each week, and they are often required to write long essays and research papers for their law school classes. Second, the material you'll need to learn to become a lawyer is complex and non-intuitive.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Corporate and tax lawyers tend to be the highest earners, with patent and IP lawyers not far behind. Trial lawyers also pull down a lot of money, particularly in the civil litigation field.

What skills are needed to be a lawyer?

Important Qualities
  • Analytical skills. Lawyers interpret the law as it applies to their client's case. ...
  • Communication skills. ...
  • Interpersonal skills. ...
  • Persuasion. ...
  • Problem-solving skills. ...
  • Research skills.

How old are most law graduates?

Although most applicants are under 25, about 1 in 5 are 30 or older and a much smaller proportion are over 40. Many older law school graduates build fulfilling second careers that draw on preexisting skills and experiences.

Is law school harder than med school?

Although both law and medical schools present their unique challenges, it's generally accepted that medical school demands a higher level of intense coursework and thorough training.

How many hours do law students study a day?

Law Students' Average Daily Study Hours

All in all, however, law students typically spend around 30 – 40 hours per week studying. That may sound like a lot, but a good rule of thumb is that you should be studying at least two hours for every one hour of class time per week.