What classes should a lawyer take in high school?

Asked by: Domingo Wehner  |  Last update: May 18, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (8 votes)

Aspiring lawyers should take rigorous courses in English, History, Government, and Public Speaking/Debate in high school to build essential critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills, along with electives in Economics, Philosophy, and Foreign Languages (especially Latin) for broader context and vocabulary, preparing them for college-level legal studies and the demands of legal practice.

What electives should I take in high school to become a lawyer?

There are many classes that aren't necessarily directly related to law that will provide you with the tools to become a great lawyer.

  • Political Science. ...
  • Sociology. ...
  • History. ...
  • Psychology. ...
  • Creative/Academic Writing. ...
  • Math.

What class in high school teaches law?

In the US, law isn't a high school level class. The closest thing is civics or political science.

What classes are good for law school?

13 Recommended Classes for Law School Prep

  • Advanced Writing. Advanced writing courses help you improve your writing, which you'll do a lot of in the legal profession. ...
  • American History. ...
  • American Government. ...
  • Business. ...
  • Communications. ...
  • Criminal Justice. ...
  • Economics. ...
  • Philosophy.

What to do in high school for law?

Not sure where to start? The debate team, student government, and the student news publication are great high school activities that will give you experience in skills that are transferable in law school. Even better are activities like high school moot court or volunteering for your local state representative.

Start Preparing for Law School as early as High School

34 related questions found

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially partners at large firms, top corporate lawyers, or specialized trial attorneys, but it's not typical for the average lawyer, whose median salary is much lower, requiring significant experience, specialization (like IP or M&A), and business acumen to reach that high income level.
 

Is a 3.3 GPA too low for law school?

A 3.3 GPA isn't necessarily "bad," but it makes getting into top-tier (T14/T20) law schools very difficult, though not impossible, requiring a very high LSAT score and strong essays; it's more feasible for mid-tier (Top 50) or lower-ranked schools, where a strong LSAT, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and work experience can significantly boost your chances, even securing scholarships. The key is balancing it with your LSAT score and the specific school's median stats, as many schools have medians above 3.7 for their entering classes. 

What AP classes should I take for law?

Some common law practices include banking and finance, corporate, criminal, employment, family, media, and real estate. Explore concepts related to this career in courses like AP Seminar, AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP Comparative Government and Politics, and AP U.S. History.

What is No. 1 law school?

There isn't one single "number one" law school, as rankings vary by publication, but Yale, Harvard, and Stanford consistently lead U.S. rankings, often tied for first place in sources like U.S. News & World Report, with Chicago and Virginia also highly ranked. Globally, Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford frequently top lists, while factors like career outcomes or value (e.g., FSU) also create different top contenders. 

What's the hardest class in law school?

The hardest law school subjects vary, but Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, and Property are consistently cited as top contenders, especially in the first year, due to abstract concepts, complex rules, and interconnected details. Advanced courses like Federal Courts, Tax Law, and Evidence are also known for their difficulty, involving dense statutory interpretation, complex codes, and intricate rules.
 

Is a 3.0 GPA too low for law school?

Yes, a 3.0 GPA is generally considered low for law school admissions, especially for top-tier schools where median GPAs are often 3.8+, but it's not impossible, particularly if offset by a strong LSAT, work experience, or upward GPA trends, and you target schools with lower average GPAs, as some lower-ranked schools accept students with around a 3.0. A 3.0 places you below the median at most schools, making admission to highly-ranked programs very challenging, though some regional or lower-ranked law schools have medians around this level, like Western Michigan or UDC. 

What should I do in high school if I want to be a lawyer?

While law schools don't require a specific major or checklist of activities, they do seek students with strong writing, public speaking, and critical thinking skills, along with a deep interest in public service or the legal field.

What is the hardest year of law school?

Most law students agree the first year (1L) is the hardest due to the steep learning curve, new Socratic/case-based teaching methods, intense reading/writing demands, and high pressure to learn fundamental legal thinking, but some find 2L (second year) harder because of heavier course loads with more specialized, complex papers and less structure. 1L forces you to learn a new "language," while 2L often involves managing more complex, self-directed research and writing projects alongside doctrinal courses, creating a different kind of challenge. 

How old is the youngest lawyer?

The youngest lawyer is currently Sophia Park, who passed the California Bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother's record and becoming the youngest in California history. While she passed the exam, she was sworn in as a licensed attorney in March 2025 after turning 18, joining the Tulare County District Attorney's Office as a prosecutor.
 

Which subject is best for a lawyer in high school?

Here are the most useful high school subjects for future lawyers:

  1. English. Attending high school English language and literature classes can help aspiring lawyers develop their spoken and written communication skills and comprehension abilities. ...
  2. Public speaking. ...
  3. Social studies.
  4. Science.
  5. Mathematics.

How to prepare in high school for law school?

To prepare for a law career in high school, focus on strong grades in challenging courses (English, History, Civics, AP/IB), develop critical thinking and writing skills, and build communication and leadership abilities through extracurriculars like Mock Trial, Debate, or Journalism. Gaining real-world insight through job shadowing or internships at law firms and volunteering in legal aid clinics also provides valuable experience, while aiming for a high GPA is crucial for college and law school admissions.
 

What GPA is good for law school?

A good GPA for law school generally falls between 3.5 and 4.0. However, top-tier institutions like Harvard Law School, Stanford Law School, and Yale Law School often admit students with median GPAs closer to 3.9 or higher.

What is the happiest law school?

1 in Best Quality of Life, Best Professors, Best Classroom Experience | University of Virginia School of Law.

Which is the easiest law school?

10 Easiest Law Schools To Get Into

  • Ohio Northern University. ...
  • Southern Illinois University. ...
  • North Carolina Central University. ...
  • Northern Illinois University. ...
  • University of North Dakota. ...
  • Texas Southern University. ...
  • Barry University. ...
  • Washburn University. Washburn University is a public school in Topeka, KS.

What disqualifies you from law school?

Disqualification from law school often stems from academic failure (low GPA/grades) or character & fitness issues like significant criminal records, academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism), financial irresponsibility, or, most commonly, failing to be truthful on your application or during the character and fitness review process, as honesty and candor are paramount. While issues like past arrests or financial struggles aren't automatic disqualifiers, they require full disclosure and evidence of rehabilitation to avoid denial or later disbarment. 

What is the #1 hardest AP class?

While it varies by student, AP Physics 1 is consistently ranked as the hardest AP class due to low pass rates, heavy algebra, and extensive lab work, followed closely by humanities like AP U.S. History and AP English Language & Composition, and other sciences like AP Environmental Science, making difficulty subjective but Physics 1 a common top contender.
 

What major to pick for law?

“You may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics or business,” their website says, “or you may focus your undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science and mathematics, computer ...

What was Obama's LSAT score?

Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed to have been very high, likely in the 170-175 range, to gain admission to Harvard Law School with a relatively low undergraduate GPA. Analysts suggest he needed a score in the top percentiles (perhaps 94th-98th) to overcome his lower GPA and secure a spot at the prestigious institution, indicating a strong performance near the perfect 180 score. 

Can a 2.7 GPA get into law school?

There is so much more that admissions committees consider! I had a 2.9 and got a 160 LSAT, I got into several schools in my area with scholarships. Granted I had a 3.8 grad GPA from a masters program (most schools don't care much about that), but yes, you can get in with a 2.7 just make sure you have a strong LSAT.

Can I get into Harvard with a 3.2 GPA?

Yes, it's possible to get into Harvard with a 3.2 GPA, but it's highly improbable and requires truly exceptional strengths in other areas due to their holistic review, as most admitted undergraduates have GPAs well above 4.0, with only a tiny fraction below 3.5; you'd need extraordinary essays, leadership, extracurriculars, unique talents, or compelling personal circumstances to offset the lower GPA.