What math do you need for a law degree?

Asked by: Prof. Piper Hilpert I  |  Last update: December 13, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (61 votes)

Undergraduate Math Classes The pre-calculus mathematics recommended by the ABA and anecdotal suggestions by math majors who became lawyers, imply that future lawyers should at a minimum take undergraduate courses in college algebra, trigonometry, geometry, logic and statistics.

What math does law school require?

Some basic mathematical and financial skills, such as an understanding of basic pre-calculus mathematics and an ability to analyze financial data. A basic understanding of human behavior and social interaction.

Can I be a lawyer if I'm bad at math?

Math is not a prerequisite of studying the law. However, to be a successful lawyer, you likely will need to need to understand certain aspects of math to best support your clients.

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 require calculus?

Law school requires very little math. There are mathematical problems on the LSAT, but these are more logic-based. In other words, you won't be dealing with calculus on the LSAT. Once you earn a degree and pass the LSAT, you shouldn't have to deal with upper-level math ever again.

Sam Zell: Get a Law Degree

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Can I get into law school with a 3.0 GPA?

Considering students are generally advised to score a GPA of 3.5 in college to get into law school, a 3.0 is typically considered low. However, it all depends on the schools you're applying to! As discussed earlier, several schools consider a 3.0 to be within their competitive range.

What math is best for law?

Undergraduate Math Classes

The pre-calculus mathematics recommended by the ABA and anecdotal suggestions by math majors who became lawyers, imply that future lawyers should at a minimum take undergraduate courses in college algebra, trigonometry, geometry, logic and statistics.

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 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 math skills do lawyers use?

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 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.

How can I become a lawyer with a bad GPA?

Applying to Law School with a Low Undergraduate GPA – Five Tips to Consider:
  1. If you are still in undergrad, then work hard to achieve a high GPA! Get your GPA up as much as possible to offset your low-to-date GPA. ...
  2. Get a stellar LSAT score. ...
  3. Write an addendum that explains your low GPA. ...
  4. Apply to a lot of law schools.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Patent Attorney Salary

Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.

What careers don't need math?

20 high-paying jobs that don't require much math
  • Security officer. ...
  • Editorial manager. ...
  • Criminal investigator. ...
  • Therapist. ...
  • Recruitment manager. ...
  • Music teacher. ...
  • Compliance manager. ...
  • Marketing manager.

What major is best for law school?

The best major for prospective law school students is Political Science. Political Science offers a deep understanding of government, legal systems, and political theory. It also hones your critical thinking, analytical skills, and communication— key to law school and being a successful lawyer.

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 passing the LSAT hard?

Yes, taking the LSAT is difficult; it is purposefully designed this way. To succeed on the LSAT, you must study for it for months. The process of studying is both time-consuming and costly. Most students can't ace the LSAT without dedicating much time to preparation.

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.

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”).

Do lawyers 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 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.

Do you need math to be a surgeon?

When pursuing a degree to be a surgeon, you study many science, math and humanities topics through lectures and labs. Most pre-med programs have students complete foundational coursework in chemistry, biology, statistics and physics before taking more specialized classes.