Which course is closer to law?

Asked by: Vada Crooks  |  Last update: February 17, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (12 votes)

Courses closest to law focus on critical thinking, analysis, and understanding societal structures, with Political Science, History, Philosophy, Economics, English, and Criminal Justice being top choices for their strong alignment with legal principles, government, ethics, and complex reasoning. These majors develop skills in argumentation, research, and understanding human behavior, all crucial for legal studies and practice.

What degree is close to law?

Political science is a very popular pre-law major because politics is heavily interrelated with legislation. The study of political behavior, government systems, and how the judicial system works are all very useful in law school.

What major should I study if I want to be a lawyer?

Law school does not require a specific major but developing strong analytical and critical thinking skills will help you go far in the profession. Any major that requires research and writing will develop the muscles you need for writing legal memos and briefs.

What is the closest job to a lawyer?

Alternative jobs for lawyers

  1. Paralegal. National average salary: $63,609 per year Primary duties: Paralegals support attorneys by performing substantive legal work. ...
  2. Investigator. ...
  3. Fund manager. ...
  4. Mediator. ...
  5. Financial analyst. ...
  6. Investment consultant. ...
  7. Contract manager. ...
  8. Risk manager.

What is the best course for pre-law?

If you're interested in becoming a lawyer, here are 12 pre-law subject matters to consider studying:

  1. Political science. Political science usually focuses on politics and the functions of government systems. ...
  2. History. ...
  3. Business. ...
  4. English. ...
  5. Philosophy. ...
  6. Economics. ...
  7. Psychology. ...
  8. Criminal justice.

Why Everyone Should Go To Law School | Jana Al-Akhras | TEDxNewAlbany

33 related questions found

What major before law school?

The best pre-law majors are often those that build strong critical thinking, reading, and writing skills, with Political Science, History, English, Economics, and Philosophy consistently topping the list for popularity and effectiveness, though many majors work well, including Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Business, as law schools value a diverse skill set and a high GPA more than a specific major.
 

Which course is best for law?

Top 5 Most In-demand Law Courses in India

  • BA LLB (Bachelor of Arts + Bachelor of Law) ...
  • BBA LLB (Bachelor of Business Administration + Bachelor of Law) ...
  • LLB (Bachelor of Law – 3 Years) ...
  • LLM (Master of Laws) ...
  • Diploma & Certificate Courses (Cyber Law, IPR, Corporate Law, Forensic Law)

Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

Yes, $400 an hour is a significant rate for a lawyer, often reflecting experience, specialization, and location, falling at the higher end of average rates ($100-$400+) but can be standard or even considered a "deal" for highly specialized work in major cities, while being quite expensive in other areas or for less complex cases. Factors like the firm's size, location (big city vs. rural), the lawyer's expertise (e.g., corporate, IP vs. family law), and case complexity greatly influence this rate. 

Who are the big 5 lawyers?

"Big 5" law firms usually refers to the top firms by revenue/size, often led by Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins, with others like DLA Piper, Baker McKenzie, and A&O Shearman frequently in the top ranks globally, though specific lists vary, sometimes including firms like Skadden, Sidley Austin, or the UK's "Magic Circle" (A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, etc.). The exact "Big 5" changes depending on whether you're looking at US-specific, global, headcount, or revenue metrics, but the consistent leaders are Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins.
 

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
 

What GPA do you need for law school?

Law school GPA requirements vary significantly, but most schools look for at least a 3.0, with top programs often seeking 3.5+ (even 3.8+), while some less competitive ones accept below 3.0; your GPA, combined with your LSAT score, determines competitiveness, with high scores needed for elite schools and your undergraduate performance trend (e.g., upward) also considered. 

How old is the youngest lawyer?

The youngest lawyer is generally considered to be Sophia Park, who passed the California bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother Peter's previous record, though she'll be sworn in and licensed in March 2025 after turning 18, as most jurisdictions require lawyers to be 18. She accelerated her education, starting law school at 13 while in junior high and graduating early.
 

Can you go to law school without a degree?

Most law schools require a college degree, but some may only ask for equivalent course work, and some law schools focus on your legal interest and life experiences and not on your grades or LSAT scores. If being a lawyer is your dream, you can achieve it!

What is the shortest law degree?

The fastest ways to get a law degree involve accelerated Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs, like two-year J.D.s (e.g., Southwestern Law's SCALE) or combined 3+3 programs with undergrads, letting you finish in as little as 3-6 years total (including undergrad), while specialized, non-traditional routes in California might technically offer faster paths but are difficult. For a quicker master's in law, Master of Legal Studies (MLS) programs can be completed in about 12 months, but these don't qualify you to be a practicing lawyer. 

What are the 4 types of degrees?

The four main types of college degrees, in ascending order of study, are Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral (or professional) degrees, each representing increasing levels of specialization and academic achievement, from foundational two-year programs to the highest research-focused qualifications.
 

Is law school 2 or 3 years?

Most U.S. law school Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs are three years for full-time students, but part-time programs can take four to five years, and some accelerated programs might finish in two years, especially for international lawyers. The standard path after a four-year bachelor's degree is a three-year J.D. program to become a lawyer. 

Who is the richest law firm?

The richest law firm by revenue is consistently Kirkland & Ellis, leading global rankings with billions in gross revenue (around $8.8 billion in 2024) and a large number of lawyers, specializing in private equity, M&A, and litigation, followed closely by firms like Latham & Watkins and DLA Piper, though profitability per lawyer can vary, with firms like Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP often topping profitability lists despite smaller size. 

What type of lawyer is Obama?

He became a civil rights attorney and an academic, teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School from 1992 to 2004. In 1996, Obama was elected to represent the 13th district in the Illinois Senate, a position he held until 2004, when he successfully ran for the U.S. Senate.

Who is Taylor Swift's law firm?

Taylor Swift's primary law firm for many years has been Venable LLP, a prominent firm known for its strong intellectual property and litigation teams, with key attorneys like J. Douglas Baldridge and Katherine Wright Morrone representing her in major copyright, trademark, and defamation cases, including her significant 'Shake It Off' lyric trial and recent disputes related to her film projects.
 

Do lawyers make $1000 an hour?

In the United States, the hourly fees lawyers charge can range significantly, from under $100 per hour in small markets to over $1,000 per hour in high-profile firms located in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Washington, D.C.

Is Kim Kardashian a lawyer or attorney?

No, Kim Kardashian is not yet a lawyer or attorney; she is still working towards passing the California Bar Exam, having recently failed it again in late 2025, despite completing her legal studies through an apprenticeship program and passing the \"baby bar\" in 2021. She consistently expresses her commitment to becoming a licensed attorney, viewing her setbacks as motivation to keep studying for the full bar exam.
 

Is it better to be a lawyer or attorney?

Neither is inherently "better"; they describe different qualifications, with an attorney being a specific type of lawyer who is licensed to represent clients in court, while a lawyer is a broader term for someone with a law degree who can offer general advice but not necessarily practice in court. For courtroom representation, you need an attorney; for basic legal guidance or document prep, a lawyer suffices. 

Which 6 month diploma course is best?

Top 10 Diploma Courses That Can Kickstart Your Career in 6 Months

  1. Digital Marketing Diploma. ...
  2. Web Development Diploma. ...
  3. Medical Billing and Coding Diploma. ...
  4. Graphic Design Diploma. ...
  5. Cybersecurity Fundamentals Diploma. ...
  6. Project Management Diploma. ...
  7. Data Analytics Diploma. ...
  8. Paralegal Studies Diploma.

What should I study if I want to go to law school?

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, or you may focus your undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science and mathematics, computer science, engineering, ...

Who is the youngest lawyer?

17-Year-Old Becomes Youngest Person Ever To Pass the California Bar Exam. While most teenagers are still figuring things out, a teen named Sophia Park already achieved her dream of becoming an attorney at the age of 17.