The idea of pursuing a law degree is not for the faint-hearted. Law school is notoriously tricky, so you want to get your studying off to a good start with some pre-law courses. Not sure which ones are best? Read on!
This list contains the very best pre-law courses for aspiring lawyers looking to get their degrees in one piece. You’ll find everything from general education topics like history, sociology, and public speaking through more targeted subjects like empirical methods, constitutional law, and ethics.
These courses are ideal for anyone who wants to take their studies seriously, and they’ll give you the experience and background knowledge you need to do well in law school. You should finish these lectures with a good foundation in the fundamental laws and principles of the American government.
Also, if you’ve already graduated and are looking to re-enter law school, these are the best pre-law courses that are universally accepted in most states.
General Education Courses (required of all students to graduate)
This is the most extensive collection of general education courses. It starts with U.S. history from the colonial period through the present day. Then you’ll move on to regional history: New England, the Mid-Atlantic (Pennsylvania/Maryland/Virginia), and The Deep South.
You’ll then get a history of slavery in America, followed by world history from 1500 to the present day.
You’ll then move on to sociology and psychology, including everything from social stratification to group dynamics. After that, you’ll tackle law and government with courses like constitutional law, civil rights, and environmental law. You’ll also take courses on international relations and economic systems. You can take these core classes in any order you like.
Electives (to complete your degree)
In the electives section, you’ll take intensive courses in law and ethics. You’ll learn how to analyze criminal and civil cases, write law reports, research case law, and manage a legal practice. You’ll also take coursework in intellectual property, business organizations and acquisitions, torts, taxation, and financial/corporate law.
Career Advice
If you’re thinking of law school after completing these courses but before you graduate, keep in mind that law school is a lot harder than the pre-law courses might lead you to believe. Your best bet is to make sure you get a good law review experience first by working as an editor at your college newspaper or by volunteering for student government.
In terms of pre-law courses for aspiring lawyers, ALI’s ABA-approved college-preparatory curriculum offers a variety of functional classes such as U.S. History, Legal Skills, and Ethics, Business Organizations and Entrepreneurship, and more. It’s also the only school offering the International Law Certificate, which will help you get into schools that require the certificate to graduate.
If you’re interested in applying to the top law schools, the pre-law courses at the University of Michigan School of Law are great for building your résumé and practice skills. The school offers a variety of classes that prepare you for everything from civil procedure and litigation to international law and trial advocacy.
The California Western School of Law’s curriculum gives students an excellent grounding in civil rights, constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal justice, and evidence.
Local Pre-Law Jobs
If you’re unsure what course to take, check out the pre-law pages listed on various law school admission websites. The schools that offer this class type are usually good bets for finding a job after you graduate.
If you need more resources or feel the need to find solicitors in NSW to help you out in your career choice. Better be prepared as the path you have chosen is not an easy one.