So you want to be a lawyer? Smart move! Lawyers are some of the highest paid and most respected professionals out there. But it isn’t easy – it takes years of hard work and dedication, and understanding the classes to take in high school to become a lawyer.
The classes you take in high school can give you a major leg up in pursuing a legal career. While there’s no official “pre-law” track, loading up your schedule with the right courses will help you develop the skills lawyers need and make you a more competitive applicant to colleges and law schools down the road.
So what exactly should an aspiring lawyer study? Here are the most important classes to take in high school to become a lawyer:
English and Literature
Excellent reading, writing, and communication skills are absolutely essential for lawyers. Most of a lawyer’s day is spent analyzing complex documents, constructing persuasive arguments, and articulating ideas to clients, judges, and juries.
Taking advanced English and literature classes in high school will help you master these critical skills early on. Look for courses that emphasize:
- Close reading and analysis of texts
- Expository, persuasive, and creative writing
- Oral presentations and debates
- Research and citation
AP English Language, AP English Literature, journalism, and creative writing are all great options. The more you can hone your ability to comprehend and craft language, the better prepared you’ll be for a legal career.
Social Studies
Understanding how society functions is key for lawyers, who need to grasp the historical context, political implications, and cultural nuances surrounding the cases they handle. Social studies courses provide this vital knowledge base.
Government and civics classes are a must, as they teach the foundations of the U.S. legal system you’ll be working in. Studying landmark Supreme Court cases will also give you a preview of the types of issues you may encounter as a lawyer.
Other important social studies electives for future lawyers include:
- U.S. and world history
- Economics
- Geography
- Psychology
- Sociology
The broader your understanding of the world, the better equipped you’ll be to tackle the diverse legal challenges that come your way. AP and IB courses in these subjects are highly recommended.
Math
While math may not seem like an obvious choice for an aspiring lawyer, quantitative skills are increasingly important in the field. Lawyers often have to analyze data, statistics, and financial information as part of building a case.
Taking advanced math classes like calculus, statistics, and accounting will sharpen your analytical abilities and may give you a competitive edge, especially if you plan to go into a numbers-heavy area of law like tax, intellectual property, or corporate law.
At minimum, you should aim to take math through pre-calculus. Additional courses to consider:
- AP Calculus AB/BC
- AP Statistics
- Computer science
- Economics
Science
While you don’t need to be a science whiz to be a lawyer, taking a few advanced science courses is still a smart move. Studying biology, chemistry, and physics will further develop your analytical and problem-solving skills.
Science classes are especially important if you’re interested in specializing in an area like environmental law, medical malpractice, or patent law, where you’ll frequently encounter scientific issues and expert testimony.
Some top science classes to consider:
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics
- AP Environmental Science
- Anatomy and Physiology
Even if you don’t plan to practice science-related law, demonstrating scientific aptitude will make you a more well-rounded candidate.
Foreign Language
In an increasingly globalized legal landscape, foreign language skills are a major asset. Being able to communicate with clients and colleagues in their native language will make you a more effective and culturally competent lawyer.
Stick with one language throughout high school and aim to take the most advanced levels available, like AP or IB courses. If your school offers multiple languages, consider adding a second one to your repertoire.
The most in-demand languages for lawyers are:
- Spanish
- Chinese
- Arabic
- French
- German
But honestly, any language skills will give your resume a boost. If you get the chance to study abroad or do a language immersion program, go for it – there’s no substitute for real-world practice.
Public Speaking and Debate
Lawyers spend a huge chunk of their time arguing – to clients, other attorneys, judges, and juries. Honing your powers of persuasion is crucial for courtroom success.
Luckily, most high schools offer plenty of opportunities to practice public speaking, like:
- Debate team
- Mock trial
- Model UN
- Speech and communications classes
- Acting and theater
Seize any chance you get to speak in front of an audience and make a compelling case. Mastering the ability to think on your feet, project confidence, and sway opinions will serve you extremely well as a lawyer.
Logic and Philosophy
Law is all about constructing airtight logical arguments. Philosophy and logic courses will teach you to break down complex issues, spot flaws in reasoning, and build strong, rational cases – all essential lawyer skills.
Look for electives like:
- Introduction to Logic
- Critical Thinking
- Ethics and Moral Philosophy
- Argumentation and Debate
You’ll learn to structure arguments, evaluate evidence, and poke holes in opposing positions – perfect practice for a future in law.
Writing-Intensive Electives
In addition to your core English classes, seek out electives that will give you even more practice researching, analyzing, and writing about complex topics. Great options include:
- Constitutional Law
- Media Studies
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
Diving deep into meaty subjects and producing original analysis is great preparation for the intellectual rigors of law school and legal practice.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Many lawyers either work with business clients or run their own law firms, so developing business savvy is a smart move. If your school offers them, courses in business, management, accounting, and entrepreneurship will serve you well.
You’ll learn about contracts, corporations, financial statements, marketing, and other key business concepts that often crop up in legal contexts. Even if you don’t end up working in corporate law, this baseline business knowledge will make you a more well-rounded and financially literate lawyer.
Technology and Computers
Like most fields, law is being transformed by technology. Tech skills are increasingly essential, whether you’re conducting legal research, managing case files, analyzing data, or even participating in virtual court proceedings.
At minimum, you should be comfortable with:
- Keyboarding
- Word processing
- Spreadsheets
- Databases
- Online research
More advanced tech courses to consider:
- Web design
- Computer programming
- Digital media production
Showing colleges and employers that you’re tech-savvy will make you a more competitive candidate. And building a strong tech foundation now will make it easier to adapt to the cutting-edge tools you’ll use as a lawyer.
Comparison of Top Classes for Aspiring Lawyers
| Subject | Key Classes | Skills Developed |
| English | AP Language, AP Literature, journalism, creative writing | Close reading, writing, oral communication |
| Social Studies | AP Government, AP History, economics, psychology | Political, historical, and cultural analysis |
| Math | AP Calculus, AP Statistics, computer science | Quantitative and analytical reasoning |
| Science | AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics | Scientific analysis and problem-solving |
| Foreign Language | AP Spanish, AP French, Chinese, Arabic | Linguistic and cultural competency |
| Public Speaking | Debate, mock trial, Model UN, theater | Persuasion and oral advocacy skills |
| Logic/Philosophy | Introduction to Logic, ethics, argumentation | Logical reasoning and argumentation |
| Writing Electives | Constitutional law, sociology, political science | In-depth research, analysis, and writing |
| Business | Intro to Business, accounting, entrepreneurship | Business and financial literacy |
| Technology | Keyboarding, web design, computer science | Tech proficiency for legal practice |
Conclusion
While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, taking challenging classes across disciplines is the best way to lay the academic groundwork for a successful legal career. So load up your schedule with advanced courses that will make you think critically, communicate persuasively, and see the world in shades of gray – just like a great lawyer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, there’s no rigid set of required courses. Pursuing a broad range of challenging classes is the key. Focus on honing skills like writing, analysis, and logical reasoning that will translate to any area of law.
See if there are comparable online or community college classes you can take. You can also develop skills through extracurriculars like debate, mock trial, or school publications. The important thing is challenging yourself however you can.
While strong grades are important, don’t stress about perfection. Lawyers need to be intellectually curious and unafraid of a challenge. Tackling tough material, even if you don’t ace every class, will serve you better than just coasting through easy courses.
You can major in anything and still go to law school! Pursuing a field you’re passionate about, while still taking some writing, logic, and social science classes, is the best path. Doing well in a rigorous major is more important than the specific subject.
Seek out law-related opportunities beyond the classroom, like shadowing a lawyer, doing a legal internship, or volunteering with a legal aid clinic. And start honing your leadership skills through student government, clubs, and community organizations. Building a track record of accomplishment will bolster your law school applications down the line.
