Legal Career Paths: Which Law Degree Should I Pursue?
This is an excerpt from a Degree Choices article that features Sydney Montgomery, Esq. Read the full article here!
Whether you hope to work in the courtroom, politics, research, mediation, or education— there’s a law degree for you. Many people choose to start their legal journey with a J.D. degree, eventually earning the title of Esquire. However, numerous other law degrees and career pathways are available to you once you’re accepted to a program.
So long as you open yourself up to new opportunities, don’t fixate on a single course of action, and select a school that allows you to pay off your student loan debt— there are truly no limits to what you can achieve in your legal career as Sydney Montgomery, Esq., founder of S. Montgomery Admissions Consulting shares in a discussion about how to find success in law school and beyond.
How to Crush the Law School Application Process
Many prospective law students consider applying to law school to be one of the most rigorous experiences they’ve ever encountered. While law school applications are comprehensive, filling them out doesn’t have to be tedious if you start with a strategy.
Brainstorm your essays: Create a unique narrative surrounding your background, values, and goals, especially when writing your personal and diversity statements.
Set goals and make a timeline: Most applications open in September, and it’s generally best practice to start drafting essays a few months in advance. If you’re running up against the clock, having a firm strategy to write, make revisions, and study for the LSAT will be even more important.
Collect important documents early: Ensure you have an official copy of your transcripts, LSAT scores, and letters of recommendations ready for submission when your preferred school’s application portal opens.
Law Degree Options
There are so many legal career pathways available to law students, so it’s important to find a degree that aligns with your goals. Of course, the Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a great starting point for most legal professions, but there are more niche options as well.
1. Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
This is the first degree you must earn if you want to become a practicing attorney in the United States. Many people choose to pursue this degree immediately following their graduation from an undergraduate program.
Once you graduate, you will be a lawyer and after you earn a passing grade on the Bar examination— you will officially become an attorney and be allowed to practice in court.
2. Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
This is the best degree for students who want to work closely with legal matters and professionals without practicing themselves. The MLS degree gives students a working knowledge of the law and prepares them to work in human resources, law enforcement, health services, and arbitration.
3. Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR)
If you’re not interested in practicing law, but the idea of becoming a mediator or negotiator calls to you, this could be just the law degree for you. This degree prepares students for a career as a mediator, negotiator, educator, or human resources manager.
Apply to Law School
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or a returning learner with an unconventional background, if this is the career you have your heart set on, and you’re willing to put in the work— we have no doubt that you can develop a rewarding legal career.
If you need some help, S. Montgomery Admissions Consulting is here to help you craft empowering and well-written essays and provide guidance as you apply to law schools.
