Lawyers/Law Students/Legal Professionals

[Shamaar]

Salaam all,

As the title suggests, this is a thread for all members who have some kind of involvement, or would like to be involved in the legal profession. Doesn't matter where in the World you are or what stage you're at - if you're interested in the law or making a career in it, then this thread's for you.

I hope we can use this thread to compare different jurisdictions, discuss the many areas of the law, and maybe even advise one another on future goals and how to go about achieving them.

[Haris]

Eventually I would like to have some sort of law career in the future.



Probably following a similar path to BLS (i.e. sutdying IR first) if my plans go accordingly.


Will be sure to follow this thread.



Also, if I do study International Relations then what sort of Law fields would I be able to work in? I'm guessing not criminal law but perhaps patent law, immigration law and stuff like that?

[Shamaar]

That's really great to hear, bro. International Relations is a great foundation to have for many fields in law.

You could go into International Law, Corporate Law, or Government Law, just to name a few. As you mentioned, Immigration Law is another one that would be a logical next step. Criminal Law is also a possibility, especially if you chose to work at something like the International Criminal Court, where you could prosecute people for war crimes, or other crimes against humanity. Again, International Relations opens a lot of doors for you.

I'm looking at Patent Law myself, and I plan to be qualified in not only the Canada and the US, but also in the UK and before the European Patent Convention. To gain qualification though, in the all the countries I've researched, you do require a background in either the Natural Sciences or Engineering, as prosecuting Patent applications requires you to understand the technology that is being put forth. Many Patent lawyers also possess advanced degrees in the areas they wish to specialize in.

So, if you are also considering Patent Law, I'd say to study something that is a bit more on the technical side.

[Admin Khan]

Haris,
I don't think your undergrad matters, except for Patent Law where in the US they generally look for an ABET accredited degree, or equivalent(provided that you can show you meet ABET requirements).

Your undergrad major might help, but I know people who have majored in Sociology that have ended up as immigration lawyers, and people who have majored in Poly Sci that do corporate litigations.

Generally, law students here in the US as undergrads follow this "prelaw" concentration that supposedly helps them when taking their LSAT's.

[Admin Khan]

Speaking of immigration lawyers, Kandahari Ella was interested in that as well. I'm sure she can provide some insight.

[Shamaar]

Haris,
I don't think your undergrad matters, except for Patent Law where in the US they generally look for an ABET accredited degree, or equivalent(provided that you can show you meet ABET requirements).

Your undergrad major might help, but I know people who have majored in Sociology that have ended up as immigration lawyers, and people who have majored in Poly Sci that do corporate litigations.

Generally, law students here in the US as undergrads follow this "prelaw" concentration that supposedly helps them when taking their LSAT's.

You're absolutely right, Admin Khan. With a law degree, one can theoretically practice in any area of the law.

However, the more you know about a particular subject matter, the better suited you will be to understand the laws governing it. Tax Law is (although very rewarding) one of the most complex areas of the law, and it is no surprise that most Tax Lawyers have undergraduate backgrounds in either Accounting or Finance.

You already mentioned Patent Law, where the US, Canada, and the UK all require you to have some kind of technical background.

[Haris]

Very helpful.



I doubt i'd get into the natural sciences. My brother does it but I don't really feel any passion for it. Patent law was never really a serious consideration.
Though the international criminal law & the corporate stuff sounds intriguing. It's good to know that you are not so limited in your choices.

Thanks for the information.

[BLS_1919v2.0]

As many know...I am going the law route. Most probably corporate or specifically oil and gas/minerals. Admin is right, you don't need a specific undergrad, I would say do something that interests you, you can get good grades in (i.e. something that motivates you) and has a bit of a back up unless law doesn't pan out.