Law and Legal Studies Major
The Law and Legal Studies major is designed for students who are interested in understanding the legal system, its principles, and how laws shape society. This field provides a deep dive into topics such as criminal law, civil rights, corporate law, and legal ethics. It is ideal for those aspiring to become lawyers, judges, or legal advisors, or those who wish to pursue careers in public policy, advocacy, or legal administration. Students gain a strong foundation in legal research, writing, and analysis, while also exploring the broader social and political implications of law.
Key Facts & Statistics
- Popularity: Law and Legal Studies majors account for approximately 2% of all undergraduate degrees awarded in the U.S.
- Job Growth: Employment in legal services is projected to grow by 9% from 2021 to 2031, driven by the increasing need for legal expertise in various sectors.
- Earning Potential: The median annual wage for legal occupations, such as lawyers and legal advisors, is approximately $84,000. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on specialization and location.
Popular Sub-majors in Law and Legal Studies
The Law and Legal Studies major encompasses a wide range of specialized fields. Below are some of the most popular sub-majors:
Pre-Law
Pre-Law majors are designed to prepare students for law school by providing foundational knowledge in legal studies, critical thinking, and writing. Students in this field study topics like constitutional law, legal ethics, and civil procedure.- Careers: Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Law Clerk, Policy Analyst
- Average Salary: $100,000 per year (Lawyers)
- Skills: Legal research, critical analysis, legal writing
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 3 years for Law School
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice majors focus on the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students study criminal law, criminal procedure, and ethical issues surrounding law enforcement and justice.- Careers: Police Officer, Criminal Defense Attorney, Forensic Analyst, Correctional Officer
- Average Salary: $60,000 per year
- Skills: Criminal law knowledge, investigation, ethical decision-making
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree)
Legal Studies
Legal Studies majors focus on the academic study of law, its structures, and how it operates within society. Students learn about various areas of law, including business law, labor law, and environmental law, and how they apply to everyday situations.- Careers: Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Corporate Compliance Officer, Legal Consultant
- Average Salary: $58,000 per year
- Skills: Legal research, documentation, case analysis
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree)
International Law
International Law majors focus on the legal principles that govern relationships between countries, including treaties, diplomacy, and international human rights. This sub-major prepares students for careers in global legal practices, international organizations, and government agencies.- Careers: International Lawyer, Human Rights Advocate, Diplomat, International Policy Analyst
- Average Salary: $75,000 per year
- Skills: International law, negotiation, cross-cultural communication
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 3 years for Law School
Corporate Law
Corporate Law majors focus on the legal aspects of business and commerce, including contracts, mergers, acquisitions, and intellectual property. This sub-major is ideal for students interested in advising corporations on legal matters and ensuring compliance with regulations.- Careers: Corporate Lawyer, In-house Counsel, Legal Consultant
- Average Salary: $125,000 per year
- Skills: Corporate governance, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 3 years for Law School
Family Law
Family Law majors study legal issues related to families, such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. This sub-major prepares students to work in family courts and handle sensitive legal matters involving individuals and families.- Careers: Family Lawyer, Divorce Attorney, Child Advocate
- Average Salary: $80,000 per year
- Skills: Conflict resolution, negotiation, legal documentation
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 3 years for Law School
Careers and Salaries in Law and Legal Studies
Graduates with a Law and Legal Studies degree can pursue various careers in the legal field. Below are some top career options:
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Lawyer: Represents clients in legal disputes, provides legal advice, and handles negotiations.
- Salary: $100,000 per year
- Skills: Legal research, critical thinking, negotiation, legal writing
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Paralegal: Assists lawyers by conducting research, preparing legal documents, and managing case files.
- Salary: $58,000 per year
- Skills: Legal research, document preparation, organizational skills
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Judge: Presides over court proceedings, ensuring fairness in trials and making legal decisions based on the law.
- Salary: $120,000 per year
- Skills: Legal knowledge, decision-making, courtroom management
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Criminal Defense Attorney: Defends individuals charged with criminal offenses, ensuring their legal rights are upheld.
- Salary: $80,000 per year
- Skills: Criminal law, advocacy, negotiation
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Corporate Lawyer: Provides legal counsel to businesses on matters such as contracts, mergers, acquisitions, and intellectual property.
- Salary: $125,000 per year
- Skills: Corporate governance, contract law, regulatory compliance
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Legal Consultant: Advises businesses or individuals on legal matters, offering expertise in specific areas of law.
- Salary: $75,000 per year
- Skills: Legal analysis, strategy, business acumen
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Skills You’ll Gain with a Law and Legal Studies Major
A Law and Legal Studies degree equips you with a range of valuable skills, including:
- Critical Thinking: Analyze complex legal problems and assess situations from multiple perspectives.
- Legal Research: Learn to conduct thorough and accurate legal research using various databases and sources.
- Communication: Develop strong oral and written communication skills, essential for drafting legal documents and presenting cases.
- Negotiation: Learn negotiation tactics and strategies for resolving disputes outside of court.
- Problem-Solving: Approach legal issues with creative solutions, ensuring fair and just outcomes.
- Ethical Decision-Making: Understand and apply ethical principles in legal practice, ensuring justice and integrity.
Why Choose a Law and Legal Studies Major?
Choosing a Law and Legal Studies major offers several benefits:
- High Earning Potential: Careers in law tend to offer high salaries, especially in specialized areas such as corporate law and intellectual property.
- Job Stability: The legal profession remains in high demand across various sectors, with opportunities in law firms, government agencies, corporations, and non-profit organizations.
- Impact on Society: Lawyers and legal professionals play a critical role in upholding justice, advocating for human rights, and shaping public policy.
- Intellectual Challenge: Legal studies foster critical thinking, argumentation, and problem-solving, providing intellectually stimulating and dynamic career paths.
- Career Flexibility: A degree in law or legal studies opens up a wide range of career opportunities in multiple industries, including government, business, and non-profit sectors.