Considering going to law school and becoming a lawyer, but wondering about future job prospects. Is the field growing, and what specialties might be in higher demand? Any advice on picking a major that would be beneficial?
Understanding the job prospects of any profession before embarking on it is crucial, so your foresight is commendable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a growth rate of about 5% for law jobs from 2023 to 2033, which aligns with the average growth rate for all occupations. Job availability can fluctuate based on variables like geography and the specific field of law you're interested in, so keep that in mind while planning your law career.
If we consider specialties, areas like health law, intellectual property law, environmental law, and data privacy law have seen increased demand, reflecting societal and technological shifts. Also, public interest law areas such as immigration and civil rights have a notable presence. However, the ebb and flow of demand in law specialities can be quite cyclical, so while these are 'hot' now, that might shift some in the years to come.
As for your undergraduate degree, it's better to focus on a subject that you love and can excel in, rather than a 'pre-law' type of major. Law schools don't prefer a specific major, and students come from diverse academic backgrounds. Studying something that develops your analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills would be beneficial, but that can happen through a wide range of majors.
That said, subjects like English, History, Philosophy, Economics, or Political Science/Government are generally popular choices for prospective lawyers, as they tend to emphasize reading, writing, and critical analysis, skills you'll use heavily in law school.
Lastly, internships or college extracurriculars related to law can give you practical exposure and reinforce your decision to pursue law or help you discover a niche within the field that suits your interest. Good luck with your pursuit!
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