The Best Degrees For People With A Passion For Law & Order
Published on: September 24, 2023
Without laws, society would descend into anarchy, which could cause violence and unrest. Laws are important to provide people with rules that protect them as well as their belongings. If you have a passion for law and order that you want to turn into a career, then the following degrees can set you on the path to success.
What Skills Are Needed For A Law-Related Career?
A good knowledge of the law is essential for a career in this field but there are also a few other essential soft skills that can boost your prospects. These are all skills that can set you apart from other candidates when applying for a job.
**Teamwork:** Teamwork is not often associated with working in the legal industry, but many jobs in this field require you to work alongside both colleagues and clients. Collaboration and communication are essential for achieving good results.
**Empathy:** People working in the legal industry are often portrayed as cold and uncaring in movies or television shows, but in reality having empathy is a huge advantage. Emotional intelligence is needed when dealing with cases that have to be treated sensitively and clients need someone they can trust.
**Problem-Solving:** To achieve the best results for your employer and client you will need good problem-solving skills. People working in the legal industry often have to deal with complex situations that have to be handled delicately.
**Organization:** The legal industry is ideally suited for people who are very organized and able to focus their attention where needed. Working with legal documents and doing research are common activities that benefit from being organized.
**Attention to Detail:** The legal profession requires you to have excellent attention to detail as even the smallest mistakes can be very costly. These consequences can range from losing a client to costing your firm money, so it is vital that you can spot mistakes and interpret legal documents correctly.
What Are The Best Degrees For Working In The Law Industry?
Juris Doctor
The Juris Doctor degree is the primary graduate degree in law and is also a requirement for any student who wants to sit for a bar exam. There are a few online institutions that offer the J.D. as an online degree program, although these typically require students to perform externships where an attorney or judge can provide supervision in real legal settings. Most accredited online J.D. programs also provide students with in-person weekend residencies on campus to connect with lawyers and judges while making use of trial courtrooms. Enrolling in a Juris Doctor degree requires students to have a Bachelor’s degree and the required LSAT or GRE scores. Courses that are included in the curriculum include Torts, Legislation and Regulatory State, Constitutional Law, Evidence, and more.
Master of Laws
Students who have completed their Juris Doctor degree often pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) degree to gain more specialized knowledge. This allows them to focus on certain aspects of the law, such as taxation, human rights, environmental law, and so on. For example, a Master of Laws in International Legal Studies can help legal professionals or practicing lawyers gain a better understanding of the international sphere and specialize in topics such as business law, international human rights, trade policy, and so on.
Doctor of Juridical Science
The Doctor of Juridical Science is considered to be the most advanced law degree. It is aimed at those who wish to pursue sustained independent study, research, and writing in the field of law. To apply for a Doctor of Juridical Science degree candidates must have attained a Juris Doctor degree and completed a Master of Laws degree. In addition to coursework, students must also complete an oral examination and dissertation phase.
What Law Degrees Are Available If I Don’t Want To Become An Attorney?
The American Bar Association requires students to have completed a Juris Doctor degree to sit for the bar exam or practice law, but there are a few other law degrees for students who do not plan on becoming attorneys. These degrees can help them understand the law and gain the legal skills needed to thrive in various industries.
Juris Master
The Juris Master's degree can be completed online and provides students with a broad, in-depth study of legal issues. This degree is typically based on a streamlined core of legal studies which students can then customize with electives. Courses may include an Introduction to Legal Systems and Research, Legal Writing and Analysis, Constitutional Law as well as Jurisprudence and Legal History.
Juris Master in American Legal Studies
The Juris Master in American Legal Studies degree is aimed at people who are employed in the business world and regularly have to interact with lawyers. It teaches students the fundamental principles of constitutional law and features courses such as Contracts Law, Criminal Law, American Business Law, and Law and Economics.
Juris Master in Compliance
The Juris Master in Compliance degree equips students with the critical expertise required to deal with compliance requirements from government agencies for companies and organizations. These include nonprofits, education, healthcare, and all other industries that have to deal with local or federal governments. Courses may include Administrative Law, Corporate Compliance Survey, Ethics and Professional Responsibility, and Healthcare Compliance.
Juris Master in Health Law
Those working in the medical field can benefit from a Juris Master in Health Law degree to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations governing the healthcare industry. It covers courses such as Healthcare Compliance, Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Healthcare and Bioethics, and Health Law Survey.
Juris Master in International Law and Legal Studies
The Juris Master in International Law and Legal Studies degree is a good option for those who want a better understanding of international legal issues. This is useful in an increasingly global economy as international law affects a lot of industries. Course topics range from International Business Law and International Trade Law to International Law and Diplomacy and The Law of Armed Conflict.
Conclusion
Working in the legal field can be a lot more stressful than other career paths as you might have to deal with heavy workloads as well as strict deadlines. You will often also be required to work on very complex problems or demanding cases where the consequences of making mistakes can be costly. Nevertheless, it is an industry where people with the right skills and a passion for the work can thrive.