Law Careers
Present Your Case
Law school is a big decision—are you up for the challenge?
Law is a well-respected and fulfilling career, but it can be quite challenging. As a law school student, you'll be expected to engage in rigorous courses, complete internships to gain hands-on experience and do extracurricular activities. It's a big investment, from time to money to energy, so be sure to explore the legal profession before you make the decision to go to law school.
What Should I Major In?
Short answer: it doesn't really matter. However, by the end of your degree, you must have excellent reading, writing and analytical skills to succeed in law school. A double major, or adding a minor, does not increase the odds of getting into law school, but it can improve your skills and broaden your knowledge. Most UW-Green Bay graduates who go onto law school major in:
Democracy & Justice Studies
Deepen your understanding of political and social orders to learn how to make lasting change. Many future lawyers choose Legal Studies as an emphasis in this program.
Public Administration
Communities need people to advocate for making positive change through public policy as well as public and nonprofit organizations. With this degree, you'll gain the skills you need to do so.
Political Science
Through our research lab and community partnerships, you'll develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis and communication to analyze and act on issues that matter.
Criminal Justice
There is no better time to expand courses that deal with issues of structural racism, classism, sexism and other types of exclusion in policing, courts, immigration, corrections and the administration of justice.
Recommended Courses
Law schools do not require students to major in certain subjects or take certain courses. Rather, they seek intellectually curious students with superb critical thinking, reading and writing skills. As such, take courses that will enable you to hone these skills. We recommend the following courses:
- DJS 320 Constitutional Law
- DJS 325 Law and Society
- COMM 380 Communication Law
- DJS 348 Gender and the Law
- FNS 392 First Nations Justice and Tribal Governments
- PHILOS 327 Philosophy, Politics and the Law
- POL SCI 378 Environmental Law
- EPP 379 Natural Resources Policy, Law and Administration
- PUB ADM 314 Administrative Law
- PUB ADM 306 Regulatory Policy
- BUS ADM 305 Legal Environment of Business
- BUS ADM 306 Business Law
- HRM 466 Employment Law
Improve the Odds
Boost your chances of getting into law school by engaging in activities outside the classroom. It's never too early to start thinking like a lawyer:
- Build Relationships with Professors: Cultivate connections so they know you and your work well enough to write strong letters of recommendation.
- Stay Current: Keep up with news and events daily. This habit not only keeps you updated but also hones critical reading skills, essential for the LSAT's reading comprehension section.
Legal Paths
Discover where a law degree can lead.
While many law graduates use their degree to practice law, it doesn't mean becoming a lawyer is the only path. A law degree opens doors to a variety of exciting career paths. Work in the private sector, legal offices of corporations, businesses, government agencies or non-profit organizations. Challenge yourself to excel in whichever direction chosen. Possible job titles include:
- Lawyer
- Compliance Manager
- Diplomatic Agent
- Management Consultant
- Policy Analyst
- Chief Legal Officer
- Law Librarian
- Campaign Manager
- News Reporter
- Professor
Ask an Advisor
Thinking about a career in law? You've got an advocate in Professor Elizabeth Wheat, your Pre-Law Advisor. With her eclectic expertise, ranging from environmental issues to experiential learning and law school guidance, she's here to support you every step of the way.