December 5, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR CHRISTINE KUTA IN MA
History and English are both fine subjects to prepare for a career in law. They will give you a good background for doing the reading and writing involved in legal practice. Lawyering involves a broad skill set and there are a number of elective courses you may find useful in addition to your college history and English classes. Classes in logic and argumentation would be very useful. These classes would help you analyze cases and fact patterns in law school. Later, in law practice, these classes would help you formulate solutions for your clients. Classes or activities that involve public speaking would also be useful. Even if you do not become the type of lawyer who argues cases in court, you will probably have to make presentations to clients. Business classes, particularly marketing, would also be useful. Don't worry if you can't fit everything in to your college years -- many skills can be learned in law school and later on the job.