What do I need??

[Welshie-95]

Im in year 9 and will have to choose my options soon. I want to become a lawyer, but not sure what options to take......!? I would like to take either History, R.E, French or Geography, but I'm not sure which one's best. I enjoy every one, and am quite good at them all, so I would like to choose one that is suited for my career plan.

[Barmaid]

You are best to stick to academic subjects and any of the above will be fine (history seems to be a particular favourite amongst lawyers). The most important thing will be the grades you achieve. You will need good grades to get accepted onto an A level course, and once again you will need good grades at A level to get a university place.

[jen78]

History would be a good one as there is a lot of reading and remembering of historical things involved in studying law.

Having a language or two is always good as well. Gives you an option of doing a mixed degree and good to help with communication skills and give you an option doing international law or working or getting experience abroad.

Don't worry too much, as Chris says, it is the grades which are important though I agree the more academic the better really.

When I'm looking at CV's then I'd look at grades and consistency rather than subjects though faffy subjects which may suggest going for the easier option may make me reconsider.

I'm a solicitor and my GCSE options were french and history, did french, german and spanish at A-Level and started a uni degree in french, german and italian but switched to law after the first year.

People come from all kinds of backgrounds as now you can do a different degree then a year long law conversion course to get into law school.

[jen78]

Sorry Barmaid, am having a proper day to day, had just been reading another thread where Chris (Buenchico) had been on lol :)

[happyjo]

Hi

You need to focus on both your academic subjects AND extra curriculum stuff too. he academic training to become a lawyer is not difficult if you focused, getting a training contract is the hard part. For every 20 graduates there is 1 training contract, so you need to set yourself apart from other lawyers to be.

Try to get some work experience in the holidays, apply to local small law firms ( at 14-15 you wont get any big firms offering work experience) and ask to work for free, even making cups of tea, or running errands.

If you don't have a Saturday job try to get one. Your CV will look good if you can show you have worked hard to support yourself from a young age.

If you are sporty join a team. If you are interested in helping people, then volunteer for a local organisation.

I know this sounds daunting ontop of the academic work, but these extra things are long term and can be ongoing over the next few years.

As for academics, choose subjects that will compliment your degree. English is handy, Business Studies, History, and a language is handy incase you want to work for a firm hich practises overseas.

Good luck!!!

J x