Law.

Degree Overview

Law (CIP 22.0101) is the foundational professional discipline dedicated to the study, interpretation, and application of the rules that govern human conduct and societal structure. In the United States, this typically refers to the Juris Doctor (J.D.), a post-graduate professional degree. It is a path for "intellectual advocates" who want to master the art of adversarial reasoning, statutory construction, and ethical justice to represent clients, shape public policy, or preside over the judicial system.

This field is ideal for "high-stakes strategists"—individuals who possess a relentless drive for precision, a high tolerance for complex research, and the ability to persuade others through the power of evidence and logic.

What Is a Professional Law Degree?

A degree in Law is a rigorous professional program that emphasizes jurisprudence, procedural rules, and substantive legal doctrine. Unlike non-professional legal studies, this path is designed to satisfy the educational requirements for the Bar Examination, allowing graduates to become licensed attorneys. You will study the "Black Letter Law"—the fundamental rules of society—while developing the ability to analyze cases and predict how a court will rule based on precedent. It prepares you to be a "Guardian of the Rule of Law."

Schools offer this degree to:

• Train "Litigators" who represent individuals or corporations in civil and criminal court proceedings
• Develop experts in Transactional Law, focusing on the drafting of contracts, mergers, and real estate deals
• Prepare "Public Interest Lawyers" who work for the government or non-profits to defend civil rights and social justice
• Study Legal Philosophy, exploring the moral and ethical underpinnings of why certain laws exist and how they should evolve

What Will You Learn?

Students learn the "Socratic Method"—a technique of rigorous questioning used to expose contradictions and refine legal arguments. You focus on "Thinking Like a Lawyer."

Core Skills You’ll Build

Most students learn to:

• Master Case Analysis—extracting the "holding" (the rule) from a judicial opinion and applying it to new facts
• Use "Legal Writing" (IRAC: Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion) to produce objective memos and persuasive briefs
• Design Litigation Strategies—determining which evidence to present and which legal theories will win a case
• Perform Due Diligence—investigating the legal history and risks of a business or property before a sale
• Utilize Oral Advocacy—arguing complex points of law before judges, juries, and administrative boards
• Understand Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility—the strict codes of conduct that govern the attorney-client relationship

Topics You May Explore

Coursework covers the fundamental pillars of the American legal system:

• Constitutional Law: The study of the powers of the federal government and the protection of individual rights.
• Contracts: The legal mechanics of agreements between parties and the remedies for broken promises.
• Torts: Civil wrongs and injuries, covering everything from medical malpractice to defamation.
• Criminal Law and Procedure: The rules governing the prosecution of crimes and the constitutional rights of the accused.
• Property Law: The legal rights and obligations associated with owning land and personal belongings.
• Civil Procedure: The "Rulebook" for how a lawsuit moves through the court system from filing to appeal.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

Graduates find roles as licensed practitioners, adjudicators, and advisors in every sector of the global economy.

Common job roles include:

• Associate/Partner Attorney: Working in a law firm representing clients in specialized areas like IP, Family, or Corporate law.
• Public Defender/Prosecutor: Representing the state or indigent defendants in the criminal justice system.
• In-House Counsel: Serving as the full-time legal advisor for a single corporation or organization.
• Judge/Magistrate: Presiding over court proceedings and interpreting the law (usually after years of practice).
• Legal Analyst/Consultant: Providing expert commentary on legal developments for media or think tanks.
• Administrative Law Judge: Resolving disputes within government agencies like the Social Security Administration.

Where Can You Work?

Lawyers are the "navigators" of the institutional world:

• Private Law Firms: Ranging from "Big Law" international firms to small, local boutique practices.
• Government Bodies: Working at the DOJ, EPA, or as a JAG officer in the military.
• Corporate Headquarters: Managing the legal risks of global brands and tech giants.
• Non-Profit and Advocacy Groups: Working for the ACLU, Sierra Club, or International Justice Mission.
• Judicial Clerkships: Assisting judges in researching and drafting opinions in state and federal courts.

How Much Can You Earn?

Law is a "bimodal" profession, meaning there is a wide gap between public service salaries and high-end private practice.

• Big Law Associates: Starting salaries at top-tier firms can reach $200,000–$225,000+.
• In-House Corporate Counsel: Median annual salary of approximately $130,000–$190,000.
• Private Practice Attorneys (General): Median annual salary of around $127,000–$160,000.
• Public Defenders/Prosecutors: Often start between $60,000 and $85,000.

Is This Degree Hard?

The difficulty is in the volume of reading and the precision of thought. Law school is famous for its "three-year grind," where you must read thousands of pages of dense text and be prepared to be cold-called in class. It requires a highly analytical, thick-skinned, and detail-oriented mindset. You must be comfortable with ambiguity—law is rarely "black and white"—and you must be able to argue both sides of an issue with equal vigor. It is a major that rewards those who thrive under pressure and have a high "cognitive endurance."

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a good fit if you:

• Love to read, write, and deconstruct complex arguments
• Are fascinated by how society balances the rights of the individual vs. the power of the state
• Want a career that offers high social status and the potential for significant financial reward
• Are interested in a role where your primary "weapon" is your voice and your pen
• Have a deep respect for ethics, rules, and the mechanics of justice

How to Prepare for Law School

• Take AP English and AP History; Law is 90% reading and writing
• Take a Logic or Philosophy course; the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is almost entirely based on formal logic
• Participate in Mock Trial or Speech and Debate to build your oral advocacy skills
• Practice "Active Reading"—don't just read the words, look for the underlying argument and evidence
• Read The Bluebook or similar guides to get a head start on the unique world of legal citation

The ability to apply rigorous legal logic and ethical mastery to the complexities of human conflict is the hallmark of a successful professional in this field.