Lawyers provide professional advice and services related to criminal justice, government relations, advocacy, and public policy. Practicing law requires many of the research and thinking skills you have cultivated as a theology major, including making robust arguments about complex issues and texts. It also opens possibilities for offering legal services to underserved populations and advocating for legal and policy changes that support the common good.

Your theology coursework has given you skills and perspectives that will be helpful in this field:

• Reading and analyzing complex texts, which has given you robust research habits necessary to understand and apply the law.

• Making strong, well-supported arguments, which you will practice in the courtroom or in legal briefs.

• Synthesizing and communicating complex information to different audiences, which will be helpful as you communicate with clients and other stakeholders.

While at Fordham

The most important thing you can do to explore the possibility of attending law school is to take advantage of Fordham’s pre-law advising program. These advisors can offer specific advice that is based on your own situation, interests, and skills. Furthermore, they can give you suggestions on preparing your application and connect you with opportunities to give you relevant experiences, help you discern your interest in this path, and strengthen your law school application.

Common suggestions for preparing for law school include:

• Sharpen your writing and critical reasoning skills. Take challenging courses that will help you work on these skills with professors who are able to mentor you. Build relationships with faculty members who can write you impressive recommendations.

• Get involved with extracurriculars that highlight your interests and leadership potential.

• Start studying for the LSAT early, as it is a crucial part of a competitive application.

Following Graduation

To become an attorney, you need to attend law school. Some students do so after receiving their undergraduate degree. However, the majority of law students elect to take a few years off, during which they gain work experience, study for the LSAT, and strengthen their applications. There are few downsides to this—in fact, additional work or life experience is often regarded as a strength in law school applications.

In between undergraduate and law school, many choose jobs that help them build skills necessary for the study and practice of law, such as research, analysis, and communication. Relevant fields might include business, journalism, or non-profit work. Others commit to a year or two of service. Some service programs let you specialize in particular areas, and others offer formal connections to law school.