Selecting which area of law to specialize in can seem like a daunting task. There are niche areas such as admiralty law to the more broad corporate and healthcare law. While the vast array of options to specialize in law can seem like a good thing, it can feel overwhelming if you are unsure which field of law to specialize in. Below are some tips to help you hone in on the area of law that is most suitable for you.
One of the best things you can do in law school is to experiment with different types of law. You will probably have to take required classes during your first year of schooling, but the second and third year allows law students to select their courses. This is a perfect way to learn about and discover the different kinds of law you can practice and pursue a career in.
Another great tip is to find out what you like and are good at. Suppose you have excellent public speaking skills and enjoy being in front of people. In that case, a trial lawyer specializing in litigation can be a good career choice for you. Someone who prefers to do more research and writing than arguing can be better suited to intellectual property and corporate law.
We have all heard that we should follow our passion. This is good advice when it comes to law practice. If you are passionate about the environment, consider specializing in environmental law. People interested in finance can look into bankruptcy law and financial regulatory law. You can let your passion and interests drive you into a field of law to specialize in. Just make sure you thoroughly research what you are passionate about so you know what opportunities are waiting for you.
Many people can help you decide on which area of law to specialize in. Consider talking to practicing attorneys and ask them how they selected their area of law. It might be possible to even volunteer or intern for a few days at a law firm to understand better what kind of work is involved in that law field.
If you are a current law student, then the career counseling office can be a great tool to help you decide what field of law is suitable for you. Your law school can also help you find a summer internship to give you hands-on experience with different kinds of law.
You should also consider your educational background. If you have a background in science or engineering, then patent law might be the perfect fit for you. Someone with a business background might be especially suited for corporate law and even property law. If you majored in political science, specializing in administrative law can perfectly complement your existing background. Let your educational background compliment or even guide you in the area of law you choose to specialize in.