Some experts caution against earning a specifically “pre-law” degree if you wish to attend law school. Admission rates to law school are higher for philosophy, economics and journalism majors than for pre-law or criminal studies majors, according to one recent study. [3] X Research source Whatever major you select, the best advice is to work hard and earn the highest grades you can.
As one example, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, you can become a magistrate with a bachelor’s degree or even a two-year associate’s degree if you have four years of additional relevant work experience. [4] X Research source Becoming a child support magistrate in the state of Minnesota requires a law degree. [5] X Research source In the U. K. , a magistrate does not require any particular legal training. This is a volunteer position that serves 26 half-day sessions per year, and training will be provided. [6] X Research source
To earn admission to an accredited law school, in the United States at least, you must earn high scores on the LSAT (Law School Aptitude Test). This is a standardized test that most law schools use as a predictor of success. For help preparing for the LSAT, see Score Higher on the LSAT.
For one particular magistrate job in the U. S. , related fields are defined to include teaching, social services, law enforcement, arbitration or mediation, the court system, or counseling. [8] X Research source The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most people who become magistrates have worked previously as attorneys. However, they also report that related fields can include arbitrators, mediators, paralegals and private investigators. [9] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source If you wish to be a magistrate in the U. K. , you are encouraged to understand documents, follow evidence, analyze problems logically, and communicate effectively. You will want to find related fields that allow you to demonstrate these skills. [10] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
For example, the position of Child Support Magistrate in Minnesota requires that you have seven years of legal experience, particularly in the field of family law and child support law. [12] X Research source
To be a magistrate in the U. K. , you are required to observe court in session at least once (more is recommended) within the twelve months prior to your application. [13] X Research source
For example, the Career Support Office at George Washington University Law School, in Washington, D. C. , offers assistance to current students, alumni, and even prospective students. [14] X Research source The Harvard University Law School Office of Career Services includes an online resource that allows students and alumni to search for open job opportunities. [15] X Research source This is a feature common to many other law schools as well.
In the U. K. , you are encouraged to review the official site Gov. UK. That site contains information about the position, current or anticipate vacancies, and application information. [16] X Research source Within the state of Massachusetts, as another example, the official state government site Mass. gov contains a link to Massachusetts Court System jobs. From there, you can search by individual court level or by location to find magistrate jobs throughout the state. [17] X Trustworthy Source State of Massachusetts Official website for the State of Massachusetts Go to source
