Becoming a lawyer is a career goal that demands dedication, persistence, and the proper education. If you are in Los Angeles, California, and wondering what courses are needed to become a lawyer, you’re not alone. Many aspiring attorneys begin their journey by understanding the educational roadmap before investing years into law school.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the courses you need, the skills they build, and how the Los Angeles legal landscape influences your studies.
Step 1: Understanding the Lawyer Education Path in Los Angeles
In the United States, including Los Angeles, becoming a lawyer generally requires three main stages:
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Undergraduate Education – Earning a bachelor’s degree.
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Law School – Completing a Juris Doctor (JD) program.
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Bar Exam – Passing the California Bar Examination.
But the real question is—what courses should you take to prepare for these steps? Let’s break it down.
Step 2: Recommended Undergraduate Courses for Aspiring Lawyers
While you don’t need a specific “pre-law” major, certain undergraduate courses help you develop the skills necessary for law school and legal practice.
1. Political Science
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Why it matters: Gives you an understanding of how government systems work—essential for constitutional and criminal law in Los Angeles.
2. English & Writing
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Why it matters: Lawyers write a lot. These courses sharpen your writing and critical reading abilities.
3. History
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Why it matters: Understanding legal history helps you interpret laws and precedents.
4. Philosophy (Especially Logic & Ethics)
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Why it matters: Improves your reasoning, argumentation, and understanding of justice—key to both litigation and negotiation.
5. Public Speaking or Communication
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Why it matters: In Los Angeles courtrooms, presentation skills can make or break a case.
6. Sociology or Psychology
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Why it matters: Understanding human behavior helps in jury selection, negotiations, and client relations.
Step 3: Law School Courses in Los Angeles
Once admitted to law school (like UCLA School of Law or USC Gould School of Law), you will take courses that form the foundation of legal practice.
Core Law School Courses:
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Contracts – Covers legally binding agreements, vital for business law in LA.
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Constitutional Law – Crucial for understanding state and federal rights.
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Criminal Law – Especially relevant in Los Angeles, where criminal defense and prosecution are major legal sectors.
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Civil Procedure – Teaches how lawsuits move through the court system.
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Property Law – Important in a city with a complex real estate market.
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Torts – Focuses on personal injury law, a growing field in LA.
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Legal Research & Writing – Builds the skill of writing briefs, motions, and legal memos.
Step 4: Elective & Specialized Courses for Los Angeles Lawyers
In law school, electives let you specialize. In Los Angeles, consider:
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Entertainment Law – LA is the hub of film, music, and media.
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Immigration Law – Relevant due to LA’s diverse population.
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Environmental Law – Important in California’s regulatory environment.
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Business & Corporate Law – Essential for working with startups and major companies.
Step 5: Continuing Education & California Bar Preparation
Even after law school, you’ll need to pass the California Bar Exam. This requires taking Bar prep courses covering:
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California-specific laws
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Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) topics
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Practice essays and performance tests
Why Los Angeles Location Matters for Your Legal Courses
The city you study in shapes your legal education. In Los Angeles:
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Entertainment & IP Law are more prominent.
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Real Estate Law is highly complex due to zoning and property disputes.
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Criminal Law cases are influenced by California’s state laws and LA’s court culture.
Studying locally also means building networks with Los Angeles law firms, which can lead to internships and job opportunities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re asking, what courses are needed to become a lawyer in Los Angeles, the answer is a mix of strong undergraduate preparation, core law school classes, and electives that reflect the city’s unique legal needs. With the right course selection, you’ll build the skills to succeed—not just in passing the bar, but in thriving as a practicing attorney in LA’s competitive legal market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need a pre-law major to become a lawyer in Los Angeles?
No. You can major in any subject, but political science, history, and English are common choices.
2. Can I go to law school in LA without studying in California first?
Yes, but studying locally can give you connections and familiarity with California law.
3. What GPA do I need for law school in Los Angeles?
Competitive schools like UCLA and USC often look for GPAs above 3.5.
4. How long does it take to become a lawyer in Los Angeles?
Typically 7 years—4 for undergrad, 3 for law school.
5. Is entertainment law only offered in LA?
No, but LA has the highest concentration of entertainment law opportunities.
6. Are there online courses for aspiring lawyers in Los Angeles?
Yes, but most law schools still require in-person attendance for the JD degree.
7. What is the hardest course in law school?
Many students find Constitutional Law and Civil Procedure challenging.
8. Do I need math courses to become a lawyer?
Not necessarily, but accounting or finance courses can help in business law.
9. Can I specialize in more than one legal area?
Yes, through electives, internships, and continuing education.
10. Do Los Angeles law schools require the LSAT?
Most still do, but some accept the GRE.
