Most people don't typically associate studying arts subjects like literature, philosophy, or art history with pursuing a career as a lawyer. However, having an educational background in the arts can actually provide some unexpected advantages for those interested in the legal profession. Here are a few key ways that the arts can help cultivate important skills for aspiring lawyers:
Develop Strong Communication Skills
At the core of being an effective lawyer is the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, both in writing and orally. Studying subjects like literature, where you analyze complex texts and write extensive essays and papers, helps hone these crucial communication abilities. Discussing and writing about themes, characters, and literary devices translates well to breaking down legal arguments and cases.
Foster Critical Thinking and Analysis
Thinking critically and analyzing issues from multiple angles is paramount for lawyers. Courses in philosophy, art history, and other humanities teach you how to think abstractly, question assumptions, consider different perspectives, and construct well-reasoned arguments - skills that directly transfer to analyzing legal cases and situations.
Understand Human Nature and Motivations
Having insight into human nature and what motivates people is helpful for lawyers when dealing with clients, juries, judges and others. Studying fields like literature, philosophy and psychology within the arts and humanities provides a deeper understanding of human experiences, emotions, behavior and decision making processes.
Appreciate Multiple Viewpoints and Contexts
Just as great literature examines the world through diverse cultural lenses, top-notch lawyers need to be able to see legal issues through various contexts - whether historical, ethical, socio-economic or others. An arts education helps expand students' perspective on how issues can be viewed through different frames of reference.
While an undergraduate degree in a conventional subject like political science or business may seem most applicable for pre-law, having a background richer in the arts and humanities should not be discounted. The skills developed througharts-focused curriculums provide a strong foundation for many of the talents needed to succeed as a lawyer.