The Importance of Law
Out of the 46 Presidents of the United States, 27 of them worked as lawyers. It is no coincidence that more than half of these leaders had a background in law.
If you look at countries around the world, you will notice a similar trend. This fact has probably not escaped your notice and would have piqued your interest about the legal field. But realistically, why should you study law? Your research will probably yield these results.
Pursuing law will probably be one of the best decisions you make in life. Law graduates are some of the most dynamic, insightful, intellectually-driven, passionate individuals. They also leave the greatest impact on every level of society. This is because the study of law is more than just memorising and regurgitating case studies, judgements and statutes – you will learn how to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in any given situation, making you an invaluable asset to any firm or company.
Your three to four years in law school will provide you with an incomparable breadth and depth of knowledge as you learn how legal aspects tie in with our everyday lives. You will expand on the ability to argue and introspect critically, analytically, rationally and creatively in order to provide the most appropriate solutions to any given problem.
Aside from critical thinking and knowledge, you will also acquire the ability to delve into philosophies, human emotions and intellect, allowing you to manage and mediate delicate situations with diplomacy.
‘Reading the room’ is not a common skill – it requires sensitivity to surroundings and an understanding of how people think and feel. The legal profession, similar to many others, revolves around people and their grievances. As such, this ability is absolutely vital in any form of work.
At this point of your research, you most likely understand how studying law will cultivate the most sought after skills by employers everywhere, but does it truly enhance your career prospects and earning propensity? The simple answer is…
In our current economic climate, the employability of law graduates has increased drastically. While digital and IT skills are invaluable, companies and firms are also looking for bright individuals who are able to lead their institutions into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
With an array of skills to offer, law graduates become almost indispensable within any organisation, thus increasing their career prospects and earning propensities.
And finally, the most compelling reason…
Law is everywhere. From buying groceries at a supermarket, paying for your parking ticket, signing an employment contract, driving on a highway – there are various laws that govern each facet of our lives. And this is exactly why an understanding of the law and how it operates is incredibly beneficial. It is impossible to familiarise ourselves with every legislation and case law but once you comprehend how the legal framework operates, it becomes infinitely easier to navigate through life and work.
As Malaysia faces heightened political tensions, an increasingly globalised economy, endless controversies and high-profile legal cases, you will find that the law ties in with almost every level of governance. It is also at the core of social justice and human rights struggles.
It is evident that law impacts all of our lives, from domestic issues to social injustices, it has a direct influence on our global decision making and shapes the world around us. Studying law or criminology requires you to possess a varied set of skills, which you will build upon as you engage in debate, think analytically and confront challenging perspectives.
And once equipped with a law degree, the best thing will be to keep upskilling yourself, charting potential pathways to a successful career.
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