I want to be a special needs lawyer

Question

I want to be a special needs lawyer when i grow up. I am only in 8th grade, but i am thinking about college. A special needs lawyer combines the two things i love most. My brother has autism, and people like him need somebody to fight for them. Also, i love doing what is right. I was wondering what some good colleges are for this job, and what a good major might be for this field of work. Thank you!!

Answer 1

WOW, that is a GREAT idea! With corruption of special ed  being widespread in public schools all across the country, this will be great.

Also, there is a shortage of special ed lawyers.

The best site for special ed laws, owned by top US sped attorney Pete Wright is here

www.wrightslaw.com

Take a look around, you'll learn alot. There is also a blog on that site that he writes.

Answer 2

You would likely need to look into programs which focus on civil rights areas of law and further specialize into disability rights.  You may also specialize as an educational attorney.  However, I would think that most of those would work in some capacity for a school system or a college, etc.   If you post this question into the law sections you may receive some better suggestions.  

Your focus now should be on making as close to valedictorian as possible.  You will need excellent grades, SAT's, recommendations, club participation and possibly sports to gain entrance into a top  undergraduate school.  I would certainly join the debate club and a leadership club by tenth grade. Focus on getting ahead as much as possible and read as many history type books as possible now. It will make your understanding of case law in a historical context much easier.  

As far as law school is concerned, majors can be very diverse.  Most common majors include criminal justice or history.  A valuable minor may be education, psychology, communication or an area that supports the type of law you wish to pursue.  

Best wishes!

Answer 3

It's great that you are thinking ahead for your career, and it's also great that you want to do something socially responsible.  I also have a sibling with a disability, and that was the inspiration for my career as a special education teacher.  I really think that sometimes - whether you want to credit God or some other powerful force - we get the situations we need to lead us to our destiny.  

Don't worry too much about specific colleges at this point.  You will need to do well in high school, and then go to college for your B.A. degree.  The truth is that the college where you get your undergraduate degree is not super important.  If you are a super student and get a scholarship to Harvard or Princeton, then great;  but if not, look at a college in your own state, where you can get a break on tuition.  Think about a major in political science or history, because both of these have relevance to a law degree.  Law is created through political action, and history is relevant because much of law has to do with past practice.  

Whatever major you choose, be involved in activities that give you relevant experience.  Even in 8th grade, you can volunteer in programs for people with autism or other developmental disabilities.  Not only will you have great experiences in working with people with special needs, you will also make contacts with people that can help you with your career goals.  Don't be shy about talking to staff and parents about your interests - as a teenager, I made many contacts by volunteering in my sister's program, which led to part-time jobs, a small scholarship, and lots of letters of reference.

Early on while you are getting your undergraduate college degree, talk to your advisors about your career goal.  Ask them for advice on recommended courses, possible contacts, schools to attend for your law degree, etc.