Space Lawyers

High School

In high school, take classes in business, economics, finance, computer science, accounting, philosophy, and psychology. Mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering courses will give you a beginning framework of the science behind space technology and exploration (which you’ll augment by taking more specialized courses in colleges and law school). Learning a foreign language will increase your attractiveness to potential employers because space law involves interactions with lawyers and clients from many countries. To be successful in this career, you’ll need to be a top-notch communicator and debater, so be sure to take English, writing, and speech classes, as well as participate in the debate club.

Postsecondary Education

The first step to becoming a lawyer is to earn a bachelor’s degree. Many aspiring attorneys earn degrees in prelaw or legal studies before heading to law school, but others choose to earn degrees in aerospace engineering, general engineering, or a related field because space law is especially complex. Most law schools require that applicants pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The Law School Admission Council provides information about preparing for and taking the LSAT at http://www.lsac.org.

Approximately 197 law schools and law programs are accredited by the American Bar Association. Visit https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/resources/aba_approved_law_schools for a list of schools. A degree of juris doctor (J.D.) or bachelor of laws (LL.B.) is usually granted upon graduation.

The University of Mississippi’s School of Law (https://law.olemiss.edu/academics-programs/llm) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Law (https://law.unl.edu/spacecyberlaw) are the only law schools that offer concentrations in space law.

Certification

Some attorneys choose to earn a master of laws (LL.M) degree, an advanced law certification that helps them progress in their careers. LL.M programs, which typically last one year, are offered in many areas that will be useful to space lawyers—such as business law, commerce and technology, corporate law/corporate governance/corporate compliance, intellectual property, and litigation/trial advocacy. Two schools— the University of Mississippi and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln—offer LL.M programs in air and space law. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications LL.M program. A first law degree is required for admission to LL.M programs. Visit https://www.lsac.org/llm-other-law-program-applicants for more information. Additionally, you can see a list of LL.M specialties and the law schools that offer them at https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/resources/llm-degrees_post_j_d_non_j_d.

Other Education or Training

The American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division offers career development videos and webinars such as Practical Tools: Managing Time and Maintaining Resilience; Legal Writing Resiliency: Giving and Taking Feedback (from Others and Yourself); Volunteering to Enhance Your Career; Keeping Pace with Technology: Technology Tips and Practice Advice; and Millennial Lawyers: Improve Your Professionalism and Jumpstart Your Career. The Association of Corporate Counsel provides in-person and online continuing education. Topics include litigation, compliance, contract negotiation, ethics, and basic practice skills. The American Society of International Law, International Bar Association, International Institute of Space Law, International Law Association, and many other professional associations and organizations also provide continuing education opportunities.