Degree
UBC Philosophy BA ’09
Occupation
Lawyer
Biography
During my undergraduate degree, I was interested in politics and current events (in addition to philosophy). Law seemed like a logical extension of those interests.
Everyone says that philosophy teaches you how to think and write – I agree with that, and it has served me well. Philosophy taught me how to think through an argument and critically analyze it. It also taught me how to write an argument. These are skill that I apply almost every day in my job. As a lawyer, a significant portion of my job is to construct arguments in support of my clients’ interests and do so in a way that is clear, logical and (hopefully) compelling. I also have to defend those arguments from counterarguments.
I also think philosophy provided me with a fairly well-rounded undergraduate education. Studying philosophy also meant learning about history, gender studies, literature and cognitive science. These are topics that continue to interest me and philosophy provided me with some insight and a way of thinking about them.
Philosophy grads make good lawyers. Many lawyers, especially in litigation, have philosophy backgrounds. Law has its own challenges, but if you enjoy the intellectual exercises you learn in philosophy, you may enjoy the practice of law.
