<p>It is my freshman year and I am required to learn a language. I'm stuck b/t French and Spanish. I personally don't care which one I study, but being a prospective lawyer does it matter which language I learn? I know maybe down the road in life, Spanish is more spoken than French, but will it matter which language I take for just practicing at a law firm?</p>
<p>English is good for practicing law in the States. No joke. Other than that, nobody will care.</p>
<p>Knowing another language can certainly be helpful in certain cross-border finance transactions or project finance projects abroad, for example. If choosing a language to learn for these purposes, I would definitely suggest spanish over french, simply because spanish is spoken in so many more countries than is french, however, you must be truly fluent in the language for it to make a difference in terms of hiring. Often, the most important factor (in addition to language skills) in working in a foreign country, particularly when working with foreign governments (in obtaining approvals, permits, licenses, etc.) is knowledge of the culture of that particular country.</p>
<p>I would probably recommend you go with whichever you prefer, but it is likely true that Spanish would help you more in this country. However, both are spoken by many millions of people, and both are the official languages of more than 20 countries.</p>
<p>It really depends on where you want to practice- French/English are the two main working languages at the UN. (Sure there are six, but most of the work is actually done in one of these two) I've found that French is a great language for living and working in Europe where basically everywhere you go someone will speak French, German or English. If you want to work in bilateral U.S.- Mexico relations for instance, learning Spanish would be the no-brainer.
Realistically, if you are just taking a class to fulfill a requirement, it doesn't matter, the real choice would be if you were choosing a language in which you'd like to be fluent. A couple of college classes in a language would in no way, shape or form make you more competitive, however having functionally native speaking and writing skills will.</p>
<p>well, cestlavie, with that screename I m not surprised you favor French. lol. :)</p>
<p>I'd say French for business, politics and diplomacy--if only to seem well-educated. And Spanish for public service (which may put you in the running for some NICE scholarships at top schools). Having said that, like many people have said it before, unless you are planning to gain native level fluency so you could hipothetically pass the LSAT in that language, it's pointless to pursue a second language for law. Being required "to learn a language" usually means two years at the college level. I mean, sure you'll be able to ask foreign attorneys things like "where is the restroom", but you'll look rather foolish in the process.</p>
<p>I entirely agree with Sally: knowledge of a culture is far more important--if only so you can know what to watch for when conversing (ie body language, expressions, etiquette, even if you are conversing in English.</p>