<p>I know some law schools offer joint degrees in law and religious studies---- I'm interested in 'religious ethics' and the relationship between political and religious obligation and ethical action. I'm also interested in law as an instrument of social and political change. How well would these two fields compliment each other, and how difficult would it be for me to make a career for myself (in public policy, academia, the legal profession, or all three)?</p>
<p>I hope this makes sense. Thanks for any and all replies!</p>
<p>i think it's certainly an interesting field! you stand a much greater chance of getting a job in academia if you go to one of the very top schools (Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, Michigan, Chicago are probably the top producers of professors), but even then it's a very tough job market. </p>
<p>If you're interested in working in government afterwards, students from christian-affiliated law schools have done very well in the current federal administration. but who knows how things will be once you graduate from law school? My guess is that the dual degree will be at best a neutral (and probably worse than that, since it might make employers question your commitment to a more typical legal career) for most jobs. </p>
<p>If you're interested in doing law that's related to religion (don't really know what that would be...maybe nonprofits/employment/immigration, with your client base mostly being religious organizations? or first amendment type work) it could help, but there probably aren't that many jobs in those fields. </p>
<p>I'm doing a dual degree program right now, in an area that fits in with the type of law I want to practice. I've found that it's a detriment to employment at many "typical" firms. But, I'm still glad I'm doing it and I never felt like I had to work a "typical" biglaw firm anyway. The places that I'm best suited to are the ones that respect the dual degree--the same may be true for you.</p>