Even though I will be a law student, should I get a PharmD or PhD in a chemistry-related field in the future?

[colum]

I am a 21 year old female, I am a 2011 grad, and I will be an entering law student in Fall 2011. In undergrad, I majored in chemistry and minored in biology and psychology. I chose chemistry because I loved learning about everything science and I am really good at getting the core concepts. I did a couple of chemistry research internships, one I did at my school and the other was a highly competitive NSF-funded REU program at Cornell. It took me a couple of years of "getting my hands dirty" to realize I disliked working in lab. I found myself to not be research-minded and unmotivated doing syntheses and instrumental analyses. This created a post-grad dilemma for me because I never saw myself as a teacher/professor and I don't think I could handle medical school. I truly want to go to move on to grad school.

A friend of mine had suggested that I consider law school for patent law in particular. I've done some research and talked to several people and I decided to pursue a law degree at UNH Law School (formerly Franklin Pierce Law Center) to concentrate in intellectual property. I was accepted in early April with a partial scholarship and I already have living plans arranged.

A lot of the patent law attorneys require 5-10+ years of experience drafting patent applications and many require advanced degrees in the sciences.My ultimate goal would be to become a patent attorney for the FDA or some other governmental agency but a lot of patent attorneys get advanced degrees in science, publish research, do R&D, etc. first. I am now starting to think I am doing things backwards.

With that being said, I am beginning to think I should have more under my belt like a chemistry PhD or pharmacy degree if I want to contend with other patent law attorneys. I would even consider a masters in chemical engineering because engineers are in such high demand.

As crazy as it seems, I'm starting to think my best bet is to become a professional student! I want neither the law degree nor the potential doctoral degree for prestige. I truly want to use my chemistry interest in knowledge. I just have a gut feeling that my chemistry bachelors won't satisfy future employers. Assuming I get through 3 years of law school and pass the bar, should I go back to school or just try my luck with various patent law firms (big or small)?

[charlot22]

As member of the IP Faculty at UNH Law, this could be a long discussion. We have scores of students with advanced degrees in chemistry as well as some PharmD degree holders. One of our PharmD degree holders is glad to communicate with you on your questions. You can email him directly or contact me for more advanced degree holders. Please contact Nathan Newbold at [email protected] Hope to see you in the Fall. Professor Cavicchi

[sceley]

Try looking for applied chemistry programs, where they might not focus so much on you becoming a top researcher as they will you learning the basics of how research works to apply it in your job. I have a lot of friend with masters in physics working for the patent office, but the one with a PhD didn't get an offer from them - so many you only need a masters.

[artzai]

Try looking for applied chemistry programs, where they might not focus so much on you becoming a top researcher as they will you learning the basics of how research works to apply it in your job. I have a lot of friend with masters in physics working for the patent office, but the one with a PhD didn't get an offer from them - so many you only need a masters.

Your chemistry is chemistry. Why law?
Go for chemistry or pharmacy and invent a cure/medicine.
Many deceases are waiting to be eliminated by efforts of enthusiastic people like you.
.

[pete]

I am a 21 year old female, I am a 2011 grad, and I will be an entering law student in Fall 2011. In undergrad, I majored in chemistry and minored in biology and psychology. I chose chemistry because I loved learning about everything science and I am really good at getting the core concepts. I did a couple of chemistry research internships, one I did at my school and the other was a highly competitive NSF-funded REU program at Cornell. It took me a couple of years of "getting my hands dirty" to realize I disliked working in lab. I found myself to not be research-minded and unmotivated doing syntheses and instrumental analyses. This created a post-grad dilemma for me because I never saw myself as a teacher/professor and I don't think I could handle medical school. I truly want to go to move on to grad school.

A friend of mine had suggested that I consider law school for patent law in particular. I've done some research and talked to several people and I decided to pursue a law degree at UNH Law School (formerly Franklin Pierce Law Center) to concentrate in intellectual property. I was accepted in early April with a partial scholarship and I already have living plans arranged.

A lot of the patent law attorneys require 5-10+ years of experience drafting patent applications and many require advanced degrees in the sciences.My ultimate goal would be to become a patent attorney for the FDA or some other governmental agency but a lot of patent attorneys get advanced degrees in science, publish research, do R&D, etc. first. I am now starting to think I am doing things backwards.

With that being said, I am beginning to think I should have more under my belt like a chemistry PhD or pharmacy degree if I want to contend with other patent law attorneys. I would even consider a masters in chemical engineering because engineers are in such high demand.

As crazy as it seems, I'm starting to think my best bet is to become a professional student! I want neither the law degree nor the potential doctoral degree for prestige. I truly want to use my chemistry interest in knowledge. I just have a gut feeling that my chemistry bachelors won't satisfy future employers. Assuming I get through 3 years of law school and pass the bar, should I go back to school or just try my luck with various patent law firms (big or small)?