Gavin Howe
The road to becoming a lawyer is a long and challenging one, and there are several routes to take. The traditional route involves studying for the LSATs, applying to law school, and obtaining a Juris Doctor (JD) law degree, which typically takes three years. After graduating, you must pass the bar exam in your jurisdiction to practice law. However, law school is costly, ranging from $20,000 to $60,000 per semester, and there are alternative paths to becoming a lawyer. Some states offer apprenticeships or law office study programs as alternatives to law school, which can provide valuable hands-on experience. These programs may require a bachelor's degree and several years of supervised study. Ultimately, while a law degree is a common path to becoming a lawyer, it is not the only option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Typical Route | Attending law school, taking the bar exam, and becoming a practicing attorney |
| Law School Requirements | A bachelor's degree is generally required, but some schools may not have this requirement |
| Law School Cost | $20,000 to $60,000 or more per semester |
| Alternative Routes | Apprenticeships or "reading the law", law office study programs, and law clerk programs |
| Apprenticeship Cost | No fees or tuition, but may need to purchase textbooks or legal materials |
| Jurisdictional Considerations | Some states, like California, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, New York, and Maine, offer alternatives to law school |
| Undergraduate Degree Choice | Consider areas of interest in law, such as economics, business, or political science, to build a foundation of knowledge |
| LSAT | Law School Admissions Test is an essential element of the legal education process |
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What You'll Learn
Law school curriculum and the LSATs
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is an integral part of the law school admission process in the United States, Canada, the University of Melbourne in Australia, and a growing number of other countries. The test is designed to assess reading comprehension and logical reasoning and is a good predictor of first-year law school performance. The LSAT is a standardised test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and has been in some form since 1948. The current form of the exam has been used since 1991 and consists of four sections: three scored multiple-choice sections, an unscored experimental section, and an unscored writing section. The multiple-choice sections include two logical reasoning sections and one reading comprehension section. The writing section is called LSAT Argumentative Writing and is a new approach to the writing assessment. The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120 to 180, with a median score of around 150.
The LSAT is an important factor in law school admissions, and prospective law students are encouraged to take it to maximise their chances of admission. It is also the only test that helps prospective students determine if law school is right for them. Taking practice tests is the best way to prepare for the LSAT, and there are free Official LSAT PrepTests available online.
Once a student has passed the LSAT and been admitted to law school, they will typically undertake a rigorous three-year education to obtain their Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. The first year of law school is foundational and includes courses such as torts, contracts, and legal methods. Students also participate in moot court exercises, where they prepare briefs and oral arguments for a mock trial. In subsequent years, students can take electives in various areas of the law, such as commercial law, corporate law, gender and sexuality law, health care, and human rights. Law schools also offer special programs, law journals, and experiential learning opportunities, such as policy labs and public service initiatives.
After obtaining their J.D. degree, individuals must then pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction in which they wish to practice to become licensed lawyers. An alternative to this traditional route is to undertake a legal apprenticeship, sometimes called "reading the law."
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Alternative routes: apprenticeships
In some states, it is possible to become a lawyer by apprenticing in the office of a practicing attorney or judge, also known as "reading the law". Vermont, Washington, California, and Virginia allow this route, and New York requires at least one year of law school in addition to an apprenticeship. Other states are considering adding apprenticeship paths.
The apprenticeship route can make becoming a lawyer more accessible, allow you to gain years of legal practice, and avoid law school debt. You can also study in the area where you want to practice law and build a network of future clients, mentors, and colleagues.
However, apprenticeships are not offered nor recognised by all states, and some big law firms may prefer to hire lawyers who have attended law school. Apprenticeships may also not offer the same structured curriculum and resources as law school, and you may miss out on the social and academic aspects of the law school environment.
The length of a law apprenticeship varies, but it typically lasts between five and six years. During this time, you will observe lawyers, gain insight into their techniques, strategies, and thought processes, and learn about the skills and knowledge required for the position. You may also have the opportunity to participate in many real-world law office activities.
At the end of your apprenticeship, you will be eligible to take the Bar Exam. It is important to note that those who have opted for an apprenticeship tend to score lower on the bar exam than those with an accredited law school degree.
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Majors and specialisations
While there are no particular undergraduate study requirements to become a lawyer, certain majors can help develop necessary skills and knowledge that will be useful for a legal career. The AALS suggests majors such as political science, criminal justice, history, and philosophy. A political science degree, for instance, can be very beneficial if you are interested in constitutional law. Similarly, if you want to work in corporate law, an undergraduate degree in economics or business would be a good fit.
If you are interested in becoming a patent attorney, you must be admitted to practice before the courts of at least one state in the US and pass the patent bar exam. To take this exam, you will generally need at least a bachelor's degree in a specified field of engineering or science. Many patent lawyers have undergraduate or graduate degrees in science or engineering.
Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, you will need to take the LSAT and apply to law school. During law school, you will be able to choose courses specialized in different types of law practices, such as bankruptcy, tax law, or environmental law. There are several specializations to choose from, including:
- Criminal law, which provides students with the necessary training to become prosecutors, defenders, or lawyers with a firm.
- Cybersecurity law, which focuses on the privacy, confidentiality, and protection of public and private information systems.
- Construction law, which refers to the broad field of law that protects construction workers, architects, and other professionals, as well as the regulations that govern the planning, design, and construction of buildings and structures.
- Corporate compliance law, which ensures that companies and employees abide by laws, regulations, and ethical practices to avoid fines and lawsuits.
- Admiralty law, which covers topics such as shipping, navigation, waters, insurance, and canals.
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Bar exam
A bar examination is an exam that a lawyer must pass to be admitted to the bar of the jurisdiction they wish to practice in. The bar exam is administered by the bar association of the relevant state or territory. In most jurisdictions, applicants must present a passing score on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), which is separately administered three times a year.
The bar exam is usually taken after graduating from law school, but before starting to work under the supervision of a qualified lawyer (also known as articling). However, in some cases, the bar exam may be taken during or after articling is completed. The frequency and availability of bar exams depend on the relevant bar association. Generally, the exam focuses on three main areas: evidence, procedure, and ethics. The exam usually takes place over one day and includes a variety of question types, with answers given in essay form.
The bar exam is known to be comprehensive and difficult, and it can take up to two or three days to complete. It is only offered twice a year, which raises the stakes for each exam. The exam is divided into two stages: the first part consists of 80 multiple-choice questions covering various disciplines, including ethics, human rights, constitutional law, criminal law, and more. To proceed to the second part of the exam, candidates must correctly answer at least 40 of the multiple-choice questions. The second part consists of four essay questions and a drafting project in one of several areas of law, such as civil law, labour law, or criminal law.
Passing the bar exam is a significant step towards becoming a lawyer, but it is not the only requirement. In some jurisdictions, such as New South Wales, additional requirements must be met even after passing the bar exam. For example, successful candidates in New South Wales must complete the NSW Bar Association Bar Practice Course (BPC). Additionally, candidates' character and fitness are assessed by bar examiners as part of the admission process.
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Career paths and expectations
A law degree is a gateway to a career as a solicitor or barrister, but it is not the only path you can choose. Many options are available beyond the legal profession, and a law degree is a highly versatile qualification.
Career Paths
If you qualify as a solicitor, you could work in various types of legal practice, including high street solicitors' practices, which typically offer the widest caseloads covering criminal, family, probate, and business law. You could also work in a large firm, specialising in an area such as tax or banking law. If you become a barrister, you will likely be self-employed and work as a tenant in a set of chambers, or you could seek employment with organisations such as the Crown Prosecution Service.
Outside of the legal profession, you could work in banks, insurance companies, HR departments of large firms, local government, or advice centres. Law graduates can also find work in legal education or academic administration, such as teaching in paralegal colleges or working in student affairs at a university.
Expectations
The median annual wage for lawyers was $145,760 in May 2023, and about 35,600 openings for lawyers are projected each year over the next decade. Many of these openings will be due to the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the workforce. Demand for legal services is expected to continue, but there may be more price competition, leading to project staffing changes and potential outsourcing of some routine legal work.
To become a lawyer, you will need to complete some vocational training to apply your academic knowledge in practice. In addition to a law degree, you will typically need a state license, which requires passing a bar examination. Some states may also require continuing legal education to maintain licensure. Before qualifying, you may be able to gain experience and decide on your legal focus through part-time jobs or summer internships in law firms, government agencies, or organisations' legal departments.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. The traditional route to becoming a lawyer involves studying for the LSATs, applying to law school, obtaining a law degree (also known as a Juris Doctor or Juris Doctorate), and then taking and passing the bar exam in your jurisdiction.
Some states offer apprenticeships or law office study programs as alternatives to law school. These include the Washington State Bar Association’s Law Clerk Program, the Vermont Law Office Study Program, and the Virginia Law Reader Program.
Most law schools require a bachelor’s degree before admission, but some may allow you to apply without one. The American Association of Law Schools (AALS) suggests majors such as political science, criminal justice, history, and philosophy that can help develop necessary skills.
You should consider your area of interest in law when choosing an undergraduate major. For example, if you are interested in corporate law, a degree in economics or business would be a good fit. If you are interested in constitutional law, a degree in political science would be beneficial.
Obtaining a law degree can provide you with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in various areas of law, such as criminal law, civil procedure, property law, and legal writing. It can also help you develop specialized knowledge in your area of interest and improve your career prospects by demonstrating your commitment to the legal profession.
