Becoming A Lawyer: What You Need To Know

Becoming a lawyer is no easy feat. It requires dedication, hard work, and a lot of studying. The process can be expensive and time-consuming, but it can also lead to a rewarding and lucrative career. So, if you're thinking about pursuing a career in law, here's what you need to know.

Earn a bachelor's degree

Earning a bachelor's degree is the first step toward becoming a lawyer. This usually takes four years and can be obtained from an accredited college or university. While some law schools mandate specific undergraduate majors, others are more flexible. For instance, the Glendale University College of Law accepts students with "an AA or AS degree, or a minimum of 60 bachelor degree-applicable units from a regionally accredited college."

It is worth noting that law schools generally focus on an applicant's grade point average, analytical abilities, and communication skills, both oral and written. Therefore, it is advisable to select an undergraduate major that interests you and helps develop skills like critical thinking and logical argumentation. This strategy will enable you to focus on learning and achieving the best grades rather than merely trying to impress law schools.

Some common undergraduate majors that can provide a solid foundation for law school include criminal justice, English, economics, philosophy, and political science. Additionally, if you already have a preferred area of law practice in mind, choosing a complementary major can be advantageous. For example, if you aspire to become a corporate lawyer, taking more business courses can be beneficial.

Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is an integral part of the law school admission process. It is a standardized test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) to assess reading comprehension and logical reasoning. The test has existed in some form since 1948 and the current form has been used since 1991. The exam consists of four sections: three scored multiple-choice sections and an unscored writing section. The multiple-choice sections include two Logical Reasoning sections and one Reading Comprehension section. The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120 to 180 points, with a median score of around 150.

The LSAT is offered seven times a year and it is recommended that you take the test at least six months before your law school application deadline. The test is 2 hours and 30 minutes long and costs $222. It is designed so that the average test-taker should not be able to complete all the questions in the time allotted. Therefore, it is important to prepare for the LSAT in advance. LSAC offers one free test that can be downloaded from their website, as well as other official practice tests called PrepTests.

Your LSAT score is a key component of your law school application. While some law schools are now accepting the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in lieu of LSAT scores, the LSAT is still the traditional law school entrance exam and is required by most law schools. Law schools consider your LSAT score along with other components of your application, such as your GPA, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. A higher LSAT score will generally give you more options for attending law school.

Apply to law school

Once you've received your LSAT scores, you can begin applying to law schools. Most students apply to several law schools so they have a few options to choose from. For each application, you'll need to submit official transcripts, LSAT scores, letters of recommendation, and additional information. Many schools seek candidates with high LSAT scores, excellent letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.

Completing an internship at your local courthouse or law firm can further demonstrate your dedication to the field. Volunteering with a group in your community can also show your eagerness to learn.

It's important to note that law schools typically require applicants to submit the following:

• Transcripts from all post-secondary education
• LSAT (or sometimes GRE) scores
• Two letters of recommendation
• A law school personal statement
• A completed application

Law school application deadlines vary depending on the specific schools and the admissions cycle. Many law schools in the United States have rolling admissions, so applying as early as possible is generally advantageous.

However, there are also early decision/early action options with deadlines usually falling between September and November, and regular decision deadlines are typically between December and February.

When evaluating candidates for a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admissions officers consider multiple factors, including college GPA, test scores, the personal statement, and resume. It's advisable to attend a law school with a track record of preparing students for the type of job they desire.

Additionally, the full-time law programs typically require three years beyond college and can be highly rigorous.

Pass the bar exam

Passing the bar exam is the fourth step to becoming a lawyer. The bar exam is a multi-day test that determines eligibility to practice law in a particular state. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, essays, and performance tests that measure your knowledge and understanding of the law. While the specifics of the exam vary from state to state, there are some general study tips and learning strategies that can help increase your chances of passing. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Start Preparing Early

It is recommended to start studying for the bar exam at least six months in advance. During this time, you should review course material from law school, stay up to date with recent updates in state and federal laws, and practice answering bar exam questions.

Study Broadly, Not Deeply

In law school, students typically achieve the highest grades on final exams by knowing a lot about a specific subject. However, this approach can be detrimental when studying for the bar exam. Instead, focus on gaining a broad and shallow understanding of various areas of the law. You don't need to become an authority on any particular subject; you simply need to know enough about a wide range of legal topics to pass the exam.

Measure Your Progress

While the bar exam is graded as a pass/fail, it's important to have a more nuanced understanding of your performance during your studies. A good strategy is to track the number of practice questions you're getting correct in each subject and compare your results to other bar exam takers. Aim to be in the 40th percentile or above in each subject to ensure you're on track for passing the exam.

Approach the MBE Systematically

The Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) consists of 200 multiple-choice questions administered in two separate 3-hour sessions. To tackle this effectively, cover the answer choices first to avoid distraction, then read the question to determine the subject and issue being tested. Read the entire question again, using the facts and associated laws to formulate your own answer before looking at the provided options. This systematic approach will help you stay focused and increase your confidence in your answers.

Develop Your Bar Exam Writing Skills

The written portion of the bar exam is important to your overall score, and in some states, it carries more weight than the MBE. Essay writing for the bar exam is different from law school exams, as there is usually a "right" answer, and you need to provide your answer in the format expected by the examiners. Strengthen your essay writing skills during your bar prep, and make sure to submit practice essays and incorporate feedback to improve.

Use the MPT to Your Advantage

The Multistate Performance Test (MPT) is designed to assess your fundamental lawyering skills rather than substantive legal knowledge. You may be asked to create a brief, memo, letter, or other documents commonly encountered by beginning lawyers. Familiarize yourself with possible MPT tasks by working through practice questions during your bar preparation.

Tackle Hard Questions Head-On

During the bar exam, it's best to tackle difficult questions as they come rather than skipping them and coming back later. The exam is mentally draining, and your critical thinking skills will be less sharp towards the end of each session. Use a systematic approach, make your best guess, and mark the question if you have time to revisit it. Typically, the correct answer will be a familiar option, while completely unfamiliar choices are often incorrect.

Obtain your license

Obtaining your law license is the final step in becoming a licensed attorney. While the specific process may vary from state to state, there are several common steps to obtaining your license.

Firstly, research the state requirements. Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements set by the state bar association, including the application process, fees, and required documentation. This is an important step, as each state has its own bar requirements.

Next, complete the application. Fill out the application form, providing personal information, educational background, and employment history. This will also include submitting supporting documents, such as law school transcripts, bar exam certification, and certificates of good standing from other jurisdictions. There may also be an application fee to cover administrative costs, which can vary depending on the state.

In addition, be prepared to undergo a background check and character evaluation as part of the licensing process. This may include a criminal background check and an assessment of your moral character.

Once your application has been approved, you will typically attend a formal swearing-in ceremony where you take an oath to uphold the law and fulfill your duties as an attorney. After completing this step, you will receive your law license, granting you the authority to practice law in your chosen jurisdiction.

It is important to note that maintaining your license may require ongoing education and knowledge updates. For example, in New York, lawyers are required to attend a certain number of hours of continuing legal education (CLE) to continue practicing. Therefore, staying up-to-date with any continuing education obligations is essential for maintaining your license.

Frequently asked questions