Boston's Big Law: Steps To Success

Aspiring lawyers in Boston can look forward to an average annual salary of $138,473, with a range of $72,000 to $200,000 depending on the specialty. To practice law in Boston, Massachusetts, one must follow a series of steps, including obtaining a bachelor's degree, passing the LSAT, graduating from law school, and passing the state bar exam. Boston has a smaller but competitive legal market compared to New York City, and it offers a range of opportunities in various industries, including biotech. The city's legal community is known for being more laid-back and friendly than other large cities, and it provides a great platform for those interested in corporate/transactional work, life sciences, or renewable energy law.

Join the Boston Bar Association (BBA) to develop your skillset and expand your network

Joining the Boston Bar Association (BBA) is a great way to develop your skills and expand your network as a lawyer in Boston. The BBA is Boston's largest legal network, connecting lawyers from all backgrounds and practice areas. It offers a range of benefits, including:

• Networking and Mentoring Opportunities: The BBA offers programs and events that facilitate meaningful connections and help grow your professional network. This includes speed networking and the Empowering Connections program, which can open up new career opportunities.
• Career Development: The BBA Career Center connects you with over 400 employers, providing valuable resources for career transitions and keeping you informed about the latest job opportunities in Boston law.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives: The BBA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fellowship Program connects law students with paid summer internships in public interest law offices, fostering career development and a commitment to public interest law.
• Substantive Work Experiences: The BBA provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience through clinical field placements, internships, externships, and pro bono programs, which are essential for developing practical, real-world skills.
• Preparation for the Bar Exam: The BBA assists new graduates in preparing for the bar exam by offering support and guidance to help law students navigate the stresses of studying and sitting for the exam.
• Professional Skills Development: The BBA offers programs and workshops that deliver essential learning opportunities, helping lawyers enhance their practice and enrich their careers by developing expert knowledge and practical skills.
• Community Service: The BBA provides opportunities for new lawyers to contribute their time and expertise to better the community through pro bono work, charitable giving, and intensive leadership training for those committed to public service.

By joining the BBA, you will find a supportive community that is dedicated to helping you develop your skills, expand your network, and enhance your career as a lawyer in Boston.

Pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

To become a big law lawyer in Boston, Massachusetts, you must pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). This is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a lawyer, as it is required for admission to an American Bar Association-approved law school, which is a prerequisite for taking the Massachusetts bar exam.

The LSAT is designed to test the skills that will be essential for your success in law school and your future legal career. These skills include reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning and thinking. A strong performance on the LSAT can also enhance your application and make you a competitive candidate for law school admission.

The LSAT is offered four times a year at various testing centres worldwide, including several locations in Massachusetts. You can register and pay the $190 fee online, choosing from the test dates in November, January, and March. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and writing samples, and your score will range from 120 to 180.

To prepare for the LSAT, you can take advantage of the many free resources available on the official LSAT website, including sample tests and copies of previous exams. Additionally, you may consider enrolling in a LSAT preparation course, such as those offered by TestMasters and StratusPrep, to enhance your knowledge and build your test-taking skills.

After you take the LSAT, you will receive your score by mail within approximately 21 days. It is important to aim for a competitive score, as the average LSAT scores accepted by Massachusetts law schools vary, with Harvard University having the highest average requirement of 173.

Once you have achieved a satisfactory LSAT score, you can move forward with the next steps in your journey to becoming a big law lawyer in Boston, including attending an accredited law school and taking the Massachusetts bar exam.

Graduate from an accredited law school

To become a big law lawyer in Boston, you'll need to graduate from an accredited law school. This is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a lawyer. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate this process:

Choosing the Right Law School:

First, you'll want to select a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) or authorised by the Commonwealth to offer the Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor (JD) degree. In Massachusetts, there are several ABA-accredited law schools to choose from, including Boston College Law School, Boston University School of Law, Harvard Law School, and Northeastern University School of Law, to name a few. Consider factors such as the school's reputation, faculty expertise, and bar exam passage rates when making your decision.

Completing Your Undergraduate Education:

Before applying to law school, you must complete your undergraduate education. The Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners requires you to obtain a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university. While there are no prescribed undergraduate courses or majors, it is advisable to choose challenging and interesting courses that will help develop your critical thinking and analytical skills. Majors in philosophy, ethics, or other related fields can be advantageous for your future law school studies.

Taking the LSAT:

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a crucial step in the process. This standardised test is designed to assess your knowledge and skills in reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning—all of which are essential for success in law school. Prepare thoroughly for the LSAT by utilising the free materials available on the LSAT website, enrolling in a preparation course, or both. Achieving a competitive LSAT score will enhance your chances of gaining admission to your preferred law school.

Applying to Law School:

Once you've completed your undergraduate degree and achieved a satisfactory LSAT score, it's time to apply to law school. Utilise the Law School Admission Council's (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS) to gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other required documents. This service also allows you to apply electronically to ABA-approved law schools. The application process is highly competitive, so ensure your application stands out by highlighting your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any relevant work experience.

Excelling in Law School:

Law school is a challenging but rewarding experience. To graduate from an accredited law school, you'll need to dedicate yourself to your studies and actively participate in clinical field placements, internships, externships, or pro bono programs. Develop strong research and writing skills, and seek guidance from your professors and supervisors. Building a solid foundation of legal knowledge and practical experience during law school will enhance your career prospects.

Remember, graduating from an accredited law school is a fundamental step towards becoming a big law lawyer in Boston. It will open doors to career opportunities, provide you with a strong legal education, and prepare you for the challenges and rewards of a legal career in this dynamic city.

Pass the Massachusetts State Bar Exam

To become a lawyer in Boston, Massachusetts, you must pass the Massachusetts State Bar Exam. This is one of the most important exams you will take in your legal career. The Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners administers the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), which takes place over two days.

Day one consists of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) and the Multistate Essay Exam (MEE). The MPT is designed to test your practical skills as a lawyer and assess your ability to perform common lawyering tasks. You will be presented with a realistic scenario and asked to complete certain tasks, such as drafting a legal document or writing a letter to a client. The MEE tests your knowledge of fundamental legal principles and your ability to analyse legal issues. You will be asked to answer essay questions on a range of legal topics, such as contracts, criminal law, and constitutional law.

Day two of the exam is the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), a multiple-choice test covering a wide range of legal subjects. The MBE tests your knowledge of legal concepts and your ability to apply legal reasoning. The subjects covered include civil procedure, constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, evidence, and real property, among others.

In addition to the UBE, you must also pass the Massachusetts Law Component (MLC) exam, which tests your knowledge of Massachusetts-specific laws and regulations. The MLC covers areas such as anti-discrimination law, business organizations, and criminal law/procedure. This exam must be passed before you can be admitted to the Massachusetts Bar.

To prepare for the Massachusetts State Bar Exam, you can enrol in bar exam preparation courses offered by various institutions, such as New England Law in Boston, Barbri, Kaplan Test Prep, and Themis Bar Review. These courses will provide you with the knowledge and strategies needed to succeed on the exam.

Once you have passed the Massachusetts State Bar Exam and the MLC, you can apply for admission to the Massachusetts Bar. This process involves submitting various documents, including your education and employment history, letters of recommendation, and your MPRE score report. There is also a filing fee that must be paid. After your application has been processed, you will receive notification of your admission to the Bar and details about your Bar Admission Ceremony.

Apply for a position at an existing law firm or set up your own solo practice

Once you have passed the Massachusetts bar exam, you can apply for a position at an existing law firm or set up your own solo practice.

Applying for a Position at an Existing Law Firm

If you are considering joining an existing law firm, there are several in Massachusetts to choose from, including:

• Murphy Hesse Toomey Lehane in Quincy
• Doherty Wallace Pillsbury & Murphy in Springfield
• Lawson & Weitzen in Boston
• Bowditch & Dewey in Worcester
• Boston College Law School in Newton
• Boston University School of Law
• Harvard Law School in Cambridge
• University of Massachusetts School of Law-Dartmouth in North Dartmouth
• New England Law/Boston
• Northeastern University School of Law in Boston
• Suffolk University Law School in Boston
• Western New England University School of Law in Springfield

You can also consider working for a large corporation. Many Fortune 500 corporations are headquartered in Massachusetts, including General Electric Company and Liberty Mutual Insurance Group in Boston, TJX Companies Inc. in Framingham, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company in Springfield, and Raytheon in Waltham.

Setting Up Your Own Solo Practice

If you plan to open your own practice, you might consider joining Starting Out Solo. This will provide you with resources and support to help you get your career off the ground. You can also utilise other resources, such as reading Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, which can be helpful for networking and finding jobs. Additionally, the Massachusetts Bar Association offers new lawyers mentoring programs and law practice management advice.

Salary Expectations

The average salary for an attorney in Boston, MA, is $138,473 per year. Salaries for specific attorney positions include:

• Legal Training Attorney - $72,000 to $122,163 per year
• Medical Malpractice Attorney - $110,000 to $135,000 per year
• Insurance Coverage Attorney - $100,000 to $200,000 per year

Frequently asked questions