Cecily Zamora
Contract law is a branch of law that deals with legally binding agreements between people and ensures that the parties involved fulfil their legal obligations. Contracts are an integral part of everyday life, from employment contracts to prenuptial agreements, and govern transactions such as leases, mortgages, and business deals. A contract lawyer is responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating these contracts, as well as representing clients in court if disputes arise. To become a contract lawyer, one must typically complete a Bachelor's degree, pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), graduate from law school, pass the Bar exam, and secure relevant legal employment. This process usually takes around seven years, and additional training is required to practice contract law specifically.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Education | A bachelor's degree, a Juris Doctor (JD) and a Bar certification are required. |
| Skills | Excellent communication, critical thinking, research and multitasking skills, attention to detail, ability to adapt to new situations, analytical thinking, problem-solving, writing, negotiation, interpersonal skills, time management, and organisational skills are all needed. |
| Experience | Internships or entry-level positions in law firms, corporations, or government agencies are desirable. |
What You'll Learn
Undergraduate degree
The first step to becoming a contract lawyer is to obtain a bachelor's degree from a four-year undergraduate program. While there is no requirement to major in a specific subject, it is beneficial to choose a field that will aid in pursuing a law degree, such as pre-law, political science, economics, or mathematics. This foundational education will foster the development of analytical, writing, and research skills, which are essential for success in law school and contract law practice.
During the undergraduate degree, it is important to focus on activities that complement academic efforts, such as internships with law firms, participation in mock trial competitions, or volunteering in legal aid organizations. These experiences will provide practical insights into the legal profession and help build a professional network. Additionally, rigorous coursework will sharpen critical thinking, writing, and research abilities, preparing aspirants for the next step in their journey to becoming a contract lawyer.
The undergraduate degree serves as a crucial stepping stone, providing the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a law career. With a strong GPA and a high LSAT score, individuals will have better prospects for admission into prestigious law schools and a promising career in contract law.
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LSAT exam
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a contract law attorney. It is a standardised test that serves as a predictor of your performance in law school and is considered by law schools as an important part of the admissions process. Here is what you need to know about the LSAT exam:
LSAT Format
The LSAT is a multiple-choice exam designed to assess your reading comprehension and logical reasoning skills. It is typically divided into two parts. The first part consists of three scored sections—two sections of Logical Reasoning and one of Reading Comprehension—and an unscored experimental section. The second part is an unscored argumentative writing essay, which can be completed separately online.
LSAT Sections
Logical Reasoning
The Logical Reasoning section tests your ability to analyse and evaluate arguments and draw valid inferences from sets of facts or assertions. Each item has its own paragraph-length stimulus (a short passage) and its own question stem.
Reading Comprehension
The Reading Comprehension section assesses your ability to understand dense and unfamiliar prose. You will be presented with four passages, each followed by a set of 5-8 questions. One of the passages will be a "Comparative Reading" section, where two shorter passages express different points of view on a shared topic.
Experimental Section
The experimental section is either an additional section of Reading Comprehension or Logical Reasoning. This unscored section contains questions that the testmaker is validating for future LSAT exams.
LSAT Scores
Your LSAT score will include an overall score ranging from 120-180, a "score band" (a range of scaled scores above and below your score), and a percentile score that ranks your performance relative to other test-takers. The average score falls around the low 150s, but for prestigious law schools, a score of at least 170 is recommended.
LSAT Preparation
The LSAT is known to be a challenging exam, so thorough preparation is essential. Familiarise yourself with the format and types of questions, and take advantage of official practice tests and prep courses. Pacing yourself and building stamina are also crucial, as the exam is relatively long, with each section lasting 35 minutes.
LSAT Registration
The LSAT is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). You can register for the exam through your LSAC account. The cost of the LSAT is $238, and spots can fill up quickly, so early registration is recommended.
LSAT Results
You will typically receive your LSAT results by email approximately three to four weeks after taking the exam. If you take the LSAT multiple times, law schools will see all scores earned within the past five years but will usually evaluate your candidacy based on the highest score.
In summary, the LSAT is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a contract law attorney. It assesses your reading comprehension and logical reasoning skills and plays a significant role in law school admissions. With dedicated preparation and a solid understanding of the exam format, you can maximise your chances of achieving a competitive score.
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Law school
To become a contract law attorney, you will need to attend law school. This typically involves a three-year program where you will gain in-depth legal knowledge, including contract law. During your first year, you will take foundational courses such as civil procedure, contracts, criminal law, legal methods, and legal writing. In your second and third years, you will have the opportunity to take electives and gain practical experience through internships.
Choosing a Law School
When choosing a law school, consider schools that offer concentrations in business or commercial law, as these will strengthen your foundation in contract law. Additionally, look for schools that provide opportunities for networking and career development. Reputable law schools for contract law include Columbia University Law School, Harvard Law School, Stanford Law School, New York University School of Law, the University of Chicago Law School, and the University of Wisconsin Law School.
Passing the Bar Exam
After graduating from law school, you will need to pass the Bar exam in the jurisdiction where you intend to practice. The Bar exam combines the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) with state-specific essays and tests your knowledge of general legal principles and state-specific laws. It is a challenging examination, and you will need to prepare thoroughly by reviewing courses and practising questions.
Gaining Practical Experience
Gaining hands-on experience through internships or legal employment is crucial for aspiring contract lawyers. This will provide you with practical insights into contract law and help you develop the skills needed for your future career.
Continuous Learning
The legal field is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay updated on legal precedents, administrative issues, and new laws and regulations. Continuous learning will ensure that you remain knowledgeable about current legal practices and enhance your expertise in contract law.
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Bar exam
The bar exam is the last and most challenging step to becoming a contract lawyer. It typically lasts two days, and each state sets its own guidelines for the exam. The exam combines the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) with state-specific essays. The MBE challenges candidates with multiple-choice questions on core subjects, including contracts. State essays evaluate the ability to analyse legal scenarios and craft persuasive arguments. Aspiring contract lawyers must pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction where they intend to practice after law school. This is a crucial step towards legal practice authorisation.
Passing the bar examination is a definitive step towards legal practice. It verifies a deep understanding of legal principles, including those governing contract law, and showcases the ability to apply these concepts in various contexts. The bar exam enables law practice within a given jurisdiction and allows the individual to represent clients and provide legal counsel officially. The achievement demonstrates the candidate's legal competency and ethical fitness, which are essential qualities for a contract lawyer.
The bar exam is typically held in February and July. Each jurisdiction dictates the exam's format, eligibility criteria, and fees, necessitating thorough research by candidates to ensure compliance. Accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities who require early contact with the relevant bar association. Limitations exist on the number of attempts allowed for the bar exam, highlighting the importance of a robust preparation strategy. Aspiring contract lawyers must start early, devise a structured study plan, engage with practice materials, and seek support from mentors or study groups to successfully navigate the challenging yet rewarding journey.
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Employment
The final step in becoming a contract lawyer is to secure employment. This could be working for a law firm, a corporate legal department, or a government agency. A compelling resume and cover letter are crucial, and it is important to highlight experiences in contract law coursework, internships, or volunteer work. It is beneficial to utilise diverse job search resources, including legal association websites and professional networking platforms, to find opportunities.
Networking is crucial in the legal field. Forging connections with law school professors, mentors, and seasoned legal professionals can unlock significant opportunities. Informational interviews with established contract lawyers offer insights and further career opportunities.
Contract lawyer positions vary widely, including roles in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and freelance opportunities. Exploring different work environments can help identify a match for interests and career goals. During job offers, it is crucial to be prepared to negotiate salaries and benefits, with research on typical salary ranges for contract lawyers aiding in informed discussions.
Commitment to continuous learning is essential in the evolving legal field, with seminars and professional development opportunities enhancing expertise. Persistence, strategic applications, and active networking are key strategies for aspiring contract lawyers aiming to secure their first job and launch a successful career in contract law.
Salary
The salary of a contract lawyer varies depending on experience, location, and the complexity of their work. In the US, the average salary is around $97,474 per year, with an hourly rate of $92. Entry-level lawyers tend to start at the lower end of the salary range, while seasoned professionals earn significantly more. Location plays a crucial role, with lawyers in metropolitan areas earning higher salaries than those in smaller towns or rural areas.
The employer also impacts a contract lawyer's earnings. Lawyers working for large law firms or multinational corporations tend to earn higher salaries than those employed by smaller firms or those who are freelancing.
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Frequently asked questions
A contract law attorney specializes in either crafting contracts or representing clients in contract disputes. They are responsible for drawing up, reviewing, and amending legal contracts for their clients. They also advise clients on their rights and limitations, and represent them in court if disputes arise.
Along with a formal education in law, contract attorneys require excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Attention to detail, research skills, and the ability to adapt to new situations are also important.
To become a contract law attorney, you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree, pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from law school, and pass the Bar exam in your jurisdiction.
It typically takes around 7-8 years to become a contract law attorney. This includes 4 years to obtain your bachelor's degree, 3 years to complete law school, and 1 year to gain the necessary work experience.
