Becoming A Health Law Attorney: Education And Experience

Health law is a complex and challenging area of law that focuses on the rules and regulations governing the healthcare industry and healthcare providers. Health lawyers play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with various laws and regulations, such as HIPAA, COBRA, and the Affordable Care Act, and represent clients in legal matters, including medical malpractice cases and contract disputes. To become a successful health law attorney, one must obtain a bachelor's degree, preferably in a related field, pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, pass the bar exam, and gain practical experience through internships or other opportunities.

Get a Bachelor's Degree

Aspiring health law attorneys must first obtain a bachelor's degree. While there is no specific bachelor's degree requirement to enrol in law school, some institutions look more favourably on candidates with law-related or science degrees. For instance, a major in public health, healthcare management, healthcare leadership, information management, or medical record administration can be advantageous. Obtaining a bachelor's degree in these fields can provide valuable knowledge in the policy and operational aspects of the healthcare industry, which can be beneficial when studying or practising health law.

It is important to maintain a high grade point average (GPA) and meet the law school GPA requirement. Additionally, most law schools require applicants to complete the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which evaluates comprehension, analytical, and reasoning skills. Some schools may also accept the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in addition to, or instead of, the LSAT. It is crucial to achieve a high score on these standardised tests to increase the chances of gaining admission to your preferred law school.

Once you have obtained your bachelor's degree and achieved competitive test scores, you can apply to law schools and take the next step towards becoming a health law attorney.

Take the LSAT

To become a health law attorney, you will need to take the LSAT, or Law School Admission Test. This is a standardised test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and is required by most law schools as part of the admissions process. It is designed to assess your reading comprehension and logical reasoning skills and is an integral part of the law school admissions process in the US, Canada, the University of Melbourne in Australia, and a growing number of other countries.

The LSAT is offered seven times a year, and you should schedule your test early enough that your scores will be available by your first law school application deadline. The test costs $222 and takes two and a half hours. It consists of 99-102 multiple-choice questions and an unscored essay. The multiple-choice sections include two scored logical reasoning sections, one scored reading comprehension section, and one unscored variable section. The essay, or argumentative writing section, is written to a decision prompt, where you must argue for one option over another.

The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120 to 180 points. Most top law schools will average multiple LSAT scores, so it is best to prepare thoroughly and only take the test once. The higher you score on the LSAT, the more options you will have for attending law school.

You can prepare for the LSAT by taking practice tests, which are the best way to prepare for the test. There are free Official LSAT PrepTests available, as well as paid-for extensive libraries of official sample tests. LSAC also recommends reviewing official practice tests before the test day to familiarise yourself with the types of questions asked.

Obtain a Juris Doctor

Once you've completed your LSAT and been accepted into law school, you must acquire your Juris Doctor (JD) degree. If you're taking a full-time course load, law school takes about three years to complete. In your first year, you'll take courses in basic law subjects, including administrative law, legal research and writing, and contract law. In your second and third years, you'll cover elective courses, clinical experiences, and judicial internships.

Some law schools offer concentrations specific to certain areas of law, including health law, biomedical law, and law and health sciences. When you've completed law school successfully, you'll earn a JD.

To practice law in the US, you must get licensed by taking and passing the bar in your jurisdiction. State bar exams vary in their difficulty, but it's important to study hard and prepare to succeed. You will have gained knowledge from law school, but it's advised to take a prep course.

While not always required, a master's degree in healthcare administration or another degree related to health law can better prepare attorneys to practice in the field by giving them a deeper understanding of the essential policies and practices of health institutions.

Pass the Bar Exam

Passing the bar exam is the final step to becoming a licensed attorney. The bar exam is administered by the bar association of a jurisdiction and tests your knowledge of the law. It is a rigorous two-to-three-day exam, and most law students spend many weeks or months studying for it. Here are some tips to help you pass the bar exam:

• Understand the format and requirements: The bar exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions, essay questions, and performance tests. In the US, it is usually a two-day process, with one day devoted to the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) and the second day covering state-specific law. However, the format and requirements may vary depending on your jurisdiction, so make sure to review the specific guidelines for your state or territory.
• Prepare in advance: The bar exam is known for its difficulty, so it is crucial to dedicate sufficient time to studying and preparation. Create a study plan that covers all the relevant topics and start studying well in advance of the exam.
• Take a prep course: Consider enrolling in a bar exam preparation course to help you stay focused and structured in your studies. These courses can provide valuable guidance and resources to enhance your understanding of the material.
• Practice, practice, practice: The bar exam tests your ability to apply legal concepts and analyse complex scenarios. Supplement your studies with practice questions and mock exams to familiarise yourself with the exam format and improve your critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Stay organised and manage your time: The bar exam covers a vast amount of information, so it is essential to stay organised and manage your time effectively during your studies. Create a study schedule that breaks down the material into manageable portions, and make sure to get plenty of rest to stay focused and energised.
• Seek support: Don't hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. Many resources are available online and through bar associations or educational institutions. Connecting with fellow law students or joining study groups can also provide valuable support and different perspectives on challenging topics.

Consider a Master's Degree

While not always required, a master's degree in health law or a related field can be beneficial for aspiring health lawyers. A Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) in healthcare or global health law can provide a competitive advantage and deepen your knowledge and skills in this area of practice. Some health lawyer positions may even prefer candidates with an LL.M.

The LL.M. program covers topics such as law and science, public health law, and healthcare reform law. It offers both clinical experiences and internships, in addition to classroom learning, to give you practical knowledge. This degree will equip you with the knowledge and experience needed to work as a health lawyer.

Pursuing a master's degree in a health-related field can be especially advantageous if you did not major in a health-related subject during your bachelor's degree. It demonstrates your commitment to the field and provides you with specialised knowledge that will be invaluable in your legal career.

Furthermore, an LL.M. can enhance your career prospects and open doors to various employment opportunities. With this advanced degree, you can work in private law firms, legal aid organisations, government agencies, or even teach at law or medical schools.

The LL.M. is a valuable asset for anyone aspiring to become a health lawyer, providing both theoretical understanding and practical experience in the field of health law.

Frequently asked questions