Becoming A Law Accountant: Steps To Success

Accountants and lawyers are both in high demand and work together on many cases and business matters. A law accountant, also known as an accounting lawyer or CPA lawyer, is a professional who holds both a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. This allows them to assist with audits, offer guidance on tax considerations, and represent clients in court cases. The path to becoming a law accountant involves extensive higher education, rigorous examinations, and gaining relevant work experience.

Get a Bachelor's degree in accounting, taxation, business, or pre-law

Earning a bachelor's degree is the first step toward becoming a tax attorney. Aspiring tax attorneys should consider majoring in accounting, taxation, business, or pre-law. Obtaining a bachelor's degree typically takes four years for full-time students. This educational step lays the foundation for the subsequent law school journey and helps develop essential skills in communication, problem-solving, and research.

A bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field provides a solid understanding of accounting principles, taxation regulations, and financial matters. Courses in accounting, taxation, and business law offer valuable knowledge that will be built upon in law school. Additionally, students can gain practical experience through internships or practicum programs, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

The choice of major can also impact future career opportunities. For instance, a degree in accounting can open doors to various accounting roles, even before pursuing a law degree. This flexibility allows individuals to explore different career paths and gain valuable experience in the field.

It is worth noting that while a bachelor's degree is a common prerequisite for law school, some law schools may not require it. However, checking with your state's CPA regulator is essential, as requirements may vary depending on your location. Obtaining a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is a crucial step in building a strong foundation for a career as a law accountant.

After completing your bachelor's degree, the next step is to focus on gaining admission to an accredited law school. This step typically involves taking standardized tests such as the LSAT or GRE and starting your law school journey, where you will delve deeper into the legal aspects of accounting and taxation.

Pass the LSAT or GRE

To become an accounting lawyer, you will need to pass the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). The LSAT is accepted by all law schools, but the GRE is only accepted by a minority of J.D. programs. As of 2024, 23 out of 205 American Bar Association-approved law schools accept GRE scores as an LSAT substitute.

The LSAT is a traditional, pen-and-paper test, whereas the GRE is computer-based. The LSAT consists of six sections: five multiple-choice sections and one writing section. Each section is timed at 35 minutes, and the test is geared towards assessing reasoning and analytical skills. The GRE, on the other hand, consists of two verbal reasoning, two quantitative reasoning, and two analytical writing sections, lasting approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. The LSAT does not include math and vocabulary questions, whereas the GRE does.

The LSAT is offered only four times a year, while the GRE is offered year-round. The LSAT allows for up to three attempts in a single testing year and seven attempts in total. The GRE allows for more attempts, with candidates being able to take the test once every 21 days and up to five times within a year.

When it comes to scoring, the LSAT typically includes all test scores in the report, whereas the GRE allows candidates to choose which scores to send.

Both tests have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on individual needs and preferences. If you are set on attending law school and are only considering a career in law, the LSAT is probably the better option. However, if you are still exploring multiple career paths, the GRE might be more suitable, as it is accepted by a wider range of graduate programs.

Get a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school

To become a law accountant, you will need to obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. This typically involves seven years of full-time study, including a four-year bachelor's degree and a three-year law degree. Most law students take three years to earn their JD degree, studying contract law, civil procedure, and criminal law. During your law degree, you will also take advanced tax law courses such as income tax, tax policy, and white-collar crime.

To be admitted to an accredited law school, you will first need to pass the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). The LSAT evaluates reading comprehension, reasoning ability, and writing skills. It is recommended that you focus on relevant skills such as oral communication, problem-solving, and research during your undergraduate studies. Degrees in business, accounting, finance, and economics are all worth considering.

While it is not mandatory to have a bachelor's degree to apply to law school, it is a requirement to have one to become a lawyer. Some law schools may also allow you to apply without having received your degree. Additionally, some law schools offer dual programs where students can earn their JD and Master of Accountancy degree simultaneously. This option can provide a strong foundation for a career in law accounting.

After completing your JD degree, you will be well-equipped with the legal knowledge and skills needed to advise clients on complex matters related to accounting and taxation.

Gain work experience

Gaining work experience is a crucial step on the path to becoming a law accountant. The specific requirements vary depending on the state and the chosen career path. For instance, in Connecticut, aspiring CPAs must gain two years of work experience in a relevant industry, such as accounting, tax, or consulting, under the supervision of a certified accountant. In contrast, the state of Florida only requires one year of work experience, which needs to be verified by a licensed CPA.

It is important to note that some states, like Iowa, mandate aspiring CPAs to pass a professional ethics exam in addition to gaining the necessary work experience. Therefore, it is essential to review the specific requirements of your state before proceeding.

To become a licensed attorney, gaining practical experience is also vital. This can be achieved through internships during your undergraduate studies and law school. These internships provide valuable hands-on experience in your chosen specialty area. Once you obtain your attorney license, you can further develop your expertise by working as an associate at a law firm, where you will gain experience interacting with clients and building cases.

Additionally, some tax attorneys choose to gain experience by becoming partners or starting their own practices. This allows them to take on more responsibility and make managerial decisions. It is worth noting that gaining experience as a tax attorney can also help you decide whether to pursue additional certifications or education to advance your career.

Pass the bar exam

To pass the bar exam, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements, which include possessing a law degree from an accredited school and completing a minimum number of hours of formal education (typically around 210 hours). Some states may also allow you to substitute some hours of education with an apprenticeship.

The bar exam is administered by the bar association of the specific jurisdiction and is generally offered twice a year, in February and July. It is a comprehensive and challenging examination designed to test your knowledge and skills in a range of legal areas. The exam usually focuses on three main areas of practice relevant to barristers: evidence, procedure, and ethics.

The structure of the bar exam can vary depending on the state or jurisdiction. However, the most common testing configuration consists of a two-day examination. The first day is typically the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), a standardized test covering six areas: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts. The second day often includes locally crafted essays from a broader range of legal subjects.

Additionally, some jurisdictions have adopted the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), which includes the MBE and two additional tests: the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT). The UBE is uniformly administered, graded, and scored, allowing for score portability across UBE jurisdictions.

To prepare for the bar exam, most law school graduates engage in a structured study program known as "bar review." This helps ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the legal concepts and skills that will be tested.

Frequently asked questions