Becoming A Law Consultant: Steps To Success

Becoming a law consultant is a non-traditional career path in the legal field that offers autonomy and flexibility. Law consultants provide legal guidance to businesses and individuals, helping them make sound legal decisions, understand complex issues, and ensure compliance with the law. While law consultants do not represent clients in court, they advise on a range of matters, including contracts, risk assessment, and dispute resolution. To become a law consultant, a bachelor's degree, a high LSAT score, a law degree, professional training, and relevant experience are typically required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and legal expertise are also essential for success in this field.

Get a bachelor's degree

To become a law consultant, the first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree. While there is no specific major requirement for aspiring law consultants, certain fields of study can provide a solid foundation for a future career in law. Criminal justice, political science, legal studies, and history are all good choices for undergraduates considering law school. Throughout your bachelor's programme, it is beneficial to take relevant courses such as communications, economics, psychology, English, and government. These subjects will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to pursuing a career in law.

Additionally, it is essential to maintain a high grade point average (GPA) during your undergraduate studies. A strong GPA will not only increase your chances of admission to law school but also demonstrate your academic excellence and work ethic. Alongside your academic pursuits, gaining practical experience through internships, student organisations, and volunteering can be immensely valuable. These experiences will not only enhance your resume but also provide you with valuable skills and insights into the legal field. Building relationships with professors and legal professionals during this time can also be advantageous when it comes to seeking career advice, mentorship, and recommendations.

Another crucial aspect of becoming a law consultant is preparing for and taking the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). This standardised test assesses your logical-thinking abilities and comprehension of relevant legal concepts. It is recommended to take the LSAT during the summer of your junior year or the fall of your senior year of undergraduate studies. Achieving a high score on the LSAT will not only increase your chances of admission to law school but also demonstrate your potential for a successful career in law.

Pass the LSAT

To become a law consultant, you'll need to pass the LSAT, or Law School Admissions Test. This is a standardised test that assesses your ability to succeed in law school. It's comprised of multiple-choice questions that test your logical-thinking abilities and comprehension of relevant concepts. The test is split into three parts: analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension.

• Give yourself plenty of time to study. The LSAT can take a while to understand, so it's advisable to give yourself several months to prepare.
• Find someone who has performed well on the LSAT to go over tests with. This could be a friend, study partner, or tutor.
• Take regular breaks. It can be easy to burn out, so make sure you're taking care of your physical and mental health.
• Keep a journal of every question you get wrong and review them.
• Don't just focus on the questions you get wrong—also evaluate the ones you get right.
• Take several days off before the test.
• Be humble and honest with yourself. It's okay if it takes longer than expected—law school will always be there.
• Don't neglect your weak areas. Even if you find one section easier, you still need to prepare for all parts of the test.
• Practice as much as possible. The LSAT is unlike other exams, so you need to familiarise yourself with the format.
• Develop a study plan that suits your learning style.

Earn a law degree

Earning a law degree is a crucial step in becoming a legal consultant. While some legal consultancy roles don't require a law degree, it is a common requirement and provides a solid foundation for a career in this field. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing your law degree:

Choose an Undergraduate Major:

Although it's not mandatory, aspiring law students often choose majors that provide a strong foundation for law school. Consider majoring in criminal justice, political science, legal studies, or history. These subjects can give you a good overview of the legal system and help you develop critical thinking and analytical skills. During your undergraduate studies, focus on maintaining a high GPA and gaining legal-related experience through extracurricular activities, internships, or student organizations.

Prepare for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT):

The LSAT is a crucial step in getting into law school. It typically consists of multiple-choice sections that test your logical thinking, reading comprehension, and analytical abilities. There is also an optional essay section that can be used as a writing sample for your law school applications. Consider taking the LSAT during your junior or senior year of college, as the earlier you receive your results, the earlier you can start applying to law schools.

Select a Law School and Specialization:

Once you've achieved a satisfactory LSAT score, it's time to choose a law school that aligns with your career goals. During your first year of law school, you will be introduced to various types of law. In your second and third years, you'll have the opportunity to take elective courses and focus on your specific career interests. Some schools may also offer concentrations or specializations, so be sure to research the programs that align with your desired practice area.

Gain Practical Experience:

While earning your law degree, take advantage of internships, clinical experiences, or other opportunities to gain practical legal experience. Working with real legal professionals will give you valuable insights into the day-to-day work of a legal consultant and help you build a network in the industry. You can also join student organizations or participate in extracurricular activities related to law to enhance your resume and gain relevant skills.

Complete Your Law Degree:

Earning a Juris Doctor (JD) typically takes three years. During this time, immerse yourself in your studies, focus on gaining a strong understanding of the law, and develop the skills you'll need as a legal consultant. Take advantage of the resources and support systems available at your law school to ensure you're well-prepared for your future career.

Remember, earning a law degree is a significant step towards becoming a legal consultant, but it's not the only factor. You will also need to develop strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills, as well as gain relevant work experience, to position yourself for success in this rewarding career.

Gain professional experience

Gaining professional experience is crucial if you want to become a law consultant. Here are some steps to help you achieve that:

• Practice Law: Before becoming a law consultant, it is beneficial to gain experience as an attorney or lawyer. This experience will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to advise clients effectively. Practice law for several years, focusing on a specific industry or field of law, such as real estate, business, healthcare, or any other area that interests you. This specialised knowledge will make you an expert in your field, which is a valuable asset for a consultant.
• Network and Build Connections: Building a strong professional network is essential. Connect with a variety of administrators and companies who may require legal counsel in your area of expertise. Offer your services when legal issues arise, and don't be afraid to reach out and introduce yourself to potential clients.
• Stay Current on Laws and Regulations: It is crucial to stay up to date with the constantly evolving laws and regulations in your chosen specialty. This demonstrates your commitment to your field and ensures that you provide accurate and timely advice to your clients.
• Consider Volunteering and Internships: During your undergraduate studies and law school, take advantage of opportunities to gain legal-related experience through extracurricular activities, student organisations, internships, and volunteer work. These experiences will enhance your resume and provide you with valuable skills that will benefit your career as a law consultant.
• Develop Transferable Skills: As a law consultant, you will need strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. These skills are essential for building relationships with clients, explaining complex legal matters, and providing effective solutions. Seek out opportunities to develop and refine these skills, whether through your education, work experience, or personal development endeavours.
• Continue Your Education: Consider pursuing additional certifications or specialisations that complement your legal expertise. For example, if you want to work as a legal consultant for corporations, a master's in business administration could be beneficial. Staying informed about industry trends and changes is also crucial to remaining relevant in your field.

Pass the state bar exam

Passing the state bar exam is a crucial step to becoming a lawyer, and while it's not always necessary for legal consultants, it does come with several benefits. Legal consultants who have passed the bar can practice law in addition to offering legal advice, making them more marketable and well-rounded. Passing the bar also opens up more career options, such as the ability to transition into a lawyer role if desired.

The bar exam is a challenging test that assesses your knowledge of the law and your ability to apply it in practical scenarios. It covers a range of legal topics, including constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, property law, and torts. To pass the bar exam, you need to demonstrate a strong understanding of legal principles and how to apply them in different situations.

Preparing for the bar exam can be a daunting task, but there are several effective strategies you can employ. Firstly, familiarise yourself with the format and types of questions on the exam. This includes multiple-choice questions and essay-style questions, which require clear and structured responses. Practice exams and sample questions are invaluable tools to prepare, helping you become comfortable with the exam structure and timing.

In addition to solo preparation, consider joining a bar exam preparation course or study group. These provide structured guidance and support, ensuring you cover all the necessary topics. The feedback and insights from fellow students can also be beneficial. During your preparation, focus on understanding the underlying legal principles rather than just memorising rules. This will help you better apply your knowledge to the various scenarios presented in the exam.

On exam day, ensure you are well-rested and manage your time effectively during the exam. Read the questions carefully and allocate your time accordingly, as different sections may carry different weightings. Stay calm and trust in your preparation—you've got this!

Frequently asked questions