Becoming A Lawyer: Steps To Take And Challenges To Face

Becoming a lawyer is no easy feat. It requires dedication, hard work, and a long journey through education and training. The process can be broken down into several key steps, from obtaining an undergraduate degree to passing the bar exam and gaining practical experience.

The first step towards a career in law is to obtain a bachelor's degree. While specific majors are not required, choosing a program that provides exposure to the legal field or developing essential skills such as critical thinking and logical argumentation is advantageous. The choice of major, however, is flexible, and students are encouraged to select a field that interests them and aligns with their passions.

The next crucial step is to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). These entrance exams are used by law schools to evaluate prospective students' reading, verbal, and reasoning skills. A competitive LSAT score can increase one's chances of gaining admission to reputable law schools.

With the required entrance exams completed, the next step is to apply to and gain admission to an accredited law school. Law school typically lasts three years and provides a comprehensive understanding of legal principles, analytical skills, and practical knowledge. During this time, students should also focus on gaining practical experience through internships, clinics, or summer associate positions to build their resumes.

After successfully completing law school, the next challenge is to pass the bar exam. This exam assesses one's knowledge and understanding of the law and is a requirement to obtain a license to practice law in a particular state. The bar exam can be state-specific or take the form of the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), accepted in multiple jurisdictions.

Finally, obtaining a license to practice law is the last step in becoming a lawyer. This process involves researching state requirements, submitting applications, undergoing background checks, and participating in a swearing-in ceremony.

While the road to becoming a lawyer is demanding, it can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career with a competitive salary. It is important to approach this journey with determination and a strong work ethic to succeed in the legal profession.

Earn a bachelor's degree

Earning a bachelor's degree is the first step towards becoming a lawyer. This usually takes four years and is a necessary prerequisite for law school. While it is not mandatory to major in a particular field, choosing a major that interests you and allows you to develop critical thinking and logical argumentation skills can be beneficial. This is because law schools primarily consider your GPA and LSAT score during the admissions process. Therefore, selecting a major that you are passionate about can help you maintain higher grades and increase your chances of admission.

Additionally, it is essential to develop strong writing, reading, and analytical skills during your undergraduate studies. These skills will not only help you during the LSAT but also prepare you for the rigorous curriculum of law school.

Once you have earned your bachelor's degree, the next step is to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), depending on the requirements of your chosen law school. A good LSAT or GRE score, along with a strong bachelor's degree, will pave the way for your journey towards becoming a lawyer.

Take the LSAT or GRE

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the traditional law school entrance exam, and the one that most prospective law students take to qualify for law school. However, some law schools also accept the Graduate Record Examinations General Test (GRE).

The LSAT is a half-day standardised test that assesses your reading, verbal, and reasoning skills through multiple-choice questions and a writing sample. The test is offered four times a year, and you can take it up to seven times over your lifetime. It costs $215 to register for the exam and you can take it at various locations across North Carolina.

The LSAT is an important part of your law school admissions package, and the higher your score, the more competitive your application will be. However, even with average scores, remember that admissions committees consider other components of your application, such as your college GPA, personal statement, and resume.

The GRE is a similar test that assesses your critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills. You can take the GRE in person at various times throughout the year, or at home whenever is convenient for you, seven days a week. You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within any one-year period.

You should take either the LSAT or GRE at least six months before your law school application deadlines. This gives you plenty of time to prepare and ensure you're happy with your score before submitting your applications.

If you're a college student hoping to go to law school immediately after graduating, you'll generally want to take either of these exams during the spring of your junior year, the summer after your junior year, or the fall of your senior year.

Apply to and complete law school

Apply to Law School

Now that you have your bachelor's degree and LSAT scores, it's time to apply to law school. Law schools typically require several application materials, including transcripts from all post-secondary education, LSAT (or sometimes GRE) scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a completed application. It is important to note that law school application deadlines vary, with some schools offering rolling admissions and others having specific dates for early decision/early action and regular decision. It is recommended to submit applications as early as possible to increase your chances of acceptance.

Complete Law School

Once you have gained admission to law school, you will typically need to complete 90 course credits over three years to earn your Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. The first year of law school tends to have a fixed curriculum, covering broad legal areas such as torts, contracts, and civil procedure. In the second and third years, you may have more flexibility to choose elective courses that align with your interests and gain practical experience through internships or clinics. During law school, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of legal principles, enhance your analytical skills, and improve your critical thinking abilities.

Law school education covers a range of subjects, including legal foundations, legal research and writing, legal analysis and reasoning, specialized legal areas, and professional skills. Outside of the classroom, you may have opportunities to join organisations, participate in moot court, and network with professors, students, and administrators. These experiences can provide valuable connections and enhance your practical skills.

Remember that law school is highly rigorous, and you will need to dedicate significant time and effort to your studies. Managing your time effectively and staying organised will be crucial to your success. Additionally, don't forget to take care of your well-being during this challenging period.

Pass the Bar Examination

Passing the Bar Examination is the penultimate step to becoming a lawyer. The bar exam is a multi-day test that assesses your eligibility to practice law in a particular state. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, essays, and performance tests that measure your knowledge and understanding of the law.

To prepare for the bar exam, it is recommended to start studying at least six months in advance. During this period, you should review course material from law school, familiarise yourself with recent updates in state and federal laws, and practice answering bar exam questions. You may also want to consider taking a prep course or joining a study group. Additionally, using study aids such as flashcards, practice tests, and mock exams can be beneficial.

The bar exam can be challenging, and it is important to take it seriously. In most states, there is no limit on the number of attempts you can make, but for those that do, the maximum number of attempts ranges from 2 to 6. You can check the specific requirements and limits for your jurisdiction on the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) website.

After passing the bar exam, you will be one step closer to becoming a licensed lawyer. The next step is to obtain your license, which involves researching and fulfilling the specific requirements of the state where you intend to practice.

Obtain your license

Obtaining your law license is the final step in becoming a licensed attorney. While the specific process may vary from state to state, here are the general steps to obtaining your license:

Research State Requirements

Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements set by the state's bar association. Understand the application process, fees, and required documentation. Each state has its own bar requirements, so it's important to know what your state mandates. For example, Wisconsin offers a "diploma privilege" that exempts graduates of certain law schools from taking the bar exam.

Complete the Application

Fill out the application, providing personal information, educational background, and employment history. This will likely include submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and other supporting documents. You may also need to register with a service like the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which is used by all law schools to compile and organize necessary documents for law school admission.

Submit Required Documents

Include supporting documents such as law school transcripts, bar exam certification, and certificates of good standing from other jurisdictions. These documents will vary depending on your state and situation, so be sure to check the specific requirements.

Pay the Application Fee

Most states require an application fee to cover administrative costs. This fee can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, so be prepared to budget for this expense.

Background Check and Character Evaluation

Undergo a thorough review, including a character and fitness evaluation, which may include a criminal background check and assessment of moral character. This step is crucial as it evaluates your suitability for the legal profession and ensures you meet the ethical standards required of attorneys.

Swearing-In Ceremony

Upon approval of your application and completion of all requirements, attend a formal swearing-in ceremony. This ceremony is where you take an oath to uphold the law and fulfil your duties as an attorney. It is a significant milestone in your journey to becoming a lawyer.

Receive Your License

After completing all the above steps and meeting the requirements, you will receive your law license. This license grants you the authority to practice law in a particular jurisdiction. Remember that you will need to keep your license up to date and fulfil any renewal or continuing education obligations to maintain your license in the long term.

Frequently asked questions