Becoming An Education Law Attorney: A Guide

Becoming an education law attorney requires several years of study and licensure. In the US, it takes a minimum of seven years to become an attorney: four years for a bachelor's degree and three years for a law degree. Aspiring lawyers must pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Examinations General Test (GRE) and earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). After graduating, they must pass their state's bar exam and meet moral fitness requirements. Education law attorneys may also benefit from a background in education and relevant work experience.

Develop a background in education as an undergraduate student

Developing a background in education as an undergraduate student is a crucial step on the path to becoming an education law attorney. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing your undergraduate major, certain fields of study can lay a strong foundation for a career in education law. Here are some tips and strategies to help you develop a solid educational background as an undergraduate:

Choose a Relevant Major: Although law schools typically don't require a specific undergraduate major, selecting a field of study that aligns with education law can be advantageous. Consider majoring in education, which will provide you with a deep understanding of the education system and the challenges faced by students, teachers, and administrators. Alternatively, you could choose a major such as English, public speaking, government, or history, which can enhance your communication and critical thinking skills—essential for a career in law.

Gain Practical Experience: In addition to your academic studies, seek out opportunities to gain practical experience in the field of education. Consider working as a teacher or a teacher's assistant, either during your undergraduate years or during breaks. This will not only give you valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of the education system but will also demonstrate your commitment to the field.

Develop Key Skills: As an aspiring education law attorney, focus on developing a diverse set of skills that will serve you well in your future career. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential, so be sure to take courses that sharpen your reading, writing, and research abilities. Additionally, seek out opportunities to develop your collaboration and relationship-building skills, as lawyers must be able to build trusting relationships with their clients.

Explore Specializations: During your undergraduate studies, explore the various specializations within education law, such as children and families, school districts, nonprofits, or advocacy groups. This will help you identify areas of interest and allow you to start shaping your career path.

Network and Build Connections: Attend educational conferences, join relevant student organizations, and seek out networking opportunities with professionals in the field. Building a strong network can open doors to future internships, mentorships, and career prospects.

By following these strategies, you can develop a robust educational background as an undergraduate, setting yourself up for success in your journey towards becoming an education law attorney. Remember, a solid foundation in education, coupled with a strong skill set and a clear understanding of your career goals, will put you on the right path.

Take the LSAT

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the traditional law school entrance exam and is required for most prospective law students to qualify for law school. The LSAT is an integral part of law school admissions and is the only test that helps prospective law students determine if law school is right for them. The test is designed to assess whether a candidate is prepared for the demands of legal education. It is also a great predictor of first-year law school performance.

The LSAT tests your reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and writing abilities. The exam consists of multiple-choice sections and a separate writing assessment. Starting with the August 2024 test, the multiple-choice portion of the LSAT will consist of two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one scored Reading Comprehension section, plus one unscored variable section. The writing assessment is called LSAT Argumentative Writing, which is a new approach to writing assessment that responds to the evolving needs of the legal profession.

To prepare for the LSAT, it is important to familiarize yourself with the different types of LSAT questions and to take practice tests. Official LSAT PrepTests are available for free in your LawHub account, and you can upgrade to LawHub Advantage for an extensive library of full, official LSAT sample tests.

While a strong LSAT score can boost your odds of getting into law school, it is important to remember that it is not the only factor in an admissions decision. Law schools typically consider multiple application components when comparing candidates, including academic transcripts, resumes, GPAs, personal statements, and diversity statements.

Focus on relevant subjects during your law degree

Once you have been accepted into a law school of your choice, you should focus on taking courses that will give you the foundational knowledge required to practice education law. These courses include:

• Constitutional law
• Administrative law
• Contracts
• Torts
• Disability law
• Employment law
• Civil procedure

You can also choose to pursue a joint degree program where you can study both law and education. This will help you develop a strong understanding of the various elements of educational law.

Additionally, you can gain practical experience by working as a student law clerk under the supervision of a licensed attorney during your summer breaks. Aim to clerk with an experienced education lawyer, a teacher's union, or a nonprofit group that specializes in students' rights, civil liberties, or civil rights. This will help you develop your credentials and gain valuable hands-on experience in the field of education law.

Gain experience in education law through a clerkship

A clerkship is a position a pre-law student obtains in the chamber of a judge. Clerkships are learning experiences for students studying and training to be attorneys. They give students a first-hand look at how the legal system is portrayed through the eyes of a judge.

• Gain experience in a variety of areas: Those who want to become educational attorneys can practice in four major areas: children and families, school districts, nonprofits or advocacy groups, and politics. Working with children and their families involves addressing the child's specific challenges surrounding appropriate educational access. This may include specializing in students with disabilities. Working with school districts may involve dealing with student records, discipline, school governance, or collective bargaining. Nonprofits and advocacy groups often hire educational attorneys to focus on educational reform by challenging policy issues. Attorneys who work for educational departments within the local, state, or national government may work on issues ranging from discrimination to teacher salaries.
• Develop a strong understanding of the judicial system: Judicial clerks have a lot of responsibility and the chance to gain extensive knowledge of the judicial system. They assist judges in writing opinions and gain insight into how judges think and do their jobs.
• Improve legal skills: Clerkships give future attorneys the opportunity to improve their legal skills, such as writing memos and draft opinions, reviewing briefs and pleadings, conducting legal research, editing and proofreading documents, observing court proceedings, and assisting with oral arguments and trials.
• Network with other lawyers and judges: Clerkships provide valuable opportunities to network with other lawyers and judges, which can be beneficial for future career opportunities.
• Learn about both sides of the law: Working alongside a judge as a clerk allows individuals to observe both sides of the law, providing a more holistic understanding of the legal system.

Pass your state's bar exam

Passing the bar exam is a critical step in becoming an attorney. The bar exam is a prerequisite for obtaining your license to practice law in your state. The exam is notoriously difficult and stressful, so it is important to take it seriously and prepare thoroughly.

The bar exam typically takes two to three days to complete and is only offered twice a year in most states. It includes an essay component and a 200-item test covering contracts, constitutional law, evidence, criminal law, real property, and torts. Some states have accepted the Multistate Bar Exam while also incorporating state-specific aspects. Therefore, it is important to research the specific requirements of your desired jurisdiction.

After passing the bar exam, you will need to take an oath and complete the process of becoming a licensed, state-recognized attorney. This typically involves a swearing-in ceremony organized by the local bar association, your law school, or another group. In rare cases, you may be able to take your oath in a virtual ceremony instead of in person.

Once you have passed the bar exam and become a licensed attorney, you must maintain your license by staying up-to-date with new rulings and developments in your field. This can be done by regularly participating in continuing legal education courses, referred to as CLE. The number of courses and time between courses varies by state, ranging from annually to every three years.

Frequently asked questions