Becoming An Employment Law Lawyer: Steps To Take

Employment law is a highly sought-after area of legal practice, with lawyers specialising in this field earning an average of $161,206 per year in the US and £32,500 in the UK. Employment lawyers help their clients – be they employers or employees – to navigate the myriad of laws and regulations that govern the workplace.

If you're interested in becoming an employment lawyer, there are several steps you should take. Firstly, you'll need to complete an undergraduate degree. While your major isn't important, it's beneficial to choose a subject that will give you a solid foundation in the legal field. During this time, you should also develop good study habits and time management skills, and gain work experience through internships or fellowships.

The next step is to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and apply to law school. Once you've graduated, you'll need to take the bar exam to become a certified lawyer.

With your qualifications in place, you can then seek out job opportunities in employment law.

Get an undergraduate degree

Getting an undergraduate degree is the first step towards becoming an employment lawyer. A bachelor's degree is a basic requirement for applying to law school. While there is no mandatory major for undergraduates aspiring to go to law school, choosing a major that helps build knowledge in the legal field can be beneficial. For instance, courses in government, public speaking, history, and economics can provide a solid foundation for a legal career.

Additionally, it is advisable to seek extracurricular opportunities such as internships or fellowships that can provide legal experience. These opportunities can be found at law firms, legal clinics, and government offices. Such experience can enhance your law school application and give you an advantage over other applicants.

During your undergraduate studies, it is also important to develop good study habits and time management skills. Learning how to take effective notes, actively read, and conduct research will be invaluable as you progress towards a career in law.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that maintaining a high GPA is crucial, as it will be a significant factor in the law school admissions process. Therefore, selecting a major that allows you to excel academically and develop the necessary skills for a legal career is essential.

While completing your undergraduate degree, you should also start researching law schools and their admission requirements. This includes understanding the median GPA and LSAT scores expected by your desired law schools. Starting the research process early will enable you to prepare thoroughly and increase your chances of gaining admission to your preferred law schools.

Develop good study habits

Developing good study habits is an essential step in your journey to becoming an employment lawyer. Here are some tips to help you study effectively:

Create a Study Schedule

Plan a regular time each day for studying and stick to it. Consistency is key when it comes to building good study habits. Having a dedicated study time each day will help your brain establish a routine and make it easier to get into the mindset for studying. If you have a short attention span, consider breaking your study time into smaller, more manageable chunks. For example, you could study for 30-50 minutes and then take a short break before resuming your studies. This technique can help keep your attention focused during your study sessions.

Find a Quiet Study Space

Designate a specific area for studying that is quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions. A dedicated study space will help you stay focused and avoid distractions. Experiment with different locations to find the best environment for you. This could be a library, a coffee shop, or a quiet corner of your home.

Minimize Distractions

Take steps to minimize distractions when studying. This includes turning off your phone or keeping it out of sight, turning off Wi-Fi if you don't need it, and closing unnecessary tabs on your computer. If you find it challenging to resist the urge to check your phone, try using a focus app that blocks distracting apps and sets timers for study sessions.

Set Clear Study Goals

Set specific and achievable study goals for each session. These goals can be time-based or content-based. For example, you might aim to study for a certain number of hours or to cover a specific number of topics. Be gentle with yourself if you don't meet your goals every time, and remember that it's important to take well-deserved breaks.

Practice Active Learning

Engage in active learning techniques such as taking notes, creating flashcards, writing practice questions, or explaining the material to someone else. Active learning is more effective and efficient than passive learning, helping you make the most of your study time.

Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial for optimal brain function and effective studying. Get regular exercise, eat a healthy and balanced diet, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. Prioritize self-care and stress reduction techniques to maintain your overall health and well-being.

Remember, developing good study habits takes time and practice. Start small and work your way up, making gradual changes to improve your study habits and enhance your learning experience.

Join extracurriculars

Joining extracurricular activities is an important step in becoming an employment lawyer. Law schools want to see that their students are well-rounded individuals who can manage several commitments at once. Therefore, it is beneficial to gain work or volunteering experience while completing your undergraduate degree. This experience does not necessarily need to be in the legal field, but it should help you develop skills that will make you a better law student and lawyer. These skills include time management, prioritisation, communication, organisation, and leadership.

For example, you could join student clubs, professional associations, and law journals that focus on employment law. You could also seek out internships or fellowships at law firms, legal clinics, and government offices. These opportunities will give you legal experience and help you build a strong resume. They will also allow you to network with legal professionals and peers, which can be beneficial when seeking future employment.

Additionally, when choosing a law school, it is a good idea to research the extracurricular activities they offer, such as hands-on training, internships, or other activities that may help you gain experience in employment law.

Begin the law school application process

To begin the law school application process, you must first complete an undergraduate degree. While there is no required major or path, choosing a major that helps you build knowledge in the legal field can be beneficial. For example, courses in government, public speaking, history, and economics can provide a solid foundation for your legal career. It is also a good idea to seek extracurricular opportunities like internships or fellowships that can give you legal experience.

In your final year of college, you will need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). This test is offered four times per year: June, September, December, and February. It is important to study diligently for the LSAT as your score will serve as a key indicator of your competency when admissions committees review your application materials. Many schools are explicit about the minimum score they will accept from candidates. Therefore, it is recommended that you set score-related goals to ensure you have a chance of attending your school of choice. Many applicants take LSAT-specific test preparation courses or form study groups to ensure they excel on the test.

After achieving your desired LSAT score, you should gather your application materials and register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Nearly all law schools use CAS for their application procedures. Application materials may include letters of recommendation, a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), and an English proficiency exam for international candidates. It is typically a good idea to apply to multiple schools at once to increase your chances of admission. When selecting schools, consider factors such as cost and location, and choose schools that have programming options that align with your career goals.

If you plan on taking a gap year, you will have more time to complete your law school applications. However, if you want to start law school immediately after graduating from college, you will need to complete your applications during your senior year. Beginning the application process early is crucial to ensure you meet all the requirements and deadlines for your desired schools.

Take the LSAT

Taking the LSAT, or Law School Admission Test, is an integral part of the law school admission process. The LSAT is offered four times a year: in June, September, December, and February. It is highly advisable to take the LSAT in your final year of college, preferably in June or September, before submitting your law school applications in the fall. This timing will ensure that your scores are available by your first law school application deadline.

The LSAT is a crucial component of your law school application, as it serves as a key indicator of your competency when admissions committees review your application. Many schools explicitly state the minimum score they require from candidates, so it is essential to set score-related goals and prepare diligently for the test. Various test preparation materials and procedures are available to help you achieve your desired score. If you are not satisfied with your initial score, you can retake the LSAT to aim for a higher one.

The LSAT is a multiple-choice digital test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It is designed to be challenging, with the average test-taker unable to comfortably complete all the questions in the allotted time. The test consists of four main sections: Logical Reasoning (also known as Arguments), Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games), Reading Comprehension, and an unscored Writing Sample (Essay). There is also an unscored experimental section. The test is 2 hours and 30 minutes long and consists of 99-102 multiple-choice questions.

The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120 to 180 points, and a higher score will generally increase your options for attending law school. It is worth noting that some law schools are now accepting or considering accepting GRE scores in place of LSAT scores. However, the LSAT remains the single best predictor of first-year law school performance and is highly valued by admissions committees.

To register for the LSAT, you can do so online at www.lsac.org. The registration deadline is typically one month before the test date, and the test costs $222 to take, which includes one free score report. You will also need to subscribe to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) for $200, which is required for most law school applications.

Frequently asked questions