Do you have an argumentative spirit, a passion for justice, and a knack for in-depth research? You might have what it takes to become an attorney. This rewarding career is the perfect opportunity for a passionate student who wants to make real, actionable change.
Are you interested in learning how to become a lawyer? Our step-by-step guide includes instructions on how to achieve your ambitious career goals, starting today.
What do Lawyers Really Do?
For many people without experience with the law profession, a picture of a courtroom in Law and Order or Legally Blonde may come to mind. But the scope of work lawyers do in real life is massive.
There are many different legal jurisdictions, which means there is a range of distinct roles for graduates with law degrees, both in and out of the courtroom. Lawyers need a strong, complex understanding of the legal system. If you don’t know the answer to a question, you must possess the skills necessary to find it.
Great lawyers are strong readers, master researchers, and quick critical thinkers. All law careers involve a lot of reading and paperwork.
Most of the time, your job will be to represent or advise a person or organization. They will rely on your in-depth legal knowledge to solve their problems.
Your day will look different depending on your unique legal specialty. Some lawyers work in offices, advising on contracts or wills. Others prosecute or defend clients in court. You might even work for a company as part of its in-house legal team, solving unique business or real estate problems every day.
Many lawyers work on behalf of marginalized groups. There are opportunities to specialize in everything from environmental or animal law to immigration law. It’s an excellent career for a highly studious student with a passion for change.
Preparing for a Legal Career in High School
Many students wonder how long it takes to become a lawyer. The short answer is that it will take you a minimum of seven years.
You’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. You will also need to pass the Bar Exam, a challenging legal knowledge and skills test. Suppose you want to prepare for the challenge. In that case, there are a few things you can do beginning in High School:
- Join a school mock trial team
- Take extra classes in history and government
- Volunteer for a local political campaign
- Pursue community service opportunities with marginalized populations
- Take honors or AP classes
- Find opportunities to practice public speaking
Finishing a law degree takes a long time. These experiences can help you decide whether or not you want to work in law. They can also help you discover strengths and interests early, putting you on the right path ASAP.
Getting Your Bachelor’s Degree
Before attending law school, you must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree. A great option is a “pre-law” degree. These programs combine history, government, and introduction to law classes to prepare you for law school.
Not all colleges offer a pre-law major. The truth is, you can major in almost any field before you apply to law school. In fact, unique degrees can sometimes help you stand out in your law school application.
Regardless of your major, aim for academic success. The higher your GPA, the more likely you will gain acceptance into a quality law program. You should also engage in a variety of extracurricular activities. The admissions committee will look for academic and leadership potential while reviewing your application.
Getting into Law School
For many students, getting accepted into a law school is the most challenging part of their career journey. You will likely need a high Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) score. This exam used to be mandatory, but not all schools require you to take it. Still, if you plan to apply to a range of law schools, the odds are good that you will need to submit an LSAT score.
The Law School Admissions Council offers the exam eight times per year, between January and November. Most students sit for the exam during their junior or senior year of undergraduate study. Some students take a gap year after undergrad to prepare and take the exam.
Many students underestimate how hard it is to become a lawyer. The average law school admissions committee looks for a minimum LSAT score of 150, which puts you in the 46th percentile. If you’re seeking admission to a top-ranked law school, you should attempt to score an ambitious score of 170 or higher.
Most applicants work with a tutor or enroll in an LSAT prep course before taking the exam. There are many free LSAT study resources online that will be useful in ensuring you’re ready to conquer the exam. Taking the exam multiple times is common to achieve the highest score possible. We recommend taking it for the first time during the Fall or Spring of your junior year.
Law school decisions tend to take a long time. After submitting your application, including scores, your transcript, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation, you can typically expect a response by March.
What Else Do You Need to Do to Become a Lawyer?
Graduate school is rigorous, but getting high grades and graduating from law school isn’t enough to ensure a successful legal career. The next step is passing the Bar Exam. This state exam is notoriously difficult, with an average pass rate of only 50%. Each state has its own exam, and passing scores vary by jurisdiction.
The exam contains a combination of multiple-choice questions, essays, and tasks. It takes two full days to complete the test.
Passing the Bar is a tremendous rite of passage and the final step in becoming a lawyer.
From there, most law students work in entry-level positions while gaining professional experience. It can take many years to qualify for your ideal role. However, the hard work will be worthwhile if you’re truly passionate about the profession.
Passionate Lawyers Can Change the World
The road to becoming a lawyer is long and very challenging. It’s full of rigorous coursework, difficult exams, and plenty of competition. Even so, it’s an incredibly rewarding path for a driven, intelligent individual who is eager to change the world.
Now that you have a sense of how to become a lawyer, it’s time to take steps to achieve your goal. If you still have questions, a CareerVillage professional can help answer them, putting you on the path to a rewarding legal career.