2 answers
kiersten
Student
Anaconda, Montana
1
Question
2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
LAW SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS
To get into law school in the United States, you'll need to meet the following requirements.
1️⃣ EARN YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
Take high school classes that emphasize organized research and persuasive writing. Because much of a lawyer's practice involves communicating, courses that build vocabulary help. Students also should take classes that look at how human behavior interacts with institutions. That includes sociology, political science, psychology and history. Science and math classes sharpen analytical thinking. Coursework that trains students to read large amounts of information is vital. Stick with honors or advanced placement courses and read as much as possible to prepare for the rigors of law school. It's also important to keep your grade-point average high so that you have your choice of colleges and eventually law school.
2️⃣ EARN YOUR BACHELOR'S DEGREE
To get into law school, you need to have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Law schools typically do not require a specific major, though many students choose majors like political science, history, or English. The important thing is that you maintain a high grade point average.
3️⃣ TAKE LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TEST
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test to assess reading comprehension, writing skills, and analytical and reasoning skills. Law schools require applicants to pass the LSAT. The score you receive is the most important metric in determining your admission into law school.
4️⃣ APPLY TO LAW SCHOOL
After you take the LSAT, you can apply to law school. Official LSAT scores are one of the many documents law schools typically request from candidates, along with a completed law school application, application fee, undergraduate transcripts, a personal statement and a letter of recommendation. Remember to check with each school where you plan to apply so you can confirm their admission requirements.
Many firms only accept candidates who attended an American Bar Association-approved law school, so you may improve your chances of finding a job after graduation.
5️⃣ EARN YOUR JURIS DOCTOR DEGREE
Law school typically takes three years to complete, and students receive a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree when they graduate. This degree qualifies you to take the state bar exam, which allows you to practice to law in your state.
6️⃣ TAKE THE BAR EXAMINATION
Once you receive your J.D., you're eligible to sit for the Bar Examination. This test is required for admission to the State Bar, which provides you with a license to practice law. On the first day of the exam, candidates take the essay section in the morning and a performance exam in the afternoon. These sections allow candidates to use their practical skills to demonstrate how they might approach a case in real life. The second day focuses on the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), a 200-question test on legal principles and reasoning. The MBE focuses on using legal principles and reasoning to analyze facts.
Hope this was helpful Kiersten
To get into law school in the United States, you'll need to meet the following requirements.
1️⃣ EARN YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
Take high school classes that emphasize organized research and persuasive writing. Because much of a lawyer's practice involves communicating, courses that build vocabulary help. Students also should take classes that look at how human behavior interacts with institutions. That includes sociology, political science, psychology and history. Science and math classes sharpen analytical thinking. Coursework that trains students to read large amounts of information is vital. Stick with honors or advanced placement courses and read as much as possible to prepare for the rigors of law school. It's also important to keep your grade-point average high so that you have your choice of colleges and eventually law school.
2️⃣ EARN YOUR BACHELOR'S DEGREE
To get into law school, you need to have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Law schools typically do not require a specific major, though many students choose majors like political science, history, or English. The important thing is that you maintain a high grade point average.
3️⃣ TAKE LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TEST
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test to assess reading comprehension, writing skills, and analytical and reasoning skills. Law schools require applicants to pass the LSAT. The score you receive is the most important metric in determining your admission into law school.
4️⃣ APPLY TO LAW SCHOOL
After you take the LSAT, you can apply to law school. Official LSAT scores are one of the many documents law schools typically request from candidates, along with a completed law school application, application fee, undergraduate transcripts, a personal statement and a letter of recommendation. Remember to check with each school where you plan to apply so you can confirm their admission requirements.
Many firms only accept candidates who attended an American Bar Association-approved law school, so you may improve your chances of finding a job after graduation.
5️⃣ EARN YOUR JURIS DOCTOR DEGREE
Law school typically takes three years to complete, and students receive a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree when they graduate. This degree qualifies you to take the state bar exam, which allows you to practice to law in your state.
6️⃣ TAKE THE BAR EXAMINATION
Once you receive your J.D., you're eligible to sit for the Bar Examination. This test is required for admission to the State Bar, which provides you with a license to practice law. On the first day of the exam, candidates take the essay section in the morning and a performance exam in the afternoon. These sections allow candidates to use their practical skills to demonstrate how they might approach a case in real life. The second day focuses on the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), a 200-question test on legal principles and reasoning. The MBE focuses on using legal principles and reasoning to analyze facts.
Hope this was helpful Kiersten
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Kiersten!
It’s awesome that you’re already thinking about becoming a lawyer! Doc Frick gave you a great roadmap on the official steps, so I’ll build on that with extra advice and things you can start doing right now to prepare.
Early Preparation for a Law Career
Since you're still in high school, here’s how you can set yourself up for success early:
Focus on Academics: Law school admissions are highly competitive, so keeping your GPA high now will make it easier to get into a strong undergrad program. AP and Honors courses—especially in English, History, Government, and Philosophy—are great choices.
Develop Strong Writing & Speaking Skills: Lawyers need to communicate persuasively, so practice by:
Taking debate or public speaking classes.
Writing for your school newspaper or a blog.
Reading and analyzing complex texts (legal cases, literature, history books).
Join Mock Trial or Debate Club: If your school offers these, they are excellent ways to gain legal reasoning skills. If not, look for law-related summer programs or internships.
Volunteer or Intern in Legal Settings: Even if you can’t work directly in law firms yet, try:
Court observation programs (some courthouses allow students to watch trials).
Shadowing a lawyer to see their day-to-day work. Working with advocacy or community service groups (human rights, policy, legal aid, etc.).
Develop Critical Thinking & Research Skills:
Take AP Research or similar courses.
Learn how to build logical arguments and analyze different perspectives.
After High School: Setting Yourself Up for Law School
Once you’re in college, focus on:
Choosing a Strong Major: Political Science, History, English, Criminal Justice, Philosophy, or even Business—law schools accept all majors, but these help develop relevant skills.
Gaining Legal Experience: Join pre-law societies, legal clinics, or internships.
Building a Strong LSAT Foundation: The LSAT is tough—start practicing logical reasoning early!
You’re on a great path, and starting early gives you a major advantage. Keep asking questions, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you want more ideas! Good luck Kirsten!
Look into debate, mock trial, or law-related clubs at school.
Find a local law firm, courthouse, or advocacy group where you can shadow or volunteer.
Read books or listen to podcasts about law to get inspired (like “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson).
Start building leadership skills (student government, clubs, or even organizing school events).
It’s awesome that you’re already thinking about becoming a lawyer! Doc Frick gave you a great roadmap on the official steps, so I’ll build on that with extra advice and things you can start doing right now to prepare.
Early Preparation for a Law Career
Since you're still in high school, here’s how you can set yourself up for success early:
Focus on Academics: Law school admissions are highly competitive, so keeping your GPA high now will make it easier to get into a strong undergrad program. AP and Honors courses—especially in English, History, Government, and Philosophy—are great choices.
Develop Strong Writing & Speaking Skills: Lawyers need to communicate persuasively, so practice by:
Taking debate or public speaking classes.
Writing for your school newspaper or a blog.
Reading and analyzing complex texts (legal cases, literature, history books).
Join Mock Trial or Debate Club: If your school offers these, they are excellent ways to gain legal reasoning skills. If not, look for law-related summer programs or internships.
Volunteer or Intern in Legal Settings: Even if you can’t work directly in law firms yet, try:
Court observation programs (some courthouses allow students to watch trials).
Shadowing a lawyer to see their day-to-day work. Working with advocacy or community service groups (human rights, policy, legal aid, etc.).
Develop Critical Thinking & Research Skills:
Take AP Research or similar courses.
Learn how to build logical arguments and analyze different perspectives.
After High School: Setting Yourself Up for Law School
Once you’re in college, focus on:
Choosing a Strong Major: Political Science, History, English, Criminal Justice, Philosophy, or even Business—law schools accept all majors, but these help develop relevant skills.
Gaining Legal Experience: Join pre-law societies, legal clinics, or internships.
Building a Strong LSAT Foundation: The LSAT is tough—start practicing logical reasoning early!
You’re on a great path, and starting early gives you a major advantage. Keep asking questions, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you want more ideas! Good luck Kirsten!
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