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How to become a lawyer?
#lawyer #criminal-justice #attorney #law
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Anthony’s Answer
Hi Jacob,
I think a good place to start researching this would be with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS maintains an online database where you can see not only pay information, but also learn more about what job skills/degrees/certifications would be useful, what the outlook for the industry is expected to be over the next ten years, and even dive into the employment and pay data by state or geographic location.
Below is the education criteria they suggest for anyone interested in becoming a Lawyer:
"Becoming a lawyer usually takes 7 years of full-time study after high school—4 years of undergraduate study, followed by 3 years of law school. Most states and jurisdictions require lawyers to complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). ABA accreditation signifies that the law school—particularly its curricula and faculty—meets certain standards.
A bachelor's degree is typically required for entry into most law schools. Undergraduate fields of study may include law and legal studies, history, or social science.
Almost all law schools, particularly those approved by the ABA, require applicants to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). This test measures applicants’ aptitude for the study of law.
A J.D. degree program includes courses such as constitutional law, contracts, property law, civil procedure, and legal writing. Law students may choose specialized courses in areas such as tax, labor, and corporate law."
I highly encourage you to take a look at the data yourself; you can find the statistics for Lawyers here: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm
I think a good place to start researching this would be with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS maintains an online database where you can see not only pay information, but also learn more about what job skills/degrees/certifications would be useful, what the outlook for the industry is expected to be over the next ten years, and even dive into the employment and pay data by state or geographic location.
Below is the education criteria they suggest for anyone interested in becoming a Lawyer:
"Becoming a lawyer usually takes 7 years of full-time study after high school—4 years of undergraduate study, followed by 3 years of law school. Most states and jurisdictions require lawyers to complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). ABA accreditation signifies that the law school—particularly its curricula and faculty—meets certain standards.
A bachelor's degree is typically required for entry into most law schools. Undergraduate fields of study may include law and legal studies, history, or social science.
Almost all law schools, particularly those approved by the ABA, require applicants to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). This test measures applicants’ aptitude for the study of law.
A J.D. degree program includes courses such as constitutional law, contracts, property law, civil procedure, and legal writing. Law students may choose specialized courses in areas such as tax, labor, and corporate law."
I highly encourage you to take a look at the data yourself; you can find the statistics for Lawyers here: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm
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DENNIS’s Answer
Jacob: Anthony's answer pretty much nails it. Get into a good college - SUNY or CUNY - are both great systems, after graduation you need to get into a law school. Getting into a law school requires good grades and good LSAT scores. The grades are on you! The LSAT is a tough test so either buy a practice book or take a prep course to get the best grade you can. Three years of law school are tough. First year they scare you, second year they work you and third year they bore you. That's the old saying. However, law school is an interesting experience.
After law school you will need to take your State's Bar exam. Assuming you stay in New York, you can take the exam either in July or February. It is a two day test. (longer if you are seeking to be admited in New Jersey at the same time) NY is one of the harder State exams. After you pass you have to wait to be sworn in - in your case if you live in Manhattan it will be at the 1st Department on 23rd St. After being sworn in you have to sign the Roll of Attorney's book and you are then an attorney. Those are the steps. However, being a good lawyer requires you to be a good person first! So stay in school. get good grades, keep out of trouble (they do check on those things!) and follow your dreams. The road to becoming a lawyer is long, enjoy the journey!
After law school you will need to take your State's Bar exam. Assuming you stay in New York, you can take the exam either in July or February. It is a two day test. (longer if you are seeking to be admited in New Jersey at the same time) NY is one of the harder State exams. After you pass you have to wait to be sworn in - in your case if you live in Manhattan it will be at the 1st Department on 23rd St. After being sworn in you have to sign the Roll of Attorney's book and you are then an attorney. Those are the steps. However, being a good lawyer requires you to be a good person first! So stay in school. get good grades, keep out of trouble (they do check on those things!) and follow your dreams. The road to becoming a lawyer is long, enjoy the journey!