4 answers
Gertrude
Student
Trenton, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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What does one need to become a lawyer ?
Like what materials, what college, and stuff like that
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4 answers
Jenna Zebrowski, JD, MBA
Bilingual JD/MBA with compliance and regulatory experience and real estate (leasing and franchise) expertise
135
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jenna’s Answer
To be an lawyer in the US, you need an undergraduate degree (business or pre-law are popular majors, but you are not required to have a certain undergraduate degree). Your grades are the most important thing. Then you need to graduate from an ABA-accredited law school, then you need to take and pass the bar exam in the state(s) where you want to practice. Some jobs allow you to have a law degree and not pass the bar to practice, but not all of them.
Once you are a lawyer, and you are practicing, the most important thing you need is clients! There are lots of resources available about how to attract and retain clients, and get them to pay, as well as how to manage a private law practice. You could also join an existing firm or get a job in-house, and they should already have processes in place to get work for the attorneys to do and collect the bills. There are other lawyer jobs that don't require as much client development work.
I recommend making as many connections as possible during undergraduate and law school, some of the best resources are the relationships you grow and develop at the beginning of your career, and that will help you decide what kind of lawyer you want to be and guide your business and professional development.
Once you are a lawyer, and you are practicing, the most important thing you need is clients! There are lots of resources available about how to attract and retain clients, and get them to pay, as well as how to manage a private law practice. You could also join an existing firm or get a job in-house, and they should already have processes in place to get work for the attorneys to do and collect the bills. There are other lawyer jobs that don't require as much client development work.
I recommend making as many connections as possible during undergraduate and law school, some of the best resources are the relationships you grow and develop at the beginning of your career, and that will help you decide what kind of lawyer you want to be and guide your business and professional development.
Caitlyn Johnston
Senior Technical Writer
44
Answers
Odin, IL
Updated
Caitlyn’s Answer
You'll need a Juris Doctorate advanced degree. Many universities offer a JD, so start by talking to your guidance counselor. To get a JD, you'll need a bachelor's first with amajor or pre-law.
Baljit Gill
tutor
28
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Gertrude
You would start off with a BA in something that somewhat relates to law. It's your choice really. The next step is the take the LSAT. There are classes and books that offer self help in taking the exam. After that do you research into which school you are interested in. You might not get acceptances from all of the school but at least you tried. Apply or financial aid. The application opens in October to March. The earlier you apply the better off you will be. As you attend law school be present for ALL classes. It doesn't sit well with professors that you are missing class as you may be graded for attendance and participation. After graduation law school you would need to take the Bar Exam, if you have studied hard the bar exam will be something that you do well in. As you gain work, which could be in a law office, a sole attorney working for yourself or even working in house in the legal department in a company or government work, you need to complete CLE classes every so often.
You would start off with a BA in something that somewhat relates to law. It's your choice really. The next step is the take the LSAT. There are classes and books that offer self help in taking the exam. After that do you research into which school you are interested in. You might not get acceptances from all of the school but at least you tried. Apply or financial aid. The application opens in October to March. The earlier you apply the better off you will be. As you attend law school be present for ALL classes. It doesn't sit well with professors that you are missing class as you may be graded for attendance and participation. After graduation law school you would need to take the Bar Exam, if you have studied hard the bar exam will be something that you do well in. As you gain work, which could be in a law office, a sole attorney working for yourself or even working in house in the legal department in a company or government work, you need to complete CLE classes every so often.
Mackenzie Ward
associate
103
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
To become a lawyer in the United States, you typically need to complete several educational and professional steps. Here's an overview of the requirements:
Bachelor's Degree (4 years):
Begin by earning a bachelor's degree in any major. There is no specific undergraduate major required for law school, so you can choose a field that interests you. However, many prospective lawyers choose majors in areas like political science, pre-law, economics, history, or English. Maintain a strong GPA during your undergraduate studies.
Law School (3 years):
After completing your bachelor's degree, you must attend an accredited law school. Law school typically lasts three years if you attend full-time. Law school programs cover a wide range of legal topics and provide both theoretical and practical legal education.
Pass the Bar Exam (varies by state):
After graduating from law school, you must pass the bar examination in the state where you intend to practice law. Bar exams vary by state, but they typically consist of multiple components, including a written portion and a multiple-choice section. Passing the bar exam is a crucial step to obtaining a license to practice law.
Character and Fitness Evaluation:
Many states also require applicants to undergo a character and fitness evaluation to ensure they have the moral and ethical qualifications necessary to practice law.
Optional: Additional Degrees or Specialization:
Some lawyers choose to pursue additional degrees, such as a Master of Laws (LL.M.) or a Ph.D. in law, to specialize in a specific area of law or enhance their qualifications.
Lawyer Licensing:
After passing the bar exam and satisfying all other state requirements, you will receive your license to practice law in that jurisdiction.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE):
To maintain your legal license, most states require lawyers to complete a certain number of continuing legal education (CLE) credits periodically. These credits involve ongoing education and training in the law.
Practice Area Specialization:
Many lawyers choose to specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal law, family law, corporate law, or environmental law. Specialization often involves additional training and experience.
Joining the Bar Association:
Many lawyers choose to join their state's bar association, which provides networking opportunities, resources, and support for legal professionals.
It's important to note that the path to becoming a lawyer can vary by state, and some states may have additional requirements or variations in the process. Additionally, lawyers often continue to learn and develop their skills throughout their careers, staying updated on changes in the law and legal practice.
Bachelor's Degree (4 years):
Begin by earning a bachelor's degree in any major. There is no specific undergraduate major required for law school, so you can choose a field that interests you. However, many prospective lawyers choose majors in areas like political science, pre-law, economics, history, or English. Maintain a strong GPA during your undergraduate studies.
Law School (3 years):
After completing your bachelor's degree, you must attend an accredited law school. Law school typically lasts three years if you attend full-time. Law school programs cover a wide range of legal topics and provide both theoretical and practical legal education.
Pass the Bar Exam (varies by state):
After graduating from law school, you must pass the bar examination in the state where you intend to practice law. Bar exams vary by state, but they typically consist of multiple components, including a written portion and a multiple-choice section. Passing the bar exam is a crucial step to obtaining a license to practice law.
Character and Fitness Evaluation:
Many states also require applicants to undergo a character and fitness evaluation to ensure they have the moral and ethical qualifications necessary to practice law.
Optional: Additional Degrees or Specialization:
Some lawyers choose to pursue additional degrees, such as a Master of Laws (LL.M.) or a Ph.D. in law, to specialize in a specific area of law or enhance their qualifications.
Lawyer Licensing:
After passing the bar exam and satisfying all other state requirements, you will receive your license to practice law in that jurisdiction.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE):
To maintain your legal license, most states require lawyers to complete a certain number of continuing legal education (CLE) credits periodically. These credits involve ongoing education and training in the law.
Practice Area Specialization:
Many lawyers choose to specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal law, family law, corporate law, or environmental law. Specialization often involves additional training and experience.
Joining the Bar Association:
Many lawyers choose to join their state's bar association, which provides networking opportunities, resources, and support for legal professionals.
It's important to note that the path to becoming a lawyer can vary by state, and some states may have additional requirements or variations in the process. Additionally, lawyers often continue to learn and develop their skills throughout their careers, staying updated on changes in the law and legal practice.