3 answers
Liyhia
Student
Memphis, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
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How can I become a lawyer ?
Finish school and get my education
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3 answers
Nija Jackson, MSW, LCSW
Compassionate and Dedicated Social Worker currently seeking Social Work opportunities to establish growth and longevity.
100
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Nija’s Answer
Hello Liyhia, I trust you're doing well. It's fantastic to hear about your aspiration to become a lawyer and champion for others. This is a commendable decision, and you should feel proud of embarking on this educational and career path. Research indicates a growing demand in the legal profession.
As you've expressed interest in law, there are certain educational requirements to meet. Depending on where you are in your career journey, you might want to identify your preferred area of law, given the numerous specializations available.
If you're serious about becoming a lawyer, consider interviewing professionals in the field to gain insights into what the profession entails. Volunteering or interning at a law firm can provide hands-on experience and allow you to interact closely with lawyers. Building a network of legal professionals can also offer valuable support.
Becoming a lawyer involves meeting several educational requirements. The specifics can differ across states, but typically, you would need seven years of post-high school education. This comprises four years of undergraduate studies and three years of law school. Additionally, passing the bar exam is crucial, which could extend the timeline if not cleared in the first attempt.
Some aspiring lawyers also choose to take the LSAT more than once to boost their scores and improve their chances of law school admission, potentially adding more time. Therefore, your journey will include obtaining an undergraduate degree, taking the LSAT exam, applying to and completing law school, and preparing for and passing the bar exam.
The path to becoming a lawyer can be fulfilling. Many lawyers find joy in their work and develop a deep passion for practicing law. It's crucial to plan and prepare for each step of the journey. Maintain a positive attitude and persist through challenges, as this will greatly benefit your legal career.
Best of luck with your educational and career pursuits. I wish you all the best on your journey.
Continue to conduct research about the Legal profession
Align yourself with people who practice law to get a sense of what is like to become a lawyer.
You can view the Occupational Outlook Handbook at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
Speak with academic advisors at different colleges about what it takes to become a lawyer
As you've expressed interest in law, there are certain educational requirements to meet. Depending on where you are in your career journey, you might want to identify your preferred area of law, given the numerous specializations available.
If you're serious about becoming a lawyer, consider interviewing professionals in the field to gain insights into what the profession entails. Volunteering or interning at a law firm can provide hands-on experience and allow you to interact closely with lawyers. Building a network of legal professionals can also offer valuable support.
Becoming a lawyer involves meeting several educational requirements. The specifics can differ across states, but typically, you would need seven years of post-high school education. This comprises four years of undergraduate studies and three years of law school. Additionally, passing the bar exam is crucial, which could extend the timeline if not cleared in the first attempt.
Some aspiring lawyers also choose to take the LSAT more than once to boost their scores and improve their chances of law school admission, potentially adding more time. Therefore, your journey will include obtaining an undergraduate degree, taking the LSAT exam, applying to and completing law school, and preparing for and passing the bar exam.
The path to becoming a lawyer can be fulfilling. Many lawyers find joy in their work and develop a deep passion for practicing law. It's crucial to plan and prepare for each step of the journey. Maintain a positive attitude and persist through challenges, as this will greatly benefit your legal career.
Best of luck with your educational and career pursuits. I wish you all the best on your journey.
Nija recommends the following next steps:
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
134
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Liyhia: I had to work my tail off to become a lawyer. Undergrad I worked multiple jobs while in school and over the summer. (one hint - never run a merry-go-round - the music stays in your head for hours!) I got a Master's Degree and worked all through that -loaded UPS trucks at night. Finally Law School where I worked for Lexis for 2 years. Was it easy? No. Was it fun - it had some great times. At this point - stay in school and study hard. Get good grades. After college you can take the LSATs and go on to law school. If you want to do this bad enough you'll be able to do it. Hard - yes. All that effort and experience make you a better person! Good luck!
Mackenzie Ward
associate
103
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
In order to qualify for application, you must first complete a four-year bachelor's degree from a recognized college. The American Bar Association (ABA) doesn't recommend or require any specific course of study. If your undergrad has a pre-law program or pre-law classes, taking some of those courses is a great way to get some pre-law school exposure and confirm you are interested in the career path.
Take the pre-entrance LSAT exam. The Law School Aptitude Test, better known as the LSAT, is a super important part of your law school admissions package. The LSAT is multiple choice, with five sections that you have 35 minutes each to complete. It tests your reading comprehension, your logic, and your ability to strategize under time restraints — all skills you need as a lawyer. There are free test prep materials as well as classes or programs you can sign up for.
Attend an ABA approved law school. Law school is three years. There are certain required courses such as contracts, property, legal writing, constitutional law, and so on that you generally take your first year.
After graduating from law school, you will sit for the Bar Exam. The Bar Exam is similar to the LSAT in that it is an aptitude test but it will test you on legal topics that you learned in law school. There are number of other requirements such as a character and fitness application, getting fingerprinted and a background check, and taking a professional responsibility exam, but your law school will guide you through these steps as you get closer.
I graduated from law school and took the bar last year and am just finishing my first of practicing law. It’s a challenging career but very fun and rewarding! I encourage you to continue asking questions on forums like these. Best of luck!
Take the pre-entrance LSAT exam. The Law School Aptitude Test, better known as the LSAT, is a super important part of your law school admissions package. The LSAT is multiple choice, with five sections that you have 35 minutes each to complete. It tests your reading comprehension, your logic, and your ability to strategize under time restraints — all skills you need as a lawyer. There are free test prep materials as well as classes or programs you can sign up for.
Attend an ABA approved law school. Law school is three years. There are certain required courses such as contracts, property, legal writing, constitutional law, and so on that you generally take your first year.
After graduating from law school, you will sit for the Bar Exam. The Bar Exam is similar to the LSAT in that it is an aptitude test but it will test you on legal topics that you learned in law school. There are number of other requirements such as a character and fitness application, getting fingerprinted and a background check, and taking a professional responsibility exam, but your law school will guide you through these steps as you get closer.
I graduated from law school and took the bar last year and am just finishing my first of practicing law. It’s a challenging career but very fun and rewarding! I encourage you to continue asking questions on forums like these. Best of luck!