4 answers
erin
Student
Des Moines, Iowa
1
Question
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How many years of collage are required to become a lawyer?
what is the minimum amount?
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4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Probably around seven to eight.
Four to five years to achieve a bachelors, and then three for the juris doctorate degree.
Four to five years to achieve a bachelors, and then three for the juris doctorate degree.
N O
Criminal Investigation
6
Answers
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Updated
N’s Answer
When I inquired about to het a law degree I was told seven years. I have undergraduate and graduate degree in Criminal Justice, so I was told I get one more year for studying some law courses and then bar review. My undergrad is four years, 2 years in grad school; makes it six years. I am not certain yet if I must continue or not because I have already established my career. But I would want to become a lawyer as well.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1664
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Seven.
A four year, Bachelor's degree.
And then 3 years of law school.
A four year, Bachelor's degree.
And then 3 years of law school.
Mackenzie Ward
associate
103
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
To become a lawyer in the United States, you typically need to complete the following educational path:
Undergraduate Education (Bachelor's Degree):
Typically, you'll complete a bachelor's degree, which usually takes four years. You can major in any field, but many aspiring lawyers choose majors in areas like political science, pre-law, English, or history. During your undergraduate years, you'll want to maintain a strong GPA and engage in activities that demonstrate your critical thinking, research, and communication skills.
Law School (Juris Doctor or J.D.):
After completing your bachelor's degree, you'll need to attend law school, which typically takes three years of full-time study. Law school provides the legal education and training necessary to become a lawyer. You'll study various areas of law, engage in legal research and writing, and may have the opportunity to participate in clinical programs or internships.
Bar Examination:
After graduating from law school, you must pass the bar examination in the state where you intend to practice law. The bar exam is a comprehensive test that assesses your knowledge of legal principles and your ability to apply them. It usually takes a few months to prepare for the bar exam.
Bar Admission:
Once you pass the bar examination, you can apply for admission to the bar in your chosen state. Upon admission, you become a licensed attorney and can practice law in that state.
In summary, it typically takes about seven years of education and training to become a lawyer in the United States: four years for a bachelor's degree, three years of law school, and the time it takes to prepare for and pass the bar exam. Keep in mind that the exact timeline and requirements may vary depending on your location and individual circumstances. Additionally, some aspiring lawyers may choose to pursue additional education or specialized training in specific areas of law, which can extend the time required to achieve their career goals.
Undergraduate Education (Bachelor's Degree):
Typically, you'll complete a bachelor's degree, which usually takes four years. You can major in any field, but many aspiring lawyers choose majors in areas like political science, pre-law, English, or history. During your undergraduate years, you'll want to maintain a strong GPA and engage in activities that demonstrate your critical thinking, research, and communication skills.
Law School (Juris Doctor or J.D.):
After completing your bachelor's degree, you'll need to attend law school, which typically takes three years of full-time study. Law school provides the legal education and training necessary to become a lawyer. You'll study various areas of law, engage in legal research and writing, and may have the opportunity to participate in clinical programs or internships.
Bar Examination:
After graduating from law school, you must pass the bar examination in the state where you intend to practice law. The bar exam is a comprehensive test that assesses your knowledge of legal principles and your ability to apply them. It usually takes a few months to prepare for the bar exam.
Bar Admission:
Once you pass the bar examination, you can apply for admission to the bar in your chosen state. Upon admission, you become a licensed attorney and can practice law in that state.
In summary, it typically takes about seven years of education and training to become a lawyer in the United States: four years for a bachelor's degree, three years of law school, and the time it takes to prepare for and pass the bar exam. Keep in mind that the exact timeline and requirements may vary depending on your location and individual circumstances. Additionally, some aspiring lawyers may choose to pursue additional education or specialized training in specific areas of law, which can extend the time required to achieve their career goals.