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does lawyer need 4 year college?

does lawyer need 4 year college?

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Subject: Career question for you

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DENNIS’s Answer

Wesley:
In the old days - no. Presently you need a college degree from an accredited college and then you take the LSAT test then into a law school. Law School is generally 3 years - if you go nights it can take longer. After law school you need to pass a state bar exam to practice.
Wesley, if you are thinking of becoming a lawyer let me tell you it is a great profession. I have been a lawyer for over 40 years - it challanges your brain and your moral fiber.
The fact you are asking these questions shows you have an inquisitive mind - you ask questions! That is very important for a lawyer. Lawyers need to ask questions and learn new things all the time! You are on the right track! Good luck!!
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Fred’s Answer

My understanding of the requirements are that you need a bachelors degree (which usually takes 4 years) a then you need to go to law school for another four years, to get your Juris Doctorate. Then you need to pass the bar exam in the state where you want to practice.
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Jennifer’s Answer

Law school is 3 years -- plus your bachelor's degree (which usually takes 4 years, but some do it in less time)!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hey there, Wesley!

Embarking on the journey to become a lawyer is a thrilling adventure! The first step is usually earning a four-year college degree. While the exact educational prerequisites can differ based on the region, a bachelor's degree is typically the first stepping stone on the path to law school.

A four-year college education equips future lawyers with a robust foundation in critical thinking, research capabilities, and communication skills. These are all vital tools in the lawyer's toolbox. It helps sharpen your analytical and problem-solving skills, and gives you the ability to dissect complex legal issues and apply legal principles effectively.

While studying for your undergraduate degree, you have the freedom to choose any major, as long as it meets the necessary prerequisites for law school admission. However, some majors like political science, history, philosophy, or criminal justice could offer a more straightforward route to grasping legal concepts and systems.

But that's not all! Aspiring lawyers also need to ace the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) as part of the law school application process. The LSAT tests your critical reading, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and writing skills. A high LSAT score can be a golden ticket to top-notch law schools.

Once you're in law school, you'll usually work towards a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. This three-year program dives deep into legal theory and practical skills training. You'll explore various areas of law, from constitutional law to criminal law, contracts, torts, property law, civil procedure, and legal writing.

After law school, you'll need to pass the bar examination in your jurisdiction to become a licensed attorney. This exam tests your understanding of both state-specific and general legal principles. Remember, each jurisdiction has its own unique requirements for bar admission.

While a four-year college degree is the standard route to becoming a lawyer, there are other ways to enter the legal profession. Some regions allow individuals to become lawyers through apprenticeship programs or by completing a limited legal education. These alternative paths are less common and might have extra requirements or limitations.

In summary, a four-year college degree is a common requirement to become a lawyer. It equips future lawyers with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in law school and the legal profession. Plus, earning a bachelor's degree is often a prerequisite for law school admission. Just remember, it's crucial to research and understand the specific educational requirements of the region where you plan to practice law.

The following authoritative references were used:
1. American Bar Association (ABA) - www.americanbar.org
2. Law School Admission Council (LSAC) - www.lsac.org
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - www.bls.gov

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www.careervillage.org
www.quora.com
www.texasbar.com
www.coursera.org
www.usnews.com
www.linkedin.com
www.calbar.ca.gov
academia.stackexchange.com

Keep up the great work, Wesley! Your efforts are bound to pay off. God bless!
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Angela’s Answer

Hello Wesley,

Absolutely, a 4-year degree is a must before you can be eligible for law school admission. Following that, law school usually spans 3 years if pursued full time. Wishing you the best of luck!
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