2 answers
Cy
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
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How would I become a lawyer
How would I become a lawyer and what would I do as one I am in 8th grade and I want to know what I would do and how I would get there to be a lawyer
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2 answers
Terri R
Professor
39
Answers
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Updated
Terri’s Answer
Embarking on the journey to become a lawyer begins with earning a conventional bachelor's degree from a college or university, typically a four-year commitment. While many budding lawyers opt for majors like political science, history, or English, you're free to choose any subject that sparks your curiosity as a foundation for law school. The key is to select classes that will nurture your logical thinking and writing skills. Having a pre-law advisor during your college years can be a great asset, guiding you in course selection and eventually aiding you in applying to law school. Law schools not only consider your undergraduate grades, but also the diversity of your coursework and your involvement in extracurricular activities.
As your college journey approaches its conclusion, you'll likely sit for the LSAT exam, akin to the SAT or ACT exams required for college admission. Invest time in preparing for this exam, as your score is one of many elements law schools may consider in your application.
Law school is traditionally a three-year program following your four years in college. After law school, you'll sit for a bar exam and the multistate professional responsibility exam (though you can opt to take the latter during law school). Upon successful completion of both exams, you'll be licensed by the state and ready to practice law. The journey from high school graduation to being sworn into the bar as an attorney typically spans about seven years. It demands dedication and commitment, but the result is a highly rewarding career!
As your college journey approaches its conclusion, you'll likely sit for the LSAT exam, akin to the SAT or ACT exams required for college admission. Invest time in preparing for this exam, as your score is one of many elements law schools may consider in your application.
Law school is traditionally a three-year program following your four years in college. After law school, you'll sit for a bar exam and the multistate professional responsibility exam (though you can opt to take the latter during law school). Upon successful completion of both exams, you'll be licensed by the state and ready to practice law. The journey from high school graduation to being sworn into the bar as an attorney typically spans about seven years. It demands dedication and commitment, but the result is a highly rewarding career!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Ilan Marouani, Esq., LL.M.
Tax Attorney
21
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ilan’s Answer
Hi Cy,
It is incredible that you are already thinking of your career, and planning the road ahead so early!
To become a lawyer requires a lot of work, but since you want to start early, you could be ahead of your class. You need to first understand that you would need to first go to college, and then follow up with Law School. You could already join some groups at your school like Moot Court, to have a feel at what it looks like to be a lawyer.
There are two paths for lawyers: Transactional, usually deals with contracts and the client early on in the process; and Litigation, usually deals with the client when an issue pops up and you need to fight for the client. Only the Litigation lawyer would see the inside of a courtroom, so that could already help you situate where you want to be.
Then there are a few requirements depending on the state you will practice in, such as which specific classes to take, credits to graduate, and also score to pass the bar.
Those are very high level, but you should definitely talk to your school counselor to see if there any any clubs/ activities organized by the school that could help you get a step closer to your goal.
Good luck!!
It is incredible that you are already thinking of your career, and planning the road ahead so early!
To become a lawyer requires a lot of work, but since you want to start early, you could be ahead of your class. You need to first understand that you would need to first go to college, and then follow up with Law School. You could already join some groups at your school like Moot Court, to have a feel at what it looks like to be a lawyer.
There are two paths for lawyers: Transactional, usually deals with contracts and the client early on in the process; and Litigation, usually deals with the client when an issue pops up and you need to fight for the client. Only the Litigation lawyer would see the inside of a courtroom, so that could already help you situate where you want to be.
Then there are a few requirements depending on the state you will practice in, such as which specific classes to take, credits to graduate, and also score to pass the bar.
Those are very high level, but you should definitely talk to your school counselor to see if there any any clubs/ activities organized by the school that could help you get a step closer to your goal.
Good luck!!