Requirements for a Career in Law
Editor & Writer
Editor
Editor & Writer
Editor
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Are you considering a career in law and wondering what it takes to get there? Though challenging and demanding, the journey to becoming a lawyer can also be incredibly rewarding.
This article covers the requirements for a career in law, discussing everything from the degrees you'll need, the skills you'll learn, and the steps to becoming a lawyer.
Whether you're exploring your career options, considering law school, or are considering changing careers, this guide will attempt to help you understand what it takes to embark on a legal career.
What Degree Do You Need to Become a Lawyer?
After obtaining a bachelor's degree, you must get a juris doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). This degree, which involves three years of full-time study, is the foundational law degree required to practice law in most jurisdictions.
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7 Steps to Become a Lawyer
Becoming a lawyer in the United States requires several steps. Let's break down each step in detail:
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
You must first earn a bachelor's degree. While the subject of your undergraduate degree does not need to be related to law, it might help to choose a field that develops skills useful for law school, such as writing and critical thinking. During your final year of college or after graduating, you can begin preparing for the LSAT so that you can apply to law schools.
Step 2: Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and Apply to Law School
The LSAT is the generally accepted standardized test required for admission to law schools. It assesses your logical reasoning and reading skills. Your LSAT score is an important part of your law school application, and you should prepare for the test well in advance. The average LSAT score is about 160, but most top-ranked law schools require a score of at least 170.
Some law schools accept the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as an alternative to the LSAT. Be sure to check with the specific law school you are interested in to understand their requirements.
Step 3: Apply to Law School
After you receive a satisfactory LSAT score, it's time for you to apply for law school. Most law schools require a personal statement and letters of recommendation as part of your application.
Most law schools have rolling admissions, meaning they review applications as they come in. However, it may be beneficial to apply early to maximize your chances of getting in and receiving financial aid.
Step 4: Earn Your JD
Law school requires rigorous academic study combined with practical skills, covering subjects such as constitutional law, contracts, torts, property law, criminal law, and civil procedure.
A law degree teaches you many useful skills, such as:
- Communication skills to help you articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
- Critical thinking skills to help you analyze facts and arguments.
- Research skills to help you conduct thorough and efficient legal research.
- Problem-solving skills to help you identify issues and craft logical solutions.
- Advocacy skills to help you represent clients or causes effectively.
Step 5: Pass the Bar Exam
After finishing law school, you need to pass the state bar exam to practice law. The exam is a comprehensive test of your legal knowledge; passing the bar is required in most jurisdictions.
This rigorous test covers a broad range of topics, including constitutional law, criminal law and procedure, civil procedure, contracts, torts, real and personal property, and evidence. Some states also test state-specific laws.
The bar is usually split into multiple parts, including a multistate bar exam (MBE), state-specific essays, and a performance test designed to assess practical skills.
Step 6: Obtain a License to Practice
After passing the bar, you can start the process of obtaining a license to practice law, also known as admission to the bar. This process involves submitting an application that includes your official transcripts, exam scores, and a background check. Upon approval, you'll receive your license and be able to practice law.
Requirements can vary by state, so always check the specifics in your area.
Step 7: Consider Specialization or Further Education
After obtaining a law degree and license, you might consider further education or specialization in law. This can range from earning a master's degree in law (LL.M) to gaining certification in a specific area of law. Here are some areas you could specialize in:
- Tax Law: This focuses on the complexities of tax codes and regulations.
- International Law: This explores laws governing relationships between countries.
- Intellectual Property Law: This covers laws related to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
- Human Rights Law: This focuses on laws protecting individual rights and freedoms at a global level.
- Environmental Law: This covers laws related to environmental protection and sustainability.
- Corporate Law: This explores laws governing businesses and corporations.
Specializing or furthering your education can provide a competitive advantage, open doors to advanced educational opportunities, increase your salary potential, and lead to a more fulfilling career.
Requirements for Applying to Law School
Getting into law school involves understanding the admissions process and ensuring your application is strong. Here are the requirements:
- Finish your undergraduate with a competitive GPA. While there is no specific undergraduate GPA required, it can be helpful to know the median GPA of the incoming class at the law schools you're interested in.
- Get your application materials together and beef up your resume. Take the LSAT (or for schools that accept them, the GRE or GMAT), and write a personal statement detailing your interest in the law school and how you will contribute to its diversity. Get recommendation letters from professors or professionals familiar with your academic and professional achievements. Try to participate in extracurricular activities and gain real-world experience to enhance your application.
- Keep track of deadlines and submit early. A large number of law schools operate on a rolling admissions process. This means they review applications and make decisions as they come in rather than after a set deadline. Not all law schools follow this approach, so check the specific admissions process for each school you're interested in. Applying early in a rolling admissions process can sometimes increase your chances of acceptance.
Which Law Schools Accept the GRE or GMAT?
The GRE or GMAT is accepted in a number of law schools. Remember to check the specifics of your prospective law school's website for specifics and any conditions that may apply. Policies can also change over time, so check for the most updated information. Here is a sample list:
| Law School | Accepts GRE | Accepts GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard Law School | ||
| Columbia Law School | ||
| University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law | ||
| Georgetown University Law Center | ||
| Northwestern Pritzker School of Law | ||
| UCLA School of Law | ||
| The University of Texas at Austin | ||
| University of Chicago Law School | ||
| University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School | ||
| Yale Law School | ||
| Cornell Law School | ||
| George Washington University Law School | ||
| University of Virginia School of Law | ||
| Boston University School of Law |
Apprenticeships or Law Office Study Programs
In California, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, you can take the bar exam without going to law school. Instead, you can study under a practicing attorney or judge called an apprenticeship or law office study.
Here's how it works: You work in a law office under the direct guidance of a licensed attorney. You study legal documents and learn the daily tasks of a lawyer. This direct experience could give you an advantage when you begin practicing law. The disadvantage? It requires a significant amount of effort with no promise of achieving success.
For folks who can't afford law school or don't want to take on student loans, it's an attractive option. However, the pass rate for the bar exam is also lower for law office study than for law school graduates.
Be aware that completing an apprenticeship may not carry the same weight or recognition as a law degree in the professional world, and it may limit opportunities for jobs, particularly with large law firms or for competitive positions. Always thoroughly research and consider your options before choosing this path.
How to Get and Successfully Finish an Apprenticeship or Law Office Study Program
If you want to snag an apprenticeship or law office study program, here's what you can do:
- Check the rules in your state. Not every state allows this path to the bar exam, and states that do may have different rules. In Oregon, for instance, law students can forgo the bar exam and take an apprenticeship to get licensed as of May 2024.
- Locate a practicing attorney or judge who's prepared to mentor you. This individual will be responsible for teaching you about the legal profession while also confirming your study hours and developmental progress. Your mentor must be in good standing with the state bar.
- Treat this like a job search: network, send out resumes, and perform well in interviews.
- Register with the state bar as a legal apprentice. This process usually involves completing some paperwork and possibly paying a fee.
- Commit to putting in the time. In California, for instance, you're required to study in a law office for 18 hours per week for four years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Requirements for Law School
What percentage of people who took a law apprenticeship passed the bar exam?
Exact percentages can vary, but data suggests the pass rate for apprenticeship participants is generally lower than for law school graduates. For example, in California, reports show that in 2013, only 28% of those pursuing law office study passed the bar exam on their first try, compared to 73% of students from American Bar Association-approved schools.
Can you take the bar without going to law school?
Yes, this is possible in a few states that allow apprenticeships. This option depends on the state in which you wish to practice law. States that permit this alternative route require structured apprenticeship programs under the guidance of an experienced attorney or judge. This involves a significant time commitment, including a weekly study and work schedule.
What GRE score do you need to get into law school?
For top-tier law schools, a good GRE score would be about 328, with both quantitative and verbal reasoning scores between 155 and 170, and a 4.0 analytical writing score. Always check specific GRE requirements with the law school you're targeting. However, LSAT scores are generally preferred by law schools.
In the future, the ABA may drop standardized testing requirements altogether.
Can you be a lawyer without going to law school?
It is possible to become a lawyer without attending law school in a few states that permit legal apprenticeships or law office study programs. These programs require a set period of apprenticeship under the supervision of a practicing attorney or judge, after which you may take the bar exam. This path is not common — most aspiring attorneys attend law school to meet the qualifications to practice law.
What is a good bar-exam pass rate?
A good bar passage rate for a law school is typically around 75% or higher two years after graduation. Schools with bar passage rates in this range are generally considered to be effectively preparing their students for the bar exam. Rates can change by state depending on the difficulty of its state bar exam. Always compare a school's rate to the state average for a balanced perspective.
