Introduction
You’re considering a career in law. Or maybe you just want to find out more about becoming a lawyer. Are you familiar with the vast range of career options available to those with legal training? Have you asked yourself why you might like to be a lawyer? Do you know what you need to do to become one? Are you willing to spend several years studying law in order to do so?
Becoming a lawyer -- and practicing law -- is not easy. A career in law, however, can be extremely rewarding. And it can be a good fit for many different kinds of people from many different cultural, ethnic and educational backgrounds.
There is no one “lawyer” type of person or job. As a lawyer, you might choose to prosecute accused criminals, for example, or negotiate real estate deals, advise corporations, help arrange adoptions, work to protect the environment or teach law.
What Does It Take To Be A Lawyer
If you are interested in becoming a lawyer, there are certain education requirements you need to satisfy. Typically, it takes around 7 years of full-time study to become a lawyer after you have graduated from high school. You will first need to enroll in a 4-year undergraduate degree and complete it. Afterward, you will need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and apply to a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree program from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Once you have graduated, you will need to pass the bar exam of a state you wish to practice in.
What Degree Do You Need To Be A Lawyer
In order to become a lawyer, you typically need to have two different types of degrees. The first degree that prospective lawyers need to enroll in is an undergraduate program. You can choose to do an undergraduate degree in a major in a variety of subject areas including government, politics, political science, English, public speaking, etc. After you successfully complete your undergraduate degree and take the LSAT, you will need to enroll in a J.D. degree program. This three year program will offer courses in legal writing, constitutional law, civil procedure, contracts, and more. At this stage, you can also choose specialized courses in a specific area of law such as corporate law or criminal law.
How to become a lawyer through online study
Online study is a great option for those of you looking for a flexible learning schedule. Many of you may already be working in some capacity at a law firm to gain valuable work experience and income. By online study you can become a lawyer without losing any of these benefits.
Online study will allow you to complete your bachelor’s degree over the internet with relative ease since this can be in any relevant subject. Some online institutions may also allow you to pursue law school and even prepare for the bar exam online.
Alternatively, you may use online study to prepare to be a paralegal. A paralegal is a form of legal assistant. These legal assistants assist lawyers in preparing cases and briefs. In considering how to become a lawyer through online study, you should realize that the entire process of being a paralegal can be completed online in a manageable time period. It is thus a great choice for those looking to break into the legal field.
How to Become A Lawyer
If you are interested in becoming a lawyer, here is what you need to do:
- Have a high school diploma
- Complete an undergraduate degree
- Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
- Apply for a J.D. degree program accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA)
- Give the bar exam in the state in which you intend to practice
According to the latest statistics (covering the 2014-2024 period) reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for lawyers will grow at the rate of 6% faster than the average job growth in all other fields. The BLS further reported that lawyers earned $115,820
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