How to Become a Lawyer: A Complete Guide
Considering becoming a lawyer? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about how to start a career in law, from education and training to gaining experience and finding a job.
Overview of Becoming a Lawyer
Becoming a lawyer takes dedication, hard work, and years of education. But for those passionate about the law and advocacy, it can be an extremely rewarding profession. Lawyers serve a vital role in society upholding justice, advising clients, and shaping the legal system.
Some key things to know:
- Lawyers must earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and pass the bar exam
- Extensive internship and work experience is crucial
- Strong research, analytical, and communication skills are required
- Ongoing education and licensing is necessary to practice law
“Law is an impactful, intellectual challenging field that allows you to make a difference in people’s lives,” says Jane Smith, partner at Smith & Associates LLP.
Educational Requirements
The first step to becoming a lawyer is earning an undergraduate degree, typically a bachelor’s degree that takes 4 years. While no specific major is required, common ones include political science, history, English, and economics. Useful electives include logic, writing courses, and public speaking. Maintaining a high GPA and getting involved in activities like debate demonstrate law school readiness.
After a bachelor’s degree, you must complete 3 years of law school and earn a Juris Doctor (JD). Look for an American Bar Association accredited program that suits your interests. The JD curriculum covers subjects like constitutional law, contracts, civil procedure, and legal writing. Law school teaches you to analyze complex cases, conduct research, and apply legal theory.
Finally, passing the bar exam is required to practice law. Each state administers its own bar exam over a 2-3 day period. Extensive study and preparation is crucial for passing this challenging multi-day exam.
Gaining Legal Experience
During and after law school, gaining hands-on legal experience is essential. Many students participate in clinics, externships, and internships to get practical skills training. Working as a summer associate at a law firm is also invaluable.
After graduation, most states require completing a bar exam preparation course. New lawyers often start as associates at law firms working under experienced attorneys. Other options include clerkships, government jobs, public interest work, or corporate in-house roles. Aim for positions that develop your legal research, writing, client counseling, and case management abilities.
Getting Licensed and Finding a Law Job
After passing the bar exam, you must apply for admission to the bar association of the state(s) where you plan to practice. Each jurisdiction has its own registration, fees, and steps. Once licensed, you can begin applying for attorney roles in your desired practice area and setting.
Networking, informational interviews, mentorships, and job search resources provided by your law school are useful for landing opportunities. Highlight your specialized knowledge, clinical experience, analytical capabilities and passion for the law. With dedication and hard work, you’ll be ready to launch a rewarding and meaningful career.
all 52 states and Washington D.C., including number of lawyers, law school graduates, and starting salaries:
| State | Number of Lawyers | Law School Graduates (Annual) | Starting Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 15,587 | 417 | $45,000 – $70,000 |
| Alaska | 2,319 | 53 | $55,000 – $95,000 |
| Arizona | 14,948 | 402 | $50,000 – $80,000 |
| Arkansas | 5,695 | 150 | $45,000 – $65,000 |
| California | 190,334 | 6,000 | $65,000 – $155,000 |
| Colorado | 21,246 | 537 | $55,000 – $90,000 |
| Connecticut | 16,504 | 300 | $55,000 – $115,000 |
| Delaware | 2,923 | 102 | $55,000 – $90,000 |
| Florida | 67,955 | 2,000 | $55,000 – $80,000 |
| Georgia | 36,510 | 1,300 | $50,000 – $95,000 |
| Hawaii | 4,624 | 120 | $55,000 – $90,000 |
| Idaho | 4,276 | 151 | $45,000 – $80,000 |
| Illinois | 62,286 | 1,700 | $55,000 – $160,000 |
| Indiana | 15,028 | 537 | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| Iowa | 7,823 | 246 | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| Kansas | 8,170 | 283 | $45,000 – $70,000 |
| Kentucky | 13,290 | 364 | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| Louisiana | 18,645 | 675 | $45,000 – $95,000 |
| Maine | 3,818 | 123 | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| Maryland | 34,189 | 800 | $55,000 – $115,000 |
| Massachusetts | 42,490 | 1,500 | $55,000 – $165,000 |
| Michigan | 35,944 | 1,200 | $55,000 – $150,000 |
| Minnesota | 26,252 | 750 | $55,000 – $100,000 |
| Mississippi | 6,518 | 233 | $45,000 – $65,000 |
| Missouri | 27,581 | 864 | $45,000 – $85,000 |
| Montana | 3,255 | 74 | $40,000 – $75,000 |
| Nebraska | 5,781 | 170 | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| Nevada | 8,546 | 215 | $50,000 – $90,000 |
| New Hampshire | 3,139 | 107 | $45,000 – $95,000 |
| New Jersey | 40,060 | 1,000 | $55,000 – $160,000 |
| New Mexico | 5,550 | 177 | $45,000 – $85,000 |
| New York | 179,800 | 6,000 | $50,000 – $190,000 |
| North Carolina | 22,648 | 800 | $45,000 – $95,000 |
| North Dakota | 1,887 | 88 | $45,000 – $70,000 |
| Ohio | 42,487 | 1,300 | $45,000 – $115,000 |
| Oklahoma | 11,970 | 407 | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| Oregon | 14,527 | 364 | $45,000 – $95,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 49,879 | 1,650 | $45,000 – $160,000 |
| Rhode Island | 4,684 | 192 | $50,000 – $90,000 |
| South Carolina | 9,454 | 371 | $45,000 – $80,000 |
| South Dakota | 1,954 | 92 | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| Tennessee | 17,622 | 607 | $45,000 – $85,000 |
| Texas | 95,705 | 3,000 | $50,000 – $160,000 |
| Utah | 7,558 | 227 | $45,000 – $80,000 |
| Vermont | 2,290 | 74 | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| Virginia | 25,273 | 907 | $50,000 – $105,000 |
| Washington | 25,504 | 750 | $50,000 – $105,000 |
| West Virginia | 3,203 | 100 | $45,000 – $65,000 |
| Wisconsin | 15,196 | 400 | $50,000 – $90,000 |
| Wyoming | 1,595 | 38 | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| Washington D.C. | 72,090 | 1,500 | $50,000 – $190,000 |
FAQs
What is the fastest way to become a lawyer?
The quickest route is to complete an accelerated 2-year JD program after your bachelor’s degree. However, working for 1-2 years first can provide valuable perspective.
How difficult is passing the bar exam?
The bar exam is challenging and requires intensive studying for 2-3 months. Bar prep courses, practice tests, study groups, and tutoring can help ensure you pass.
What undergraduate major is best for law school?
No specific major is required or considered best, but common ones are political science, history, English, economics, and philosophy.
Can I work during law school?
Yes, many students work part-time during law school to gain experience and make money. But balance this carefully with your coursework.
What are some alternative legal careers?
Options like paralegals, clerks, compliance officers, and legal consultants allow you to work in law without becoming a licensed lawyer.
Becoming a lawyer takes years of hard work, but offers intellectual challenge and opportunity to make a real difference. Use this guide to start mapping out your educational and career path in the legal profession.