Becoming a Lawyer: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Qualifications Necessary for Becoming a Lawyer
• Types of Lawyer Jobs
• Salary Expectations for Lawyers
• College Courses for Becoming a Lawyer

Qualifications Necessary for Becoming a Lawyer

To become a lawyer, you must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which is a postgraduate degree typically achieved after a four-year bachelor’s degree. This degree is earned after completing a three-year law school program. In addition to the JD degree, lawyers must pass their state bar examination in order to be eligible to practice law.

The prerequisites for entering law school vary by state and school, but typically you must have a bachelor’s degree and pass the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). To gain admission to law school, you must also demonstrate strong academic performance and an ability to express yourself both orally and in writing.

Types of Lawyer Jobs

The type of lawyer you become will depend on the type of law you choose to specialize in, as well as the type of work that interests you. Some of the most common types of lawyers are corporate lawyers, criminal lawyers, family lawyers, immigration lawyers, labor lawyers, and patent lawyers.

Salary Expectations for Lawyers

Lawyer salaries vary greatly by location, experience, and specialty. Generally, lawyers in larger cities and those with more experience earn higher salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for lawyers in 2017 was $119,250.

College Courses for Becoming a Lawyer

In addition to a bachelor’s degree and Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) scores, some colleges require that you take the following courses or have equivalent experiences:

• Contracts
• Civil Procedure
• Property
• Torts
• Constitutional Law
• Legal Writing
• Criminal Law
• Business Associations
• Criminal Procedure
• Evidence
• Professional Responsibility

Is being a lawyer hard?

Becoming a lawyer is a long process that involves a lot of hard work and dedication. You must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree followed by a three-year law school program, as well as pass your state bar examination. Once you are a practicing lawyer, you must continue to stay up to date on the latest laws and regulations.

What is the easiest lawyer to become?

The type of lawyer you become will depend on the type of law you choose to specialize in and the type of work that interests you. The type of lawyer that is easiest to become will depend on your individual skills, experiences, and qualifications.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Lawyers in larger cities and those with more experience typically earn higher salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for lawyers in 2017 was $119,250. Specialties that tend to pay higher salaries include corporate law, intellectual property, technology, energy, and healthcare.

College course for lawyer

In addition to a bachelor’s degree and Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) scores, some colleges require that you take the following courses or have equivalent experiences: Contracts, Civil Procedure, Property, Torts, Constitutional Law, Legal Writing, Criminal Law, Business Associations, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, and Professional Responsibility.