How Many Years of College Does it Take to Become a Lawyer?

Table of Contents

• Educational Requirements
• Time Requirements
• Career Outlook
• Bar Exam

Educational Requirements

Becoming a lawyer requires a lot of schooling. Students must first earn their bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years of full-time study. Once completing their undergraduate studies, aspiring lawyers must then attend law school for three years; specialized degrees may take longer to complete. After obtaining a JD degree, lawyers must pass the bar exam in the state they wish to practice in. Depending on the state, additional exams may be required.

Time Requirements

In total, it takes approximately seven years to become a lawyer. This includes four years to complete a bachelor’s degree, three years to complete law school, and an additional amount of time to study and take the bar exam. However, students who pursue specialized degrees or additional certificates may extend their studies beyond seven years.

Career Outlook

Becoming a lawyer is not a very hard process, although it does require a significant time commitment. That said, the career outlook for lawyers is quite promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for lawyers was $122,960 in 2019, with the highest earners making more than $208,000. Additionally, the demand for lawyers is projected to grow by 6% from 2019 to 2029.

Bar Exam

One of the most important steps in becoming a lawyer is passing the bar exam. The bar exam is a comprehensive exam that tests students on a wide range of topics, such as criminal law, contract law, and family law. The exam typically lasts two to three days, depending on the state. Although there is no definitive answer, most people find the bar exam to be very difficult.

In conclusion, becoming a lawyer requires a significant amount of schooling and studying. Students must complete a bachelor’s degree, attend law school for at least three years, and pass the bar exam in order to practice law. The career outlook is quite promising, with lawyers making a median annual salary of $122,960 and the demand for lawyers projected to grow in the coming years. Furthermore, the bar exam is widely recognized as a difficult exam.