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How to Become a Lawyer

Becoming a lawyer can be challenging. This academic path requires long-term thinking, and for most, that begins with selecting a solid undergraduate degree.

You have some options regarding the degree you seek as an undergraduate since law schools may accept your undergraduate work as long as it meets the general standards of that institution. The degree itself may be less important than your academic work to earn it.

That said, some law programs may feature specific requirements. It’s important to know that before committing to a particular school.

Do You Need a Pre-Law Degree Concentration?

Some are surprised to learn they aren’t necessarily required to do a pre-law track or specialize in some other type of legal study, but we repeat the caveat that not all law programs are the same, and some may require some form of pre-law, depending on the school.

Do you want or need to explore your pre-law degree options?

Undergraduate Requirements for Law School

The official site of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) notes, “In general, law schools require a bachelor’s degree, an accredited LSAT score, a personal statement, and several recommendations” in the admissions process.

You may also be required to take the Graduate Readiness Exam (GRE) as part of your law school journey. It’s best to expect to take both the LSAT and GRE. Some law schools may accept one or the other. Some accept both.

When it comes to a specific type of undergraduate degree, AALS notes:

“While law schools generally accept any bachelor’s degree from their applicants, certain majors, such as political science, history, criminal justice, or philosophy, among others, will better prepare future law students for the rigorous reading and writing intensive courses in law school.”

Key factors influencing law school admissions decisions may include:

• A strong academic record as an undergrad demonstrates the ability to handle the rigors of law school coursework.
• A high LSAT score indicates aptitude for legal reasoning and analytical skills.
• Many colleges require personal statements, which allow applicants to explain their motivation for choosing a legal career and highlight unique experiences and qualifications.
• Strong letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or mentors can help your application.

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Getting Into Law School

Finding the right school to apply to is only part of getting into law school. To earn your degree you must first apply to and be accepted for a law degree program. Getting accepted can be a major source of stress for some. Why?

Law is a far more competitive field than other academic disciplines, and standardized testing is often used to evaluate the candidate pool for law degrees.

That’s why standardized tests, including the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), play an essential role in the admissions process for many law schools.

The LSAT assesses skills in reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning, and diligent preparation, and it’s important to prepare carefully for this exam if you’re required to take it. The earlier you start, the better off you’ll be on test day.

Finances

The financial aspect of attending law school is another critical issue to consider early. Forbes estimates the cost of law school attendance to be over $30 thousand a year for in-state public college enrollees and roughly $50 thousand per year for private colleges. These figures include room, board, and fees. (These are figures from 2024; your experience may vary.)

As you can see from the above, the financial investment required is substantial. The room and board expenses alone over a law school career add up. It’s smart to run the numbers on your education and realistically examine your financial aid options.

It also pays to have a well-defined understanding of their career goals before applying to law school. Do you want to be a copyright lawyer? Do you want to specialize in torts? International law? There are many options.

Law School Time Commitment

A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, the standard law degree in the United States, usually requires three years of full-time study, although part-time options extending to four or five years are available.

In addition to coursework, law school often encourages participation in extracurricular activities, such as “ competitions, law journals, and pro bono legal clinics.” These experiences offer practical training and help students develop professional networks.

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Law School Curriculum

A three-year law school program has many parts. The first year often centers on foundational courses such as constitutional law, contracts, torts, criminal law, and civil procedure.

Once those basics are covered, students often choose elective courses covering more specific interests, including specialized areas such as environmental law, intellectual property law, international law, or tax law.

After graduating from law school, aspiring attorneys must complete several additional steps before practicing law. These steps typically include:

• State Bar Exam: A comprehensive assessment evaluating a candidate’s understanding of state and federal law.
• Character and Fitness Evaluation: In your state, this may be required and include background checks, interviews, and investigation of your personal references.
• Admission to the Bar: Upon successfully passing the bar exam and completing the character and fitness evaluation, an applicant may be admitted to the state bar, allowing legal practice to begin.

Considerations for Prospective Law Students

• Law school can entail a substantial financial investment. You’ll need to use as many federal, state, and private student aid options as possible to reduce your financial burden throughout your law degree.
• Develop specific career goals. Before committing to law school, it is essential to clearly understand your career objectives. While a law degree offers versatility, aligning your legal education with your intended professional path is vital.
• Law school can be demanding, both academically and personally. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance through hobbies, exercise, and time with loved ones is crucial for long-term success and well-being.

What To Expect After Law School

After law school, you may find work in research, policymaking, civil rights, or other fields. Those who go to law school are often interested in becoming an attorney, but there are other careers including education, law-based journalism, and advocacy. Some go on to write about the law, teach it, or to lobby for specific laws at the state or federal level.

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