Qualifications to Become a Lawyer

Becoming a lawyer in the United States requires hard work, commitment and a serious time investment. In order to practice, prospective lawyers must complete 7 years of post-high school education and pass one or more exams. Individuals who succeed on this track tend to be highly motivated and focused.

Undergraduate Education

A 4-year college degree is required to enter law school. Although there is no specific required curriculum, students are encouraged to pursue a multidisciplinary undergraduate education.

Law School

Three years of law school is also required. All law schools accredited by the American Bar Association require successful completion of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) for admission.

State Bar Exam

In order to be licensed to practice, law school graduates must pass the written bar exam of the state they wish to practice in.

Ethics Exam

The majority of states also require passage of a written ethics exam.

Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination

A number of jurisdictions require applicants to take the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) which requires in-depth knowledge of professional codes of conduct.

Resources

• Lawyers (U. S. Dept. of Labor)