How to Become an Attorney

Attorneys on TV shows always seem to have lots of time for interesting personal lives. In the real world, just the opposite is often true. Eighteen-hour workdays are not unheard of, especially for attorneys trying to make partner in their firm.

Things You'll Need

• Individual School Requirements And Application
• Law School Catalogs
• Job Applications
• Computers
• College Computer Software
• Online Career Search

Instructions

1. Keep in mind that admission to law school is extremely competitive.

2. Receive a bachelor's degree in a major that requires a lot of in-depth reading and writing, such as history, political science or English. If you know in which area of law you would like to concentrate, take electives in that field to give you a solid base.

3. Peruse law school catalogs and admission policies, making certain that the American Bar Association has given the schools accreditation. Pay strict attention to application deadlines.

4. Take the Law School Admissions Test (L.S.A.T.). Arrange to have the Law School Data Assembly Service send the test scores and your college grades to the law schools of your choice. See Law School Admission Council (lsac.org) for further information.

5. Understand that the first half of your three years in law school will be spent studying only general areas of law, including contracts, torts, property and constitutional law.

6. Obtain part-time or summer clerkships while you are in law school. The contacts you make can lead to a permanent job and may also provide some financial aid for school. Pick clerkships in an area of law in which you would like to specialize so that you can gain firsthand knowledge of its pros and cons.

7. Take your state's two-day written bar examination after you have received your degree of Juris Doctor (J.D.). Note: If you have received your legal education through correspondence courses, be aware that California is the only state that will allow you to take its bar exam.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the clerk of your state's Supreme Court or the State Board of Bar Examiners for the exact admission requirements to the bar in your state. Some states also have oral exam requirements.

• Realize that most states require attorneys to take continuing legal education classes.

• Become proficient in computer software programs that are used in the judicial system. Consult your law school advisors for the specifics.

• Be careful what you wish for in this field. You may have to make work your only priority if you're pursuing the partner track.