How to Become a Lawyer

Becoming a lawyer is a dream for many, but there are several difficult and challenging steps to take before you can be a lawyer. For those thinking seriously about practicing law, here is an outline on exactly what it takes to become a lawyer.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Learn everything you can about what it means to be a member of the legal profession, including typical employment opportunities, amound of school required, certification necessary in your state and the inside scoop from practicing lawyers on how they like their jobs.

2. Get a 4-year undergraduate degree from a recognized institute and make sure you graduate with a high Grade Point Average (GPA).

3. Prepare well for LSAT (Law School Admission Test). It is a pre-test for getting admission to a law school. There are several prep courses offered or you can purchase books, tapes or other self-testing supplies to prepare for the test. You can even purchase and read relevant law books for your LSAT preparation (see Resources below).

4. Apply to at least three law schools, as you may not gain admission to every institute where you send the application. Know that the law school should be recognized by ABA (American Bar Association). The accreditation of law schools may vary from state to state.

5. Complete your three-year law course from the institute or university you selected. Try to participate in as many extracurricular activities as you can, such as the Bar Review, internships or writing for a campus law journal. This will help you add experience to your resume when it is time to graduate and look for a job.

6. Choose your specialized area for practice during your law graduation. At the end of your graduation, you would receive a Juris Doctor, or J.D. degree.

7. Pass the state Bar association exams. You can find out when state testa re administered by contaction the state Bar associations. If you want to take the Bar in another state, make sure you find out the requirements, dates, fees and other info in plenty of time.

8. Prepare a resume highlighting your experience and skills and start pounding the pavement looking for a job as a lawyer. There are many different kinds of lawyer positions in the public and private sector.

Tips & Warnings

• Join CLE (Continuing Legal Education) to keep aware of the latest changes in laws.

• For undergraduate work, choose a degree in political science, social science, history, or economics. These subjects will be useful when you pursue law.