How to Build a Career As a Medical Lawyer

Being a medical lawyer can be a rewarding and challenging career. The education needed is often lengthy; however, if you're dedicated and committed, the path can lead to a great career.

Things You'll Need

• Law school degree

Instructions

1. Choose a college major in prelaw or business. This is the foundation of your career and will help you greatly in becoming a medical lawyer.

2. Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Study very hard for this test because a high score will provide you with more options for law school. See Resources for a link to the Law School Admission Council.

3. Attend law school. The kind of law school that you can get into will depend greatly on your LSAT score. See Resources for a list of law schools in different states and worldwide. Also, try to get a clerkship in a medical malpractice firm while in school.

4. Take and pass the bar exam. Many individuals do not pass the bar exam the first time, so don't give up. See Resources for some sample essay questions from past years and tips for studying for the exam.

5. Apply with a malpractice firm. Although you may not get an outstanding position right out of school, it's important to get the work experience you need to become board certified. You will need great references from several lawyers and judges to be board certified. Take this opportunity to learn as much as you can and to network with as many people as possible.

6. Become board certified. At this point, you will need the references you cultivated in step 5. See Resources for a link on becoming board certified.

Resources

• Law School Admission Council
• List of Law Schools
• Sample Bar Exam Essay Questions
• Tips for Studying for the Bar Exam
• Becoming Board Certified