How to Become a Lawyer Later in Life
The field of law is challenging and ever-changing, and it is a career path that requires specialized education and training. Depending on your expertise and life experience, you can specialize in one of many different types of law. No matter where your career has taken you so far, it is never too late in life to change directions and follow a new path. Becoming a lawyer now may be more challenging than it would have directly out of college, but these steps can help you achieve your goal of practicing law.
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Instructions
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Weigh the pros and cons of leaving your job and changing careers. Establishing a career in law takes a substantial time and financial commitment, so you must be prepared for this process. Consider your financial situation and decide if it is feasible to leave your current job and be a full-time student, or if you will need to continue working and earn your law degree on a part-time basis.
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Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), a rigorous standardized test that is mandatory for anyone who wants to attend law school and pursue a career as a lawyer. According to the Law School Admissions Council, the LSAT measures essential skills such as reading comprehension, critical thinking, logic and reasoning. An LSAT prep class is a good idea, especially if it's been some time since you attended school or took any kind of standardized test.
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Complete and submit applications to the accredited law schools of your choice. Most full-time law programs take three years to finish, but you will need a longer time frame if you want to attend part-time or night classes. Consider the type of school that is best for you and research schools that have strong programs in the area of expertise you wish to pursue. Choose a school that is convenient for your lifestyle and your family if they will be moving with you.
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Make the most of your time in law school by seeking out internship opportunities outside of your required coursework. These are not mandatory--and can be difficult to fit in if you are also working while taking law classes--but are worthwhile if possible. Internships will help you to maximize your exposure to different areas of the law and gain valuable experience for your resume. Legal Careers Online recommends applying for internships at firms where you would like to work in the future so you can make connections.
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Upon completion of your studies in law, you will have earned a Juris Doctorate (J.D.). You can then take the bar exam in the state where you would like to practice law. Different states have different requirements and the test can vary, so it is important to decide if you want to change cities with your new career and relocate your family. The bar exam is an intense exam which can be administered over the course of up to three days, depending on the state.
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Search for a job in the area of the law where you are interested in practicing. Highlight your education and all of your previous work experiences, which will help you to stand out from applicants who have not had previous careers. Use contacts from your schooling and internships, as well as recommendations from your former employers and colleagues, to help find a job in your chosen specialty.
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References
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