What Does It Take to Become a Lawyer?
Becoming a lawyer takes a minimum of three years of full-time graduate-level study. Additionally, prospective lawyers must also prepare for their state's bar exam and develop their research, writing and trial advocacy skills. Although the process of becoming a lawyer is time-intensive, a career as an attorney gives individuals a number of career choices in a range of settings, including government agencies, private legal practices, corporations, higher education and the nonprofit sector.
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Pre-Law
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While many colleges offer a specialized pre-law major, you are not required to major in any particular subject if you plan to attend law school, explains the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nonetheless, students considering law school should make sure that they have an educational foundation that prepares them for law school curriculum. The Law School Admission Council states that a strong pre-law background should include classes in writing, public speaking and government. If you are interested in practicing in a specific area of law, consider majoring in a subject that will provide with background knowledge in your field of specialization. For example, if you are interested in becoming a patent lawyer, consider a major in chemistry or physics. Similarly, if you wish to become a family lawyer, courses in social work and psychology would provide you with a solid background on which to start your law career.
Legal Education
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A law degree, or juris doctorate, takes three years of full-time study. During your first year of law school, your school will likely require you to take courses in legal research, writing, civil procedure, contracts, torts, constitutional law and criminal law. Most schools require second-year students to take additional courses in writing and research, as well as professional responsibility and evidence. During the third year of study, law students have the opportunity to take elective courses in their area of interest. During summer breaks, most law students also choose to work as a clerk for a court or a private practice attorney to gain hands-on experience working in a legal environment.
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Licensing Requirements
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After completing a law school, graduates must pass their state's bar exam before they may work as an attorney. This test evaluates applicants' knowledge of state and federal laws and procedures. Although each jurisdiction dictates the length and content of its own test, in most states, the test will take one or two full days to complete. In addition to the bar exam, each state also requires students to take a professional responsibility exam that assess students' understanding of legal ethics. Along with these exams, prospective attorneys must also complete a background check and supply the board of bar examiners with professional and character references.
Skills and Attributes
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In addition to the formal requirements to become a lawyer, attorneys must be strong verbal and written communicators, understand formal logic and be effective researchers. Because lawyers deal with confidential information involving large sums of money and sensitive situation, attorneys must also be ethical, honest and emotionally capable of dealing with a stressful work environment.
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References
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