Here is a brief guide of the top 6 steps to take to become a lawyer.
Have you always wanted to become a lawyer? Whether it’s your first job or you’re looking to change career after having kids or working within a different role for years, becoming a lawyer can be one of the best decisions you can make.
However, although lawyers have one of the highest salaries in the country (and internationally) it’s also one of the toughest industries to get into. Not only is there a lot of competition, but the path that you’ll have to take to become a qualified lawyer isn’t easy.
This doesn’t mean though, that it’s impossible; if it’s something that you’ve always wanted to do, there’s no reason why you can’t achieve your dreams.
To get you started, here is a brief guide of the top 6 steps that you should take. Of course, alongside this article, it’s a good idea to seek other resources before you take the leap. But to get you on the right path, the following steps are key to starting a career in law in this country.
1. Apply at a University
In order to become a certified lawyer, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree. This is the first step towards your dream and one that might seem very daunting – especially if you haven’t studied at university or college before.
However, with the flexibility that many universities across the country now offer, you can complete your degree in a timeline that suits you – as well as being able to complete it at home (depending on the university you choose). Spend some time researching various universities, paying attention to the fees and their locations.
2. Choose a Major That You’ll Specialize in
When applying for university, choose the type of law that you will specialize in. This could be anything from environmental law to business law, intellectual property law or civil litigation (a major that you can use to become a personal injury lawyer). The major that you choose will depend on your unique taste and what you see yourself doing in the future.
3. Study For and Take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
This is often considered the hardest part of the process – taking the LSAT. Scoring between 120 and 180, it’s recommended that in order to get into the best law school, you’ll have to have a score that’s over the 160 mark.
To prepare for the test, consider taking on a preparation course. This will give you a better insight into what you can expect on the day. As a guide, the exam itself usually takes half a day to complete. The questions will revolve around reading comprehension, analytical and logical reasoning.
As part of the test, you’ll also have to complete an essay in which you show the skills that are needed to become a lawyer.
4. Apply For A Law School
After taking the LSAT, it’s time to apply for law school. By this point, you should have thought about what law schools appeal to you and your budget and sought the advice of your pre-law advisor at university. To apply to law school, you’ll have to create an LSAC.org account – which will track deadlines and your application.
5. Take the Bar Exam
To practice law, you’ll need to take the Bar Exam. Without taking this, you won’t be able to get a license. If you pass this exam, you’ll then be admitted to the bar – a 6-hour test with over 200 questions that includes everything you’ve learned at law school.
When you’ve passed it, you’ll be able to practice law in the state that you’ve passed it in. If you want to practice in your local state or a neighboring state, you’ll have to take a Bar Exam there too.
6. Get Experience and Apply for Jobs
Once you’re qualified, it’s time to get experience. Look at various practices in your area and email them asking them if you can do work experience there. The firms you choose, will, of course, depend on what you want to specialize in (for example Rosenfeld injury lawyers is a good choice for those wanting to be a personal injury lawyer).
When you have experience under your belt, it’s time to apply for jobs. Whether you apply for a position in a local law firm, set up your own practice or see if the firm that you’ve had work experience in has any jobs going, you’re bound to finally have the role of your dreams.
