Lawyer

• Lawyers must first earn a bachelor’s followed by a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, typically from an American Bar Association-accredited law school (most states require Lawyers to graduate from an ABA-accredited school to be licensed)

1. Note, that a J.D. degree is a graduate degree, but not a master’s. Technically, it’s a professional doctorate designed to be completed in three years

• There’s no particular undergrad degree required, but pre-law majors such as political science, economics, history, English, communications, or philosophy may be helpful
• Some Lawyers major in a topic related to the type of law they plan to specialize in. For example, a patent lawyer might need a STEM degree; a tax lawyer might want to major in accounting or finance)

1. Note, in certain states and situations, a person can become a lawyer without a J.D., through supervised self-study
2. California, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington allow aspiring Lawyers to go through an apprenticeship with a practicing attorney or judge, but there are numerous requirements to meet—plus it may be difficult to find a willing mentor!
3. As of this writing, Georgia, Maine, North Dakota, Oregon, and South Dakota are also considering alternate licensure pathways

• In addition to grades, law schools consider the reputation of the school where you earn your undergraduate degree. Some schools are known as “feeder schools” for law programs. Top feeder schools include:  

1. Yale University
2. Stanford University
3. University of Chicago
4. Columbia University
5. Harvard University
6. University of Pennsylvania
7. New York University
8. University of Virginia
9. University of California–Berkeley
10. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

• Many students prepare for law school by participating in a pre-law summer program. This can expose aspiring attorneys to a range of topics as they develop skills in research, critical thinking, and communication. Doing these programs also looks great on a law school application!
• Law school application requirements can vary. To apply to a law school, applicants must typically either submit the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or, in some cases, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores

1. The LSAT is the standard test required because it assesses key skills needed for success in law school. However, some law schools do accept GRE scores
2. The LSAT focuses on reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning. It’s divided into multiple-choice sections and a writing sample, assessing skills crucial for law school success
3. LSAT scores range from 120 to 180, with law schools using these scores as a critical factor in admissions decisions

                           1) Law programs may list their required minimum LSAT scores, but to be competitive you’ll probably have to exceed that minimum score!

                           2) Top-ranking law schools may require a 160 or higher. Top 10 schools may want to see 170 or higher

• Law school courses focus on both general topics like legal writing and specific areas of study, such as contract law
• Top firms may look for graduates from a T14 law school (i.e., one of the top 14 law schools in the United States)

1. T14 schools are known for their prestigious academic programs, highly competitive admissions, established alumni networks, and strong career prospects for graduates
2. The rankings are subject to change, but the T14 list (published by U.S. News & World Report) usually features the same institutions  

• After the J.D. degree is finished, graduates study for their state bar exam. They must pass in each state they want to practice unless there is a reciprocity agreement

1. The National Conference of Bar Examiners offers details about state and jurisdiction requirements

• Before taking the bar, some states require candidates to take the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)

1. Note, that simply passing the bar exam doesn’t guarantee a license to practice; lawyers must also be approved by an admitting board
2. Various factors can inhibit one’s ability to be admitted, including felony convictions, ethical concerns, or substance abuse

• To stay current on legal changes, Lawyers must complete ongoing educational requirements every 1 to 3 years
• Law school graduates can also go on to pursue an LLM, or Master of Laws—an advanced, postgraduate academic degree in law—to specialize in a particular area such as tax law, international law, or human rights law

• Make sure you earn your bachelor’s from an accredited school to qualify for law school
• If possible, consider trying to get into a popular “feeder school” that is known for preparing graduates for law school
• Lawyers can major in anything for their bachelor’s but it will help your application for law school to have applicable coursework done in classes like political science, history, law, public speaking, English, or topics related to the type of legal area you want to specialize in
• Ensure your law school is fully accredited by the American Bar Association, if possible. Not all programs are, but they should all be at least accredited by a state bar association
• Do your homework on your dream, target, and safety schools, and keep track of the various requirements in an organized manner
• Top firms may give preference to graduates from top law schools, which are very tough to get into and have rigorous standards
• Screen each program’s website to learn about enrollment and graduation data, as well as program admissions requirements
• Look for student organizations that could help you grow professionally
• If financials are an issue and scholarship opportunities are limited, check out the 20 Most Affordable Law Schools, per Best Value Schools. These schools also have higher acceptance rates

• In high school, hone your speaking and writing skills and participate in activities that offer leadership or management roles
• Front-load with classes on speech, English composition, debate, philosophy, psychology, ethics, technology, business, and anything that might help you before starting college
• While doing your bachelor’s, prepare for your J.D. by taking political science, history, law, English, or related topics
• Look for opportunities to hone your public speaking and leadership abilities
• Decide if you can attend full-time or will need to go part-time due to work or other commitments
• Consider whether or not online or hybrid degrees are better for you, or if you’re able to attend in-person. There are pros and cons to all options!
• Join legal student organizations like Phi Alpha Delta or clubs that help you learn and network
• Look for internships or clerkships that might turn into jobs one day, if you play your card right!
• Volunteer at a legal aid organization
• Work closely with your academic advisor so you stay on track and graduate on time
• Each area of legal practice differs a bit from the other, so try to determine the legal specialty you want to pursue

1. For example, as Juris Education writes, “If you know you want an exciting career where you’re spending more time in the courtroom than outside of it, you may want to eliminate options like tax law, which involves a significant amount of paperwork and little to no time in front of a jury.”