how long is the process to become a lawyer

Hi Emma!

The process is different for everyone but generally speaking you need to have a 4 year bachelor's degree and then law school is 3 years. Some law schools have night programs which are longer or even accelerated programs. Once you have your law degree, you must take the bar exam which is usually offered twice a year in July and February. After you've taken the exam you wait several months for the results. Once you have passed the bar exam and get sworn in, you are a LAWYER! It is a long process! It is good that you are thinking about your future now, read lots of books, talk to lawyers that you or your family may know, or consider volunteering to gain experience in the area and see if it something you really want to pursue as a career. The world is full of opportunities for you, good luck!

Hi-- In the USA, you will need to complete a four year college or university undergraduate degree(Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts) and then you apply to be admitted into a law school. Law school usually takes 3 years to complete and then you need to take a state Bar exam to be licensed in the state in which you choose to live and practice law. Your undergraduate degree can be in an area that you are interested such as political science, criminal justice, history, business, etc. But there are also law students with undergraduate degrees in engineering, psychology, social work, music, etc. In Texas, there are state law schools such as the University of Texas in Austin and the University of Houston, etc. and there are also private law schools such as St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio or Southern Methodist University in Dallas, etc. It is competitive to be accepted into any law school, so you need to strive to have the best grades possible both in high school and during your undergraduate college/university degree. Wish you the best of luck with your future plans.