How should I go about becoming a lawyer?
I am going into my senior year which leads to a lot of questions about my future such as where should I go to college? What am I going to study? What is my plan? #lawyer #college-major #law #college
5 answers
Alexandra (Sasha) Verkh
Alexandra (Sasha)’s Answer
To become a lawyer and then to practice law, you need to attend law school to get a degree (JD) and then take the bar exam in the state where you plan to work to get a license to practice. In the meantime, any college and any major will do. You shouldn't focus on law school now. Focus on college. Choose a college that speaks to you and a major that excites you. Any major is fine if you plan to pursue law. You don't need to focus on something that you feel will be helpful. Enjoy your college years and pursue your curiousity. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Law school will teach you the skills you need to be a lawyer.
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Eliana,
I am so glad to hear you want to become a lawyer. Generally, in order to become a lawyer you need to the following:
- Obtain a bachelor's degree from a 4-year college
- Take the LSAT test and apply to law school
- Attend and graduate law school (3 years for a full-time program)
- Pass the BAR exam in one or more states of your choice
Below is the official information on LSAT exam preparation:
Estelle’s Answer
Richard’s Answer
Sheel’s Answer
1. Get a four-year college degree
2. Take the LSAT
3. Apply to and get admitted to an accredited law school
4. Graduate law school
5. Pass the bar
If you're set on law school, I would put a lot of time and energy into preparing for the LSAT - the better your score, the better your options.
For getting in to law school, your major doesn't really matter - law schools expect you to come in not knowing anything about law. You will be reading a lot and writing a lot in law school, and you will be challenged to analyze complicated legal and factual questions - I would suggest picking a major that helps you develop these skills. This is not a must, however - it's just helpful.
The only exception I can think of is if you wanted to be a Patent lawyer - Patent Attorneys typically need to have an undergrad science degree.