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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

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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:

  1. Obtain a bachelor's degree from a 4-year college
  2. Take the LSAT test and apply to law school
  3. Attend and graduate law school (3 years for a full-time program)
  4. Pass the BAR exam in one or more states of your choice

Below is the official information on LSAT exam preparation:

https://www.lsac.org/lsat

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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.

Thank you comment icon Good answer! The only exception I can think is Patent law - that field typically requires an undergraduate science degree. Sheel Bedi
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Sheel’s Answer

In general, the steps are:
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.
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Richard’s Answer

To go to law school, you need to get an undergraduate degree. College grades matter to get into law school so you will want to do well. The LSAT is the law school admission test. There are prep books or you can take a course. Law school is 3 years. You can take the Bar exam after 2.5 years though and then finish school. In Texas, the Bar is offered in February and July.
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Estelle’s Answer

Choose a college that is affordable and fits your personality. Large campuses are great for outgoing people that find crowds a new adventure and are highly self motivated. Smaller universities offer more student-teacher interaction and personal attention. Public universities are terrific and usually much more affordable for in state tuition. Finding the right college is a solid step in your success. Being comfortable means that you can focus on great grades and connecting with faculty for letters of recommendation. E ventually the LSAT can become your focus.
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