2 answers
2 answers
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
The first step is the get the undergraduate degree out of the way. Talk to admissions and counseling about the type of undergrad degree you should do. Sociology, business and accounting might be the answer amongst others.
Then you need too take the LSAT. There is a lot of help books and prep classes that you can take.
After that take a look at the law school that fits your needs. There are online tours but I think going in person to the campus works out better.
Apply for financial aid. The window to apply starts in October 1st.
During law school try to work, volunteer or intern where you would like to work.
Then after grad school take the Bar Exam. Again there is a lot of help such as work books and classes.
Then you need too take the LSAT. There is a lot of help books and prep classes that you can take.
After that take a look at the law school that fits your needs. There are online tours but I think going in person to the campus works out better.
Apply for financial aid. The window to apply starts in October 1st.
During law school try to work, volunteer or intern where you would like to work.
Then after grad school take the Bar Exam. Again there is a lot of help such as work books and classes.
Updated
Fred’s Answer
It's going to vary depending on where you practice, as each state's Bar association sets their own requirements.
Generally, to be a practicing lawyer, you need to pass the Bar Exam. But some states may require you to have a J.D. degree to take the bar (i.e. graduate from law school). And to graduate from law school, you need to first earn a bachelor's degree.
Most lawyers I know have gotten:
A bachelors or undergraduate degree (4 years) - history and poly sci are common degrees
gone to law school (generally three years)
studied for the Bar (another year)
Note that you can start working for a firm without passing the Bar. You'd be limited in what you can do, and would be supervised by a practicing lawyer, but you start gaining experience that way.
Also, if you want to specialize, there may be more school/exams. Being an intellectual property, or tax, or (I think) estate planning lawyer may all require separate Bar exams.
Generally, to be a practicing lawyer, you need to pass the Bar Exam. But some states may require you to have a J.D. degree to take the bar (i.e. graduate from law school). And to graduate from law school, you need to first earn a bachelor's degree.
Most lawyers I know have gotten:
A bachelors or undergraduate degree (4 years) - history and poly sci are common degrees
gone to law school (generally three years)
studied for the Bar (another year)
Note that you can start working for a firm without passing the Bar. You'd be limited in what you can do, and would be supervised by a practicing lawyer, but you start gaining experience that way.
Also, if you want to specialize, there may be more school/exams. Being an intellectual property, or tax, or (I think) estate planning lawyer may all require separate Bar exams.