5 answers
Sophia
Student
Albion, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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What degree should i get to be a lawyer?
How hight of a degree would I need
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5 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
As I recall there is no.specific bachelors degree required for admission into law school, to obtain the juris doctorate.
But it is recommended that you have exposure to elements of government, the legal system, business, and other subjects related to the law.
So, a degree in the social sciences, history, political science, legal studies, business, psychology etc...will definitely help in exposing you to these subjects.
But it is recommended that you have exposure to elements of government, the legal system, business, and other subjects related to the law.
So, a degree in the social sciences, history, political science, legal studies, business, psychology etc...will definitely help in exposing you to these subjects.
Mark -
Lawyer
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Mark’s Answer
To become a lawyer, you need a bachelors degree and juris doctor. But there's more you should think about.
Here's what I think you should think about! Are you passionate about something that doesn't require a legal degree? Is there a job that if you did the rest of your life you would be happy? If there is, what degree does that job require? If there is, do that major! Being a lawyer requires additional schooling. There can be life events that come up that make you realize you don't want to go to law school. It's always great to have a back-up option! Get that degree that will get you a job you'd want without a legal degree.
A lawyer is a great profession! But it does require 3 additional years of school. You can go to law school with any college major. These years are years you will unlikely work and forego income. You will also likely have to pay for the school (if you don't get scholarship!). This can be okay! In some cases, being a lawyer can be more lucrative and makes up for these additional expenses and foregone income.
Here's what I think you should think about! Are you passionate about something that doesn't require a legal degree? Is there a job that if you did the rest of your life you would be happy? If there is, what degree does that job require? If there is, do that major! Being a lawyer requires additional schooling. There can be life events that come up that make you realize you don't want to go to law school. It's always great to have a back-up option! Get that degree that will get you a job you'd want without a legal degree.
A lawyer is a great profession! But it does require 3 additional years of school. You can go to law school with any college major. These years are years you will unlikely work and forego income. You will also likely have to pay for the school (if you don't get scholarship!). This can be okay! In some cases, being a lawyer can be more lucrative and makes up for these additional expenses and foregone income.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sophia !
In order to be an attorney in Michigan, you will need an undergraduate (Bachelors degree) in pre-law. You than take the LSAT test which is the Law School Admission Test. Decide which Law School you want to go to and at the end of Law School you take and pass the bar exam and you will be admitted into the bar. You are than a Lawyer !
For pre-law, some good schools you can consider are: Michigan State University in East Lansing, University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI, Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Wayne State University in Detroit, Siena Heights University in Adrian, Madonna University in Livonia, Ferris State University in Big Rapids, and Eastern Michigan University to name some. So you would get your Bachelors degree in four years, go to law school for about three years for your Law degree which is a J.D. (Juris Doctor). It is mostly a seven year process in college.
Best wishes to you in your studies !
In order to be an attorney in Michigan, you will need an undergraduate (Bachelors degree) in pre-law. You than take the LSAT test which is the Law School Admission Test. Decide which Law School you want to go to and at the end of Law School you take and pass the bar exam and you will be admitted into the bar. You are than a Lawyer !
For pre-law, some good schools you can consider are: Michigan State University in East Lansing, University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI, Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Wayne State University in Detroit, Siena Heights University in Adrian, Madonna University in Livonia, Ferris State University in Big Rapids, and Eastern Michigan University to name some. So you would get your Bachelors degree in four years, go to law school for about three years for your Law degree which is a J.D. (Juris Doctor). It is mostly a seven year process in college.
Best wishes to you in your studies !
Brenda Moore
Customer Experience Representative
1
Answer
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Brenda’s Answer
Hey there!
Every state may have its own unique requirements, but generally, your journey towards becoming a lawyer starts with law school where you'll work towards earning your Juris Doctor or JD degree. This is usually a three-year program filled with opportunities to learn and grow. Once you've successfully completed law school, your next big step is to take and conquer the bar exam. Remember, each step you take is bringing you closer to your dream. Keep going!
Every state may have its own unique requirements, but generally, your journey towards becoming a lawyer starts with law school where you'll work towards earning your Juris Doctor or JD degree. This is usually a three-year program filled with opportunities to learn and grow. Once you've successfully completed law school, your next big step is to take and conquer the bar exam. Remember, each step you take is bringing you closer to your dream. Keep going!
Mackenzie Ward
associate
103
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
To become a lawyer in the United States, you typically need to complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. Here's an overview of the steps required:
Bachelor's Degree: Before applying to law school, you must first complete a bachelor's degree. The field of your undergraduate degree doesn't necessarily have to be law-related, but it's common for aspiring lawyers to major in subjects like political science, history, English, or pre-law. Maintaining a strong GPA and developing strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills is important.
Law School: After completing your bachelor's degree, you'll need to attend a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Law school typically takes three years of full-time study. During law school, you'll study various areas of law, legal research, writing, and participate in practical experiences such as moot court or legal clinics.
LSAT Exam: To gain admission to most law schools, you'll need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Your LSAT score, along with your undergraduate GPA, will be a crucial factor in the admission process.
Application Process: Apply to law schools of your choice during the application cycle. Each law school has its own admission criteria, which may include letters of recommendation, personal statements, and interviews.
J.D. Degree: Upon successful completion of law school, you will earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. This is the basic law degree required to practice law in most jurisdictions.
Bar Exam: After obtaining your J.D. degree, you'll need to pass the bar exam in the state or jurisdiction where you intend to practice law. The bar exam assesses your knowledge of legal principles and your ability to apply them to real-world scenarios.
Character and Fitness Review: Before being admitted to the bar, you'll likely need to undergo a character and fitness review, which assesses your moral character, honesty, and fitness to practice law.
Bar Admission: Once you pass the bar exam and meet all other requirements, you'll be eligible for admission to the bar in your chosen jurisdiction. This is the final step that allows you to officially practice law as a licensed attorney.
Keep in mind that the process may vary slightly depending on the state or jurisdiction in which you intend to practice law. Additionally, some states offer alternative paths to becoming a lawyer, such as completing a part-time or evening law program, or even studying law in an apprenticeship or reading program. It's important to research the specific requirements of the jurisdiction you're interested in practicing law in.
Bachelor's Degree: Before applying to law school, you must first complete a bachelor's degree. The field of your undergraduate degree doesn't necessarily have to be law-related, but it's common for aspiring lawyers to major in subjects like political science, history, English, or pre-law. Maintaining a strong GPA and developing strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills is important.
Law School: After completing your bachelor's degree, you'll need to attend a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Law school typically takes three years of full-time study. During law school, you'll study various areas of law, legal research, writing, and participate in practical experiences such as moot court or legal clinics.
LSAT Exam: To gain admission to most law schools, you'll need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Your LSAT score, along with your undergraduate GPA, will be a crucial factor in the admission process.
Application Process: Apply to law schools of your choice during the application cycle. Each law school has its own admission criteria, which may include letters of recommendation, personal statements, and interviews.
J.D. Degree: Upon successful completion of law school, you will earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. This is the basic law degree required to practice law in most jurisdictions.
Bar Exam: After obtaining your J.D. degree, you'll need to pass the bar exam in the state or jurisdiction where you intend to practice law. The bar exam assesses your knowledge of legal principles and your ability to apply them to real-world scenarios.
Character and Fitness Review: Before being admitted to the bar, you'll likely need to undergo a character and fitness review, which assesses your moral character, honesty, and fitness to practice law.
Bar Admission: Once you pass the bar exam and meet all other requirements, you'll be eligible for admission to the bar in your chosen jurisdiction. This is the final step that allows you to officially practice law as a licensed attorney.
Keep in mind that the process may vary slightly depending on the state or jurisdiction in which you intend to practice law. Additionally, some states offer alternative paths to becoming a lawyer, such as completing a part-time or evening law program, or even studying law in an apprenticeship or reading program. It's important to research the specific requirements of the jurisdiction you're interested in practicing law in.