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How many years of school/ education to become a lawyer ?..what important classes do you wish you should've taken to become a lawyer

is there a specific number ? #law-school #law #law-practice

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Paul V.’s Answer

After high school graduation, one must complete a four year degree at college and then another three years to earn a Júris Doctor degree after which one must pass the bar examination in the jurisdiction they plan to practice in. The short answer is “at least seven years”
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Gina’s Answer

Thank you for the question. You will need a four year degree, a Bachelor's Degree in any subject from a college/university. Choose a degree that you are interested in - it does not have to be law related. For example, you could have a 4 year degree in psychology, Spanish, Political Science, Math, etc.


After the 4 years, you would need to take the Law School admissions test (LSAT https://www.lsac.org/lsat) apply to law school and it is generally a 3 year degree, if you attend full-time.


Looking back, maybe I could have taken more accounting classes, because I once had my own law firm and I was really bad at keeping records. I did hire an accountant, who told me what I needed to do. I wish I had learned more about running a business and finances for running a business.


I hope this helps!

Gina recommends the following next steps:

Start thinking of colleges and what degree program you are interested in. Look at the college website and click around to find the curriculum for the degree so that you can see what classes will be required. And, also look at the admissions requirements, which will tell you what they are looking for in terms of grades, SAT scores, etc.
Take tough classes in high school, like Advanced Placement or Specialty Classes; also do anything that shows leadership, e.g., Student Government, Key Club, sports, etc.
Write down your goals on paper and project the next 5 years. Write down what you will accomplish each year.
Seek help, like you are doing by submitting questions via this website. Reach to anyone who you see doing what you want to do. Follow them on Social Media and connect with them.
Apply for internships (summer internships, etc.) that will help you get into the field you are interested in.
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Deborah E.’s Answer

Some colleges have pre-law courses which I highly recommend. If your college does not offer pre-law, you should major in political science or business. Many of the concepts will translate into law. I would also definitely take any "law" classes that your college offers. These will help prepare you for law school concepts. In conclusion, definitely look for a job in a law firm, even if you have to start as a mail clerk and work your way up. The experience will be invaluable and you will begin to create resume-worthy opportunities and legal connections. Good luck!
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Eliza’s Answer

In the US, as Paul said, law is a graduate degree, so you first go to undergrad to get your four-year college degree, and then you go to law school. Typically law school takes three years, but if you go to night school (a part-time program designed for people who have jobs and need or want to keep working during school), it would take about four years. So basically, seven to eight years.

In pretty much every other country, law is an undergraduate degree, so it takes about 3-4 years of school plus another year or so of unpaid or low-paid professional experience to become a lawyer.
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