6 answers
Gilbert
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
745 views
What education and skills do I need to become a lawyer? Is there anything I need to do in high school or middle school to become one?
I’m 13 in middle school, I was wondering is there anything I need to do right now or in high school to become a lawyer? What education and skills do I become a lawyer?
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6 answers
Som Chatterjee
Consultant
17
Answers
Tallahassee, Florida
Updated
Som’s Answer
Dear Gilbert,
It's wonderful to see you're already considering your future career while you're still in middle school. This early start will definitely give you an edge! Here are some suggestions to help you explore this career path:
a) Broaden your reading: Diversify your reading materials. This includes current news, inspiring speeches, timeless literature, both American and global history, scientific discoveries, and both contemporary and classic fiction.
b) Investigate teen court programs: Check if your county offers a teen court. You can find more information about this at https://lawforkids.org/programs/arizona-teen-court/az-teen-courts.
c) Start writing for your local newspaper: Share your thoughts on topics that pique your interest or issues you believe should be brought to light. It could be about school matters, teenage concerns, or any other relevant topics.
d) Connect with law students: Try to engage in conversations with law students or lawyers. This will provide you with a realistic perspective of the profession and the education required to excel in this field.
e) Enhance your public speaking skills: Participate in debate clubs or similar activities. This will help you sharpen your public speaking skills, which are crucial in the legal field.
f) Volunteer: Seek out various organizations where you can offer your time and services.
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey. I hope these suggestions prove useful to you.
It's wonderful to see you're already considering your future career while you're still in middle school. This early start will definitely give you an edge! Here are some suggestions to help you explore this career path:
a) Broaden your reading: Diversify your reading materials. This includes current news, inspiring speeches, timeless literature, both American and global history, scientific discoveries, and both contemporary and classic fiction.
b) Investigate teen court programs: Check if your county offers a teen court. You can find more information about this at https://lawforkids.org/programs/arizona-teen-court/az-teen-courts.
c) Start writing for your local newspaper: Share your thoughts on topics that pique your interest or issues you believe should be brought to light. It could be about school matters, teenage concerns, or any other relevant topics.
d) Connect with law students: Try to engage in conversations with law students or lawyers. This will provide you with a realistic perspective of the profession and the education required to excel in this field.
e) Enhance your public speaking skills: Participate in debate clubs or similar activities. This will help you sharpen your public speaking skills, which are crucial in the legal field.
f) Volunteer: Seek out various organizations where you can offer your time and services.
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey. I hope these suggestions prove useful to you.
Lisa Martin
Lawyer
6
Answers
Northport, New York
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Thankfully, there is no single course of study that is required to get into law school. You can and should study anything you are interested in, both in high school and in college. You will need to perform well academically and develop a love of reading because law school admissions are competitive! If you want to make sure you will enjoy being a lawyer, you can get involved in middle school and high school in things such as model UN, debate club, ethics clubs, etc., and when you are old enough, you could try to get internships as a paralegal in a law firm. These are good ways of learning about the profession. In terms of elective classes, you can take business classes, business law classes, and political science classes. All of those will be relevant and informative. The most important thing, though. Is to study hard! Good grades are important to get into a good college, which is helpful for getting into law school eventually. And, you will need discipline and good study habits to succeed n law school.
Job Hall
Real Estate Manager
121
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Job’s Answer
Gilbert,
In order to look go to law School you'll have to complete high School with good grades, you'll have to take the act or the sat with your test that you take to get into college and do well on those, and finally you'll have to take a test called the LSAT the law school admission test. You have to take special classes if you want to do well on that test. Once you have your LSAT score you can then apply to law schools. Once you graduate law School you will need to take the bar exam in whatever state you want to practice. Only one state in the nation does not require you to go to law school to take the bar exam and that's California. I would not advise that.,
One of the biggest questions you have to ask yourself is why do I want to be a lawyer, and what kind of lawyer do I want to be. Not everyone gets to work in the field that they want to.
In order to go to law school you have to graduate college. To get admitted to law school you have to do well on the LSAT as well as have good grades and extracurricular activities that they look favorably on. Right now they look very favorably on volunteering in your community. You're very young you have a lot of years till this will come up.
The better your grades in high school and the higher your LSAT score is will determine what college you get accepted to. Law school is very competitive. You don't want to just go to any law school you want to go to a good one. Therefore you have to have strong grades and test scores to compete for spots in good schools. The reason you really want to go to the best law school you can is because it will determine how much you will be paid when you get out of law School and pass the bar. The bar is a test and every state the decision by what is called the bar which is an organization made up of lawyers the police lawyers and admit them into practice.
I have a good friend. His son just graduated from Harvard law School. He's making $370,000 a year in his second year of working for a law firm in San Francisco.
The last consideration is what type of law do you want to practice. Think about this carefully. I went to law school to learn the laws concerning how to deal with money and make a lot of it. Most people do not go to law school for that. You need to have a really good reason why you want to do this to spend all the money and put in all the years. Law school will be a minimum of 3 years and can go as far as 6 or 7 years.
When you first start practicing law after you pass the bar and get a job it will be difficult. Law school does not teach you how to be a lawyer. I would advise when you're in a law school you should probably look into the non-profit associated with the law school. My law school called it legal clinic and we represented poor people. I went to law school for 3 years I started going into legal clinic after my first year and a half.
Law school can be really rewarding once you get a handle on what you're doing and you're good at it you can accomplish a lot. I was a very successful attorney in the number of feels as well as one of the best business trial attorneys in the city. We all have special skills and not everybody can do the same things. If you really like to learn and you like logic then you will do very well at law School. I would advise you try and find some logic classes in high school and college. I would advise you to join the debate team in high school and college. It will not teach only teach you how to do public speaking it will also teach you research and how to advocate for certain sides of issues. You have to be able to argue both sides on any one subject no matter how you feel about it.
I do not mean to make this sound horrible or overly difficult. I got through it so you can. It can be a rewarding both emotionally intellectually and financially type of work. It requires dedication but if you find satisfaction in changing the outcomes of things you could have a great career in the field. And you do not have to practice law forever I did for 30 years, then I retired for 5 years. I went out of my mind so I went back to work. The stead being a lawyer I have a professional negotiator. I negotiate very large transactions up 200 million dollars and I work in the Solar industry so I'm doing something good for the environment. The skills you learn as lawyer could be applied to almost every aspect of life.
I wish you the very best of luck if you ever have a follow-up question let me know I'm really impressed at your age you're asking questions like that you have a bright future.
In order to look go to law School you'll have to complete high School with good grades, you'll have to take the act or the sat with your test that you take to get into college and do well on those, and finally you'll have to take a test called the LSAT the law school admission test. You have to take special classes if you want to do well on that test. Once you have your LSAT score you can then apply to law schools. Once you graduate law School you will need to take the bar exam in whatever state you want to practice. Only one state in the nation does not require you to go to law school to take the bar exam and that's California. I would not advise that.,
One of the biggest questions you have to ask yourself is why do I want to be a lawyer, and what kind of lawyer do I want to be. Not everyone gets to work in the field that they want to.
In order to go to law school you have to graduate college. To get admitted to law school you have to do well on the LSAT as well as have good grades and extracurricular activities that they look favorably on. Right now they look very favorably on volunteering in your community. You're very young you have a lot of years till this will come up.
The better your grades in high school and the higher your LSAT score is will determine what college you get accepted to. Law school is very competitive. You don't want to just go to any law school you want to go to a good one. Therefore you have to have strong grades and test scores to compete for spots in good schools. The reason you really want to go to the best law school you can is because it will determine how much you will be paid when you get out of law School and pass the bar. The bar is a test and every state the decision by what is called the bar which is an organization made up of lawyers the police lawyers and admit them into practice.
I have a good friend. His son just graduated from Harvard law School. He's making $370,000 a year in his second year of working for a law firm in San Francisco.
The last consideration is what type of law do you want to practice. Think about this carefully. I went to law school to learn the laws concerning how to deal with money and make a lot of it. Most people do not go to law school for that. You need to have a really good reason why you want to do this to spend all the money and put in all the years. Law school will be a minimum of 3 years and can go as far as 6 or 7 years.
When you first start practicing law after you pass the bar and get a job it will be difficult. Law school does not teach you how to be a lawyer. I would advise when you're in a law school you should probably look into the non-profit associated with the law school. My law school called it legal clinic and we represented poor people. I went to law school for 3 years I started going into legal clinic after my first year and a half.
Law school can be really rewarding once you get a handle on what you're doing and you're good at it you can accomplish a lot. I was a very successful attorney in the number of feels as well as one of the best business trial attorneys in the city. We all have special skills and not everybody can do the same things. If you really like to learn and you like logic then you will do very well at law School. I would advise you try and find some logic classes in high school and college. I would advise you to join the debate team in high school and college. It will not teach only teach you how to do public speaking it will also teach you research and how to advocate for certain sides of issues. You have to be able to argue both sides on any one subject no matter how you feel about it.
I do not mean to make this sound horrible or overly difficult. I got through it so you can. It can be a rewarding both emotionally intellectually and financially type of work. It requires dedication but if you find satisfaction in changing the outcomes of things you could have a great career in the field. And you do not have to practice law forever I did for 30 years, then I retired for 5 years. I went out of my mind so I went back to work. The stead being a lawyer I have a professional negotiator. I negotiate very large transactions up 200 million dollars and I work in the Solar industry so I'm doing something good for the environment. The skills you learn as lawyer could be applied to almost every aspect of life.
I wish you the very best of luck if you ever have a follow-up question let me know I'm really impressed at your age you're asking questions like that you have a bright future.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
5777
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Gilbert!
Pathway to Becoming a Lawyer: Education and Skills Required
1. Middle School Preparation While you are still in middle school, there are several foundational steps you can take to prepare for a future career in law:
Develop Strong Reading and Writing Skills: Lawyers must be able to read complex texts and write clearly and persuasively. Focus on improving your reading comprehension and writing abilities through books, essays, and reports.
Engage in Critical Thinking Activities: Participate in debates or join clubs that encourage critical thinking, such as debate club or student government. This will help you learn how to construct arguments and think logically.
Stay Informed About Current Events: Understanding the world around you is crucial for a lawyer. Follow news stories, especially those related to legal issues, politics, and social justice.
2. High School Education Once you enter high school, there are specific courses and activities that can further prepare you for law school:
Take Relevant Courses: Focus on subjects like English, history, government, economics, and public speaking. Advanced Placement (AP) courses can also be beneficial as they develop analytical skills.
Join Extracurricular Activities: Participate in debate club, mock trial teams, or student government. These activities will enhance your public speaking skills and provide experience with argumentation.
Volunteer or Intern: Look for opportunities to volunteer at local law firms or non-profit organizations that deal with legal issues. This experience can provide insight into the legal profession.
3. Undergraduate Education After high school graduation, the next step is obtaining a bachelor’s degree:
Choose a Relevant Major: While law schools accept students from various majors, consider fields like political science, philosophy, history, or business that develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
Maintain a Strong GPA: Law schools look for strong academic performance. Aim for a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Prepare for the LSAT: The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required for admission to most law schools in the United States. Begin preparing early by taking practice tests and studying logical reasoning.
4. Law School Once you have completed your undergraduate degree:
Apply to Law Schools: Research accredited law schools that fit your career goals. Consider factors like location, specialization areas (e.g., criminal law, corporate law), and bar passage rates.
Complete Your Juris Doctor (JD): Law school typically takes three years to complete. You will study various areas of law including contracts, torts, constitutional law, civil procedure, and legal writing.
5. Skills Development Throughout your education journey:
Enhance Communication Skills: Both written and oral communication are vital in law practice; consider taking courses specifically focused on these skills.
Develop Research Abilities: Lawyers must conduct thorough research; familiarize yourself with legal databases during your studies.
Practice Negotiation Skills: Learning negotiation techniques can be beneficial as lawyers often negotiate settlements or contracts.
6. Bar Examination After graduating from law school:
Pass the Bar Exam: Each state requires aspiring lawyers to pass its bar exam before practicing law. Prepare thoroughly using bar review courses.
Conclusion Becoming a lawyer requires dedication to education at every stage—from middle school through graduate studies—along with the development of essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, research abilities, and negotiation tactics.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
American Bar Association (ABA) - The ABA provides comprehensive resources regarding the educational requirements necessary to become a lawyer in the United States along with guidance on preparing for law school.
Law School Admission Council (LSAC) - LSAC offers information about the LSAT exam process as well as insights into what prospective students should consider when applying to law schools across the country.
National Association for Law Placement (NALP) - NALP provides data on employment outcomes for graduates of law schools which helps prospective students understand career paths available after obtaining their JD degrees.
God Bless You!
JC.
Pathway to Becoming a Lawyer: Education and Skills Required
1. Middle School Preparation While you are still in middle school, there are several foundational steps you can take to prepare for a future career in law:
Develop Strong Reading and Writing Skills: Lawyers must be able to read complex texts and write clearly and persuasively. Focus on improving your reading comprehension and writing abilities through books, essays, and reports.
Engage in Critical Thinking Activities: Participate in debates or join clubs that encourage critical thinking, such as debate club or student government. This will help you learn how to construct arguments and think logically.
Stay Informed About Current Events: Understanding the world around you is crucial for a lawyer. Follow news stories, especially those related to legal issues, politics, and social justice.
2. High School Education Once you enter high school, there are specific courses and activities that can further prepare you for law school:
Take Relevant Courses: Focus on subjects like English, history, government, economics, and public speaking. Advanced Placement (AP) courses can also be beneficial as they develop analytical skills.
Join Extracurricular Activities: Participate in debate club, mock trial teams, or student government. These activities will enhance your public speaking skills and provide experience with argumentation.
Volunteer or Intern: Look for opportunities to volunteer at local law firms or non-profit organizations that deal with legal issues. This experience can provide insight into the legal profession.
3. Undergraduate Education After high school graduation, the next step is obtaining a bachelor’s degree:
Choose a Relevant Major: While law schools accept students from various majors, consider fields like political science, philosophy, history, or business that develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
Maintain a Strong GPA: Law schools look for strong academic performance. Aim for a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Prepare for the LSAT: The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required for admission to most law schools in the United States. Begin preparing early by taking practice tests and studying logical reasoning.
4. Law School Once you have completed your undergraduate degree:
Apply to Law Schools: Research accredited law schools that fit your career goals. Consider factors like location, specialization areas (e.g., criminal law, corporate law), and bar passage rates.
Complete Your Juris Doctor (JD): Law school typically takes three years to complete. You will study various areas of law including contracts, torts, constitutional law, civil procedure, and legal writing.
5. Skills Development Throughout your education journey:
Enhance Communication Skills: Both written and oral communication are vital in law practice; consider taking courses specifically focused on these skills.
Develop Research Abilities: Lawyers must conduct thorough research; familiarize yourself with legal databases during your studies.
Practice Negotiation Skills: Learning negotiation techniques can be beneficial as lawyers often negotiate settlements or contracts.
6. Bar Examination After graduating from law school:
Pass the Bar Exam: Each state requires aspiring lawyers to pass its bar exam before practicing law. Prepare thoroughly using bar review courses.
Conclusion Becoming a lawyer requires dedication to education at every stage—from middle school through graduate studies—along with the development of essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, research abilities, and negotiation tactics.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
American Bar Association (ABA) - The ABA provides comprehensive resources regarding the educational requirements necessary to become a lawyer in the United States along with guidance on preparing for law school.
Law School Admission Council (LSAC) - LSAC offers information about the LSAT exam process as well as insights into what prospective students should consider when applying to law schools across the country.
National Association for Law Placement (NALP) - NALP provides data on employment outcomes for graduates of law schools which helps prospective students understand career paths available after obtaining their JD degrees.
God Bless You!
JC.
Melody Tharpe
Education - Teacher
160
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Melody’s Answer
I found this article on the website listed below. There are other articles to look at about being a lawyer, https://lawstuffexplained.com/category/law-school/
How To Prepare For Law School In Middle School (Tips and Advice)
Law Schools Look For Well-Rounded People
There’s no question that law schools only accept students with great grades.
No matter what, you’ll have to do well in high school and college to be accepted into law school.
But what you might not know is that law schools look for well-rounded students, meaning they want students who are interested and good at many things, in addition to school. In fact, a person who has a lower GPA but has done many awesome things could be accepted to law school over someone with the best grades.
This is also true out in the world when applying for lawyer jobs.
If all you are is your grades (meaning the only thing you do is study law), you might not get into the law school of your choice.
What Does Well-Rounded Look Like?
Well-rounded can be many things, and there isn’t one formula.
They just want to see someone with a wide variety of interests and skills.
These interests could include: traveling, volunteering or public service, work experience, leadership roles in clubs or organizations, sports or other physical activities, competitions of all kinds (robotics, cooking, Battle of the Books), etc.
As a person who wants to get a start on becoming well-rounded, not only do you want to do the activities, you want to find a way to do the best you can in the activity, and find your way into leadership positions in the activity.
If you are involved in lots of activities at a high level, you’ll have ample experiences for your college applications essays, and for law school as well.
And you’ll probably be a more interesting person.
If you are interested in law, and you enjoy studying the law, then it doesn’t matter what age you are, you should feel free to do it.
You can do this in several ways.
You can follow current cases that are high profile in the news, watch the trials, read articles about them, and listen to commentary about them from lawyers.
You can dig into law school subjects, such as civil procedure, criminal procedure, property, torts, and constitutional law. This can be done by obtaining old law school text books, reading through law school study guides, taking online law school prep courses, or just reading what you can find online.
Read law focused books that are either fiction or non-fiction. Check with your parents, but there are a ton of true crime books that will tell you a story along with explain a lot about the justice system. Some authors to check out are:
If you are interested in law, and you enjoy studying the law, then it doesn’t matter what age you are, you should feel free to do it.
You can do this in several ways.
You can follow current cases that are high profile in the news, watch the trials, read articles about them, and listen to commentary about them from lawyers.
You can dig into law school subjects, such as civil procedure, criminal procedure, property, torts, and constitutional law. This can be done by obtaining old law school text books, reading through law school study guides, taking online law school prep courses, or just reading what you can find online.
Read law focused books that are either fiction or non-fiction. Check with your parents, but there are a ton of true crime books that will tell you a story along with explain a lot about the justice system. Some authors to check out are:
Truman Capote
Vincent Bugliosi
Ann Rule
Jon Krakauer
There are also many awesome true crime podcasts.
Visit the courthouses in your area and around the state, and observe actual trials in progress.
Remember, the ‘study’ of law doesn’t always mean that you have to sit at a desk with a book.
Think back to the beginning of this article, where we talked about becoming well-rounded.
The more ‘interesting’ and ‘unusual’ things you can do, the more likely you will stand apart and above your future law school compatriots.
You’ll be more likely to get into law school, be successful in law school, and to get a good job in your chosen field once you graduate.
More information, check out this site: https://lawstuffexplained.com/how-to-prepare-for-law-school-in-middle-school/
How To Prepare For Law School In Middle School (Tips and Advice)
Law Schools Look For Well-Rounded People
There’s no question that law schools only accept students with great grades.
No matter what, you’ll have to do well in high school and college to be accepted into law school.
But what you might not know is that law schools look for well-rounded students, meaning they want students who are interested and good at many things, in addition to school. In fact, a person who has a lower GPA but has done many awesome things could be accepted to law school over someone with the best grades.
This is also true out in the world when applying for lawyer jobs.
If all you are is your grades (meaning the only thing you do is study law), you might not get into the law school of your choice.
What Does Well-Rounded Look Like?
Well-rounded can be many things, and there isn’t one formula.
They just want to see someone with a wide variety of interests and skills.
These interests could include: traveling, volunteering or public service, work experience, leadership roles in clubs or organizations, sports or other physical activities, competitions of all kinds (robotics, cooking, Battle of the Books), etc.
As a person who wants to get a start on becoming well-rounded, not only do you want to do the activities, you want to find a way to do the best you can in the activity, and find your way into leadership positions in the activity.
If you are involved in lots of activities at a high level, you’ll have ample experiences for your college applications essays, and for law school as well.
And you’ll probably be a more interesting person.
If you are interested in law, and you enjoy studying the law, then it doesn’t matter what age you are, you should feel free to do it.
You can do this in several ways.
You can follow current cases that are high profile in the news, watch the trials, read articles about them, and listen to commentary about them from lawyers.
You can dig into law school subjects, such as civil procedure, criminal procedure, property, torts, and constitutional law. This can be done by obtaining old law school text books, reading through law school study guides, taking online law school prep courses, or just reading what you can find online.
Read law focused books that are either fiction or non-fiction. Check with your parents, but there are a ton of true crime books that will tell you a story along with explain a lot about the justice system. Some authors to check out are:
If you are interested in law, and you enjoy studying the law, then it doesn’t matter what age you are, you should feel free to do it.
You can do this in several ways.
You can follow current cases that are high profile in the news, watch the trials, read articles about them, and listen to commentary about them from lawyers.
You can dig into law school subjects, such as civil procedure, criminal procedure, property, torts, and constitutional law. This can be done by obtaining old law school text books, reading through law school study guides, taking online law school prep courses, or just reading what you can find online.
Read law focused books that are either fiction or non-fiction. Check with your parents, but there are a ton of true crime books that will tell you a story along with explain a lot about the justice system. Some authors to check out are:
Truman Capote
Vincent Bugliosi
Ann Rule
Jon Krakauer
There are also many awesome true crime podcasts.
Visit the courthouses in your area and around the state, and observe actual trials in progress.
Remember, the ‘study’ of law doesn’t always mean that you have to sit at a desk with a book.
Think back to the beginning of this article, where we talked about becoming well-rounded.
The more ‘interesting’ and ‘unusual’ things you can do, the more likely you will stand apart and above your future law school compatriots.
You’ll be more likely to get into law school, be successful in law school, and to get a good job in your chosen field once you graduate.
More information, check out this site: https://lawstuffexplained.com/how-to-prepare-for-law-school-in-middle-school/
charnelle saint-laurent
Observer analyst
7
Answers
Huntington Station, New York
Updated
charnelle’s Answer
Hello,
Joining a debate team in high school or middle school might be a good start and getting involved in other activities.
As for education in undergraduate taking a degree you would like to be a lawyer in such as business, criminal justice etc, is a good idea. You should maintain a good gpa as well. Once your done with undergraduate you apply to law schools. Law school is two years usually.
I hope you found this advice useful. Best of luck young scholar. May all your dreams come true.
Joining a debate team in high school or middle school might be a good start and getting involved in other activities.
As for education in undergraduate taking a degree you would like to be a lawyer in such as business, criminal justice etc, is a good idea. You should maintain a good gpa as well. Once your done with undergraduate you apply to law schools. Law school is two years usually.
I hope you found this advice useful. Best of luck young scholar. May all your dreams come true.