Becoming a lawyer takes considerable effort, with its precise duration dependent on your approach. First you need a bachelor’s degree – typically four years full-time study in the US, Australia or New Zealand. Next comes law school (known as Juris Doctor (JD) programs in these three nations); this takes at least three years on its own but you could shorten this timeline further by participating in 3+3 JD programs offered at certain US colleges and universities that allow participants to complete undergraduate studies AND law school within six years instead of seven.
Before enrolling in law school, it’s a smart idea to gain more information on which legal career interests you most. Doing this may involve researching possible interviewees or finding individuals in your network who work as lawyers – which will give you more of an understanding of what their jobs involve as well as how best to pursue your own professional goals.
Most individuals seeking to become lawyers must attend university, earning a bachelor’s degree. You may choose any major, but to ensure success in law school it is wise to develop strong research, analytical, and writing abilities as this will give an indication of how you’ll fare in law school. Taking the LSAT can also give a good indication of your abilities at law school.
If you’re seeking an unconventional route to becoming a lawyer, some states offer an apprenticeship alongside law school that could get you ready for the bar exam within three years. Unfortunately, though, this route can be very competitive and many applicants don’t choose it as a path forward.
No matter how you approach law school education, it is vitally important that it is accredited. The American Bar Association (ABA) currently recognizes 204 schools accredited by them; from Ivy League-affiliated to middle and lower tier programs. Attending one of the top-ranked law schools will increase your odds of acceptance into its program and facilitate a more prosperous legal career path.
Some lawyers with already obtained a JD degree may decide to earn a Master of Laws (LLM), which is a graduate-level degree that allows you to expand your expertise in a particular area of law and differentiate themselves from their competition. Others opt for an advanced legal degree like Doctor of Laws (JD or SJD), which isn’t necessary but may enhance legal education and career prospects. For more information about advanced degrees like these visit the American Bar Association website as they will also help with choosing schools as well as scholarships/fellowships which may cover costs related to study.
