The practice of law can be exciting and extremely rewarding. The process does take years of hard work; however, it is worth the time, effort and dedication if you are able to reach the ultimate goal of becoming a lawyer.
Obtaining an Undergraduate degree- A four- year undergraduate degree is required to be admitted to most law schools. There is no "pre-law" major; however, you should study various courses including speech and writing, government, foreign languages, mathematics, science, and business. Study hard and aim for a high GPA.
Taking the LSAT- All American Bar Association approved law schools require applicants to take the Law School Admission Test ("LSAT") as a part of applying to law school. The LSAT is a half-day standardized test containing 5 thirty-five minute sections of multiple choice questions. The types of questions include reading comprehension, analytical reasoning and logical reasoning.
Applying to Law School- With your LSAT results in hand, applying to law schools will involve submitting an application and the applicable fee to the school of your choice. To be admitted to the Bar, the vast majority of states require you to attend an ABA approved school. Law schools consider many factors in determining whether a student will be admitted. Undergraduate GPA, LSAT score are numerical factors that will be considered. In addition, most schools also consider a candidate's letters of recommendation, work experience, community service and other factors.
Graduating from Law School- Law school is typically a three -year program, if attended full-time. A part-time program is four years. Typical first year classes include Constitutional law, Criminal Law & Procedure, Civil Procedure, Torts, Property and Legal Research & Writing. Upon graduation, you will receive the Juris Doctor ("J.D.") degree.
Bar Exam & Admission to the Bar- You will need to determine which state or states in which you would like to practice law. Each state determines its own requirements to be admitted to the Bar. The Bar examination is typically a two-part process. The first part is a Multistate Bar examination, a six hour, 200 question, multiple-choice examination covering contracts, torts, constitutional law, criminal law and procedure, evidence and real property.
The second part of the Bar examination is a testing of laws of that particular state. The state portion of the Bar examination is typically in a multiple choice and essay format.
In addition, each state also conducts its own character and fitness investigations on applicants.
Before admittance into a state's Bar, most states also require applicants to take the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination ("MPRE"), which tests the standards relating to a lawyer's professional conduct. Each state determines the minimum MPRE score required to be admitted to the Bar.
Requirements to practice law are subject to change and it is important to obtain the most recent information from your state bar examiner's office or the relevant regulating authority.
