The requirements to become a lawyer may differ slightly from state to state, but there are general requirements that hopeful attorneys must meet in order to practice law. It's an investment in time and resources, but when you are successful, you have a challenging and rewarding career ahead of you.
Education
The requirements for becoming a lawyer start with preparation as early as high school. Students interested in pursuing a legal education should take as many college prep classes as possible in high school to ensure that they will have success in their undergraduate courses. High academic achievement in high school will ensure a better college experience.
A bachelor's degree is the next requirement for becoming a lawyer. Some universities offer degrees with a pre-law emphasis, but any bachelor's degree is sufficient, as long as it teaches the basic skills a student will use in law school and in his career. Researching and writing are key skills to learn, plus critical thinking, data analysis, public speaking and basic business skills. Many future lawyers pick a degree that will enhance a specialized law career, such as computer science for intellectual property law or biology for health care legal work. It's imperative for a college student to maintain excellent grades during the undergraduate years.
Law School
Applying to law school is the next requirement for future lawyers. Acceptance is based on grades, LSAT test scores, application material and references. Most full-time students graduate in three years, and part-time students can take four to five years. The classes are tough and focus on courses in legal methods, contracts and torts, constitutional law and civil procedure, among others. Graduating with high grades makes an impact on future job eligibility. The degree awarded for law school is a Juris Doctorate, or J.D.
Bar Exam
The state bar exam is the next requirement for upcoming law school graduates. The comprehensive two-day test is given twice per year and includes questions on everything from ethics and case studies to details about the practice of law for that jurisdiction. Passing the bar means acceptance into the legal community of that state, and a lawyer will be sworn in for approval. The lawyer is now qualified to practice law in the state where he took the bar exam.
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