I Want To Be A Lawyer: A Step-By-Step Guide to Becoming an Attorney

I’ve always had a passion for upholding justice and arguing my point. That’s why I want to be a lawyer. But I know that becoming an attorney takes many years of education and passing rigorous exams. As someone new to the field, I wanted to understand exactly what’s involved in achieving my dream of practicing law.

In this article, I’ll walk through the step-by-step process of how to become a lawyer I’ll cover the education requirements, exams, licensing, job outlook, and more. My goal is to provide a clear overview of what it takes to break into this fulfilling yet demanding profession Whether you’re still an undergrad student or are considering a career change, keep reading to find out if being a lawyer is right for you.

What Does a Lawyer Do?

Before diving into the specifics let’s review the day-to-day responsibilities of a lawyer. Attorneys, also called lawyers provide legal counsel and services for individuals, businesses, government agencies, and organizations. Their duties include

• Interpreting laws, regulations, and rulings
• Researching and analyzing legal issues
• Advising clients on their legal rights and options
• Representing clients in court and at legal proceedings
• Drafting legal documents like contracts and wills

While arguing high-stakes cases in court may be the stereotypical image of lawyers, not all spend their time in the courtroom. Transactional attorneys focus on paperwork, research, and client negotiations. Government lawyers enforce laws and regulations. Corporate lawyers handle legal business matters.

No matter their specific role, all lawyers aim to provide the best counsel and representation for their clients. Now let’s look at how to start down this career path.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step to becoming an attorney is completing an undergraduate degree. While no specific major is required for law school admission, common choices include political science, history, English, and economics.

I’m currently majoring in political science with a minor in philosophy. This curriculum helps me build a broad knowledge base and sharpen my analytical and communication skills—key abilities for lawyers. Don’t stress too much about picking the “right” major. Focus on excelling in writing and critical thinking courses to prepare for the LSAT exam.

During your bachelor’s program, gain experience through legal internships and law-related extracurriculars. These activities will boost your law school applications and confirm your interest in the field.

Step 2: Take the LSAT

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a mandatory exam for gaining entry to all ABA-accredited law schools. It evaluates skills like reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking—abilities you’ll need as a lawyer.

The LSAT is administered as a half-day standardized test. It contains five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions. There is also an unscored writing sample at the end. I plan to spend several months studying LSAT practice questions and mocks tests before sitting for the actual exam. High scores open doors to top law schools, which lead to better job prospects after graduation.

A few law schools accept GRE scores instead of the LSAT. However, the vast majority require LSAT scores. I’ll take practice tests to determine which exam plays to my strengths when the time comes.

Step 3: Apply to Law School

With my bachelor’s degree and LSAT scores in hand, I’ll be ready to start applying to Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs. J.D. degrees typically take 3 years of full-time study to complete.

When researching schools, I plan to target ones with specialty programs matching my interests. For example, I’m drawn to civil rights and public interest law. I’ll look for schools like NYU and Berkeley that offer robust clinical programs in these areas.

I also aim to apply to a balanced mix of reach, target, and safety schools. Reach schools are top-tier programs that would be a stretch for me to get into. Targets have admissions criteria well-matched to my credentials. Safeties are backups where I’m very likely to get accepted.

Building a strong application goes beyond just test scores and grades. I’ll be sure to highlight relevant work experience, volunteer activities, and my motivation for studying law in my personal statement. Letters of recommendation from professors and employers also hold weight.

I’m prepared for an intense application process. But if I craft a compelling package, I’m hopeful I’ll get admitted to one of my top choices.

Step 4: Earn a Juris Doctor Degree

Once accepted, I’ll dive into three years of intense study and preparation for a legal career. J.D. programs cover foundational concepts like civil procedure, contracts, torts, and legal writing. I’ll also take electives related to my specialization, such as immigration law and civil liberties.

A major component of law school is hands-on practice through clinics, internships, and legal writing courses. These experiences will help me apply classroom concepts to real-world cases. Networking with professors and attorney mentors is also key for building my professional network.

By immersing myself in rigorous coursework and real-world training, I’ll develop the legal skills and judgment required to pass the bar exam and transition into practice. Though law school will be challenging, I’m ready to fully engage in laying the educational foundation for my career.

Step 5: Pass the Bar Exam

After three years of law school, I’ll be prepared to take the bar exam for lawyer licensing. The bar exam is a two-day assessment covering major areas of law. It includes multiple choice questions as well as essay prompts.

I plan to enroll in a bar prep course to brush up on legal knowledge and practice my test-taking strategies. I’ll also set aside 8-10 weeks for intensive study and practice exams. Though each state designs its own exam, most test on contracts, torts, criminal law, constitutional law, evidence, and real property.

Passing this notoriously difficult exam demonstrates my minimum competency to practice law ethically and skillfully. After overcoming this crucial last hurdle, I’ll officially be on my way to becoming a licensed attorney.

Step 6: Gain Admittance to the Bar

Upon passing the bar exam, I must complete one final step: taking the lawyer’s oath at my bar admission ceremony. This event marks my entry into the state bar association as an authorized legal practitioner.

At the ceremony, I’ll sign an oath of office and pledge to conduct myself with integrity as an officer of the legal system. Each state bar has its own admission process but most involve reciting an oath before a state Supreme Court justice.

After fulfilling education and exam requirements, this oath solidifies my status as a licensed attorney. I’ll prepare for an emotional moment as my journey from law student to lawyer becomes official.

What is the Job Outlook for Lawyers?

My passion for the law outweighs practical concerns like job prospects and salary. But it’s still helpful to understand employment opportunities and earning potential.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for lawyers to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032. This is faster than average growth compared to other occupations. As the population expands and legal regulations increase in complexity, the demand for legal expertise rises too.

Lawyers earn a lucrative median salary of $127,990 per year. Those with exceptional expertise and years of experience at large law firms or with the federal government can earn over $200,000 annually. Salary varies based on your specialty, firm size, location and reputation.

My focus is public interest law. The salary isn’t as high as corporate law, but the work is extremely meaningful and fulfilling. With hard work and dedication, I can build a stable legal career while also giving back.

Which Type of Law Should I Practice?

One more big decision I face is choosing what type of law to specialize in. While I’m leaning toward civil rights and immigration, many appealing options exist. Here are a few top specialties I’m considering:

• Civil Rights – Advocate for people whose constitutional rights have been violated

• Immigration – Represent clients in visa applications, deportation defense, and asylum claims

• Public Interest – Provide legal services for everyday citizens and underserved groups

• Family Law – Assist clients with divorce, child custody, and domestic issues

• Corporate Law – Manage legal affairs for businesses and organizations

• Criminal Law – Defend or prosecute those accused of crimes

During law school, I plan to take diverse courses and participate in clinics across different legal areas. This exposure will help me discover where I excel and feel most fulfilled. By immersing myself in the law school experience, I’ll make an informed choice about which specialty fits my skills and passions.

Is Being a Lawyer the Right Career for Me?

Becoming an attorney involves many years of intensive education, high-stakes exams, long work hours, and pressure-filled situations. But for me, helping others achieve fair outcomes and upholding principles of justice make all the challenges worthwhile.

As a lawyer, I’ll need rigorous training along with unwavering dedication. I’m prepared to tackle every step—bachelor’s degree, LSAT, law school, bar exam, and licensing. While the road ahead is long, I’m driven by the chance to make a real difference an