How to Become a Lawyer

The journey to becoming a lawyer is a lengthy one, but the career can be rewarding financially and personally as you help protect people's rights. Use this guide to learn how to become a lawyer. We explore different types of lawyer practices, alternative pathways to becoming a lawyer, and average salaries for legal occupations.

What Is a Lawyer?

Lawyers serve as advocates and advisors on legal matters. The words "lawyer" and "attorney" usually refer to legal professionals who completed law school, earned a juris doctor (JD) degree, and passed the bar exam. In addition to civil matters, lawyers can work on criminal cases brought against states or the federal government.

The specific job titles attorneys carry depend on their workplace. For example, at organizations, corporate counsels advise stakeholders on matters like taxes or contracts. As prosecutors or public defenders, licensed attorneys work on the side of the government or defend the criminally accused. Public-interest lawyers work on cases related to social justice.

Types of Lawyers

Most lawyers work at law firms or in private practices. Attorneys also find employment working in local, state, or federal government. While many lawyers work in offices, or even virtually, others travel to prisons or jails to meet with clients or represent them in court.

Additionally, attorneys can specialize their practice in subfields like:

• Criminal Defense: Criminal defense lawyers serve as advisors and representatives in court to criminal defenders. In this occupation, they investigate crimes, collect evidence, and strategize a defense. Additionally, criminal defense lawyers sometimes negotiate plea bargains with the prosecution.
• Environment: Environmental lawyers represent government agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or individuals, businesses, and property owners. Attorneys in this subfield conduct interviews and research statutes about environmental issues. Cases may involve endangered species, greenhouse gas emissions, water safety, pollution, climate change, and human rights.
• Intellectual Property: The term "intellectual property rights" refers to the legal safeguards for creators' intellectual works, including art, writing, music, and other inventions. Intellectual property lawyers offer counsel to help creators protect their creations through copyrights, trademarks, and patents.
• Real Estate: Real estate lawyers handle legal matters related to property sales. They review and draft contracts and also handle title issues and foreclosures. Buyers, sellers, and lenders may use real estate lawyers during transactions.
• Taxation: Tax lawyers specialize in advising clients on tax laws. They work for accounting firms, nonprofits, and government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service. Because tax laws change often, tax lawyers must stay current on court rulings and tax law changes.

How to Become a Lawyer

Most states mandate a specific educational path for prospective lawyers, which we outline below. This route requires taking the LSAT and going to a law school with accreditation from the American Bar Association (ABA). Following law school, lawyers must fulfill continuing legal education credit requirements, which vary across states.

1. Earn your bachelor's degree.

Though law schools require applicants to hold bachelor's degrees, the ABA does not require specific majors for aspiring attorneys. Instead, the association suggests that pre-law students pursue degrees that challenge them and align with their interests.

Pre-law students earn bachelor's degrees in a variety of subjects, including math, English, political science, and business. Regardless of their chosen field, undergraduates should pursue majors that develop their problem-solving, critical reading, and oral communication skills. Since ABA-accredited law schools require a bachelor's degree from an accredited school, make sure to check your college's accreditation status.

No matter your major, you can gain exposure to legal matters before law school by shadowing practicing lawyers or pursuing internships.

2. Get accepted into an ABA-accredited law school.

To apply for law school, you must take the LSAT, a standardized test that includes four multiple choice sections and a writing section. The exam assesses your analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning skills. Some law schools also accept GRE scores from the five years preceding your application.

Undergraduate programs may offer pre-law advisors to help students prepare for the LSAT or apply to law schools. Typically, your application requires letters of recommendation, undergraduate transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement.

3. Earn your juris doctorate.

Typically, JD programs take three years and provide a comprehensive education in the legal system and law. Law schools may offer flexible evening or part-time programs that take four years. To provide an all-inclusive survey of the law, programs usually require courses in subjects like constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, and torts.

In addition to lectures, programs usually offer clinics and externships that place students in the latter part of the program in a paid position within their chosen specialty area. These learning opportunities offer practical experience where students can provide free legal aid or work with a practicing attorney.

4. Be admitted to your state's bar.

Before being admitted to the bar — in other words, being permitted to practice law in your jurisdiction — you must pass your state's bar exam. State boards administer the bar examination and set requirements for admission to the bar.

Thirty-nine states have adopted the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), a standardized test from the National Conference of Bar Examiners. The exam takes two days to complete and comprises essay questions, performance tests, and multiple choice questions. Minimum passing scores range from 260 to 270 and vary by state. In addition to the UBE, states may require candidates to take other state-specific tests.

Once you have passed all the necessary exams, you may also need to attend a public courthouse ceremony where you are formally sworn in to the bar.

5. Find a job.

Passing the bar exam is a notable achievement, but not the last step in your journey to becoming a practicing lawyer. The next step after law school and the bar exam is finding a job.

Career prospects for attorneys are positive: According to the National Association for Law Placement, 92.2% of the class of 2022 found full-time work within ten months of graduation, the highest job placement rate since 1987. Many lawyers start their careers working as law clerks or practicing in-house at law firms.

6. Complete continuing legal education credits.

After being admitted to the bar, lawyers must complete continuing legal education credits to maintain their professional licensure. The amount of hours you need to complete — as well as what these hours must cover — varies by state.

For example, in Kentucky, licensed lawyers can fulfill their required 12 annual credits through teaching, research, and/or public speaking engagements. New York attorneys must earn 24 continuing legal education credits every two years while satisfying minimum requirements in categories such as ethics and professionalism, diversity and inclusion, and cybersecurity and privacy.

Alternative Pathways to Becoming a Lawyer

The common path to become a lawyer is not the only one. States may admit lawyers to the bar even if they didn't attend an ABA-accredited law school. Select states even admit apprenticed lawyers who never went to law school at all.

Unaccredited Law School

Many states require that you earn a juris doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school. However, some jurisdictions allow graduates from non-ABA-accredited law schools to sit for the bar exam. Research these exceptions in the state where you plan to practice, as each jurisdiction's stipulations are different.

For example, in Kentucky, graduates from non-ABA accredited schools can apply for the bar after completing an educational evaluation. In accordance with the Kentucky Bar Association, these candidates need at least three years of experience as practicing attorneys.

The State Bar of California accepts applicants from unaccredited law schools, including distance learning programs, if they have completed four years of approved law study. Graduates of unaccredited law schools must also pass the First-Year Law Students' Examination.

No Law School

Most bar applicants hold a juris doctor degree, a requirement many states stipulate. Some jurisdictions make exceptions, so research these policies. For example, California allows candidates to sit for the bar exam after four years of study in a law office under the supervision of a judge or attorney.

Similarly, Vermont allows candidates to take the bar exam after completing a law office study program under the supervision of a judge or attorney for four years. Virginia offers a three-year law reader program designed for individuals without a law school education.

How Much Do Lawyers Make?

Lawyers in the United States

Lawyers in the United States earned a median annual wage of $145,760 in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This figure does not provide a complete picture of all lawyers' salaries, as wages can vary by location and experience. The top 10% of lawyer salaries were higher than $239,200, while the bottom 10% were less than $69,760.

What you earn also depends on your specialty area: For example, family law attorneys make an average base salary of $77,650 and immigration lawyers make $76,930, according to Payscale data from March and April 2024, respectively. In contrast, corporate lawyers make an average wage of $118,180, according to April 2024 Payscale data.

The BLS projects 8% growth in lawyer jobs from 2022 to 2032 — a faster-than-average rate of growth that equates to 39,100 openings each year.

Other Court and Legal Occupations

The legal and court systems rely on the expertise of lawyers and many other law professionals. Roles exist for individuals at all educational levels. Entry-level legal jobs may offer a good starting place for a long-term legal career.

Court reporters often need a certification or an associate degree from a community college. Paralegals and legal assistants may hold an associate or bachelor's degree. Court clerks, legal secretaries, and judicial law clerks can work without a four-year degree. However, becoming a judge requires years of experience as a lawyer and a law degree.

We explore salary data and growth projections for non-lawyer legal careers in the table below.

Professional Organizations

• American Bar Association: Since 1878, the ABA has advocated for law professionals and set standards for legal education. Its lawyer assistance programs provide mental health support to law professionals. ABA members can access legal resources, networking opportunities, and professional development tools.
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers: NACDL connects criminal defense lawyers across the country to enhance and advocate for improvements in criminal justice. Members can participate in discussion groups, obtain lawyer assistance like legal reviews for cases involving privileged information, and receive discounts on events and educational resources.
• National LGBTQ+ Bar Association: The LGBTQ+ Bar connects lawyers, judges, and law students who are passionate about LGBTQ+ legal equality. Joining this organization offers access to career postings, discounted continuing legal education credits, events, and committees.
• Federal Bar Association: The FBA unites roughly 15,000 legal professionals, including law students. Annually, the FBA offers more than 700 hours of continuing education credits. Members can also access job postings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Lawyer

What is the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?

The terms "lawyer" and "attorney" can be used interchangeably. Both words refer to people who have passed their state bar exam and have the authority to advise and represent clients in court.

What skills do lawyers need?

Lawyers need skills like critical reading, research, and analytical problem-solving. These professionals also need strong written communication skills, as they spend a lot of time composing documents like briefs, client letters, contracts, and memos. Being able to speak clearly and persuasively is another skill most lawyers need to thrive.

How hard is the bar exam?

Every state bar exam is hard to pass. Depending on the state, you may spend 2-3 days completing the exam. As of February 2024, Alabama, New Jersey, and California have the lowest pass rates of the bar exam, according to the National Conference of Bar Examiners. The exam usually consists of essay and multiple-choice questions on constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, and more.

Can anyone take the bar exam?

Most states require that applicants for the bar graduate from law school before taking the exam. However, states like California, Vermont, and Virginia allow individuals who completed approved apprenticeships to sit for the bar exam.

How long does it take to become a lawyer?

The timeline to become a lawyer varies. If you complete an apprenticeship program, you must spend about four years learning under the supervision of a judge or lawyer. The traditional route includes a four-year bachelor's program and law school, which takes three years to complete when you study full time.