HOW TO BECOME A LAWYER OR ATTORNEY,,,WNES

How to Become a Lawyer or Attorney
Article Rating: (1 Ratings)






How to turn yourself into a Lawyer or Attorney. So you want to be a lawyer or attorney? This is a long and tedious process that requires years of dedication and studying. Here are the steps:

Instructions

1.
Step 1

First, you should get into the best college you can go to for a four year degree, you'll need either a B.A. or B.S. or the like. Major in a course of study that focuses on reading, writing, logic, problem solving and strategy. To go to law school you do not need to have a pre-law degree, however, a major in biology will not do much to help you with the skills needed to succeed in this course of study. Criminal justice degrees and the like are also not generally smiled upon as they don't prepare students with the writing and reading skills needed for law school or to be a lawyer. You'll learn lots of law in law school and as an attorney, there's no need to learn it now when you should be honing your writing and reading skills in college. Good majors to choose are business, pre-law, engineering if you want to be a patent attorney (but of course make sure to take writing and reading classes), english, economics, accounting or finance.
2.
Step 2

Second, while you are finishing up your degree, you'll need to register and take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), see my article on studying for this exam. This is generally taken during your senior year of college or right before your senior year of college.
3.
Step 3

Third, you'll have to register with the Law School Admission Counsel (LSAC) online. This is where you'll be submitting your transcripts, recommendation letters and admission essays (please see my other articles on all of these for more information!). You'll use the LSAC to apply to any law schools you wish to attend.
4.
Step 4

Fourth, once you've been accepted, most reputable law schools only matriculate in the fall of each year, so you'll have to wait until then. During the summer before law school, get a legal or at least an office job to start building your resume.
5.
Step 5

Fifth, once you've started school, you'll want to read my article on "How to Do Well in Law School". You'll be in law school for a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years. You are not allowed to stretch out your law degree for longer than five years, even if attending part-time.
6.
Step 6

Sixth, after graduating, if you wish to practice law, you'll have to take a bar examination (see my article on taking the MBE). During your last year of law school, you should apply to take the bar examination at least 6-8 months in advance. They will do a screen on your character and fitness to practice law and be an attorney. You will be required to collect documentation and fill out lengthy forms along with pay hefty fees to sit for a bar exam. You should enroll in a bar preparation course of your choosing (See my article on Studying for the Bar Examination). Take your bar exam, pass, and be sworn in as an attorney and you're on your way!
7.
Step 7

Law school is a costly and time consuming venture, before you decide to take the plunge, make sure to research all alternatives and be realistic with your goals. Starting attorneys do not make heaps of money like the movies want you to believe and many people fail out of law school with huge student loan debt they will need to pay back even if they didn't graduate with a degree or pass a bar exam. Good luck!