What degree do I need to be a lawyer?

Lawyers advise and represent people, businesses, government agencies, and anyone else on legal situations, contracts, and disputes. There are many selective areas of law that a lawyer can specialize in. These include but aren’t limited to family law, contract law, business law, environmental law, and criminal law. Typically, it takes a minimum of seven years to achieve a degree in law, otherwise known as a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Most lawyers work in an office setting, whether they work privately, in a corporation, or in a government agency. Lawyers can advance in their careers by becoming judges, or even as government council. A career in law can be very rewarding if you are dedicated and willing to work hard.

The first degree a potential lawyer must complete is a Bachelor’s degree. There isn’t really a specialty required for the Bachelor’s degree, but it should encompass a wide range of coursework, including problem solving, social sciences, English, critical reading, oral communication, and research. Most politicians above local government hold a law degree. If political ambition is a long term goal, getting a bachelor’s degree in the social sciences should be the first degree you obtain. The next step it to apply and gain acceptance to law school. All ABA (American Bar Association) approved law schools require applicants to sit for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Law school is generally a three-year program, but can be longer depending on specializations. Once completing law school, graduates are required to take the Bar Exam and pass, in order to practice law. The Bar Exam is difficult and most students spend six months to a year studying post graduation. Different states also have separate exams that have to be passed prior to licensure and in addition to the Bar Exam.