Lawyers

Education

Becoming a lawyer usually takes 7 years of full-time study after high school: 4 years of undergraduate study followed by 3 years of law school. Although most law schools do not require a specific bachelor's degree for entry, common undergraduate fields of study include law and legal studies, history, and social science.

Most states and jurisdictions require lawyers to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. Accredited programs include courses such as constitutional law, contracts, property law, civil procedure, and legal writing.

As part of their admissions process, law schools may consider an applicant’s score on the national exam. Questions on this exam cover reasoning, writing, and other aptitudes needed for the study of law.

Those interested in pursuing a career in some legal fields may need to meet additional requirements. For example, patent lawyers typically need a degree, specific credits, or a background in science or engineering and must pass an exam administered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (commonly known as the patent bar exam). Tax lawyers may choose to earn a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree in tax after completing a J.D. program.

Licenses, certifications & registrations

Prospective lawyers take a licensing exam, called the “bar exam.” A score from the exam is transferable across jurisdictions that accept it.

Lawyers who receive a license to practice law are “admitted to the bar.” Each state’s highest court establishes its rules for bar admission. Rules for federal courts differ, and requirements vary by state and jurisdiction.

Most states require that applicants graduate from an accredited law school, pass the written bar exam, and be found by an admitting board to have the character to represent and advise others. Prior felony convictions, academic misconduct, and a history of substance abuse are examples of factors that may disqualify an applicant from being admitted to the bar.

Lawyers who want to practice in more than one state usually must meet licensing requirements for each state in which they wish to work. Most states have reciprocity agreements that streamline the process for lawyers licensed in one state to get licensed in another state.

After bar admission, lawyers must keep informed about legal developments that affect their practice. States may require lawyers to participate in continuing legal education to maintain licensure.

Advancement

Newly hired attorneys usually start as associates and work on teams with more experienced lawyers. Some lawyers advance to become partners, which means that they are partial owners of the firm.

After gaining experience, some lawyers go into practice for themselves. Others may move to a large organization, either working in its legal department or as in-house counsel.

Some experienced lawyers become judges. Most judges must be appointed or elected to their positions, a procedure that often requires political support.

Important qualities

Analytical skills. Lawyers interpret the law as it applies to their client’s case. They must be able to evaluate large amounts of information, interpret relevant findings, and apply them to facts.

Communication skills. Lawyers must be able to clearly present and explain information to clients, opposing parties, and other members of the legal community. They also need to be precise when preparing documents, such as court filings and wills.

Interpersonal skills. Lawyers must build relationships with current and prospective clients, as well as with their colleagues and other members of the legal community.

Persuasion. Lawyers work to convince others that particular laws or findings apply to their client’s case in a way that is most favorable to their client.

Problem-solving skills. Lawyers must evaluate information to propose viable solutions, mediate disputes, and reach agreements or settlements for their clients.

Research skills. Lawyers need to find laws and regulations that apply to a specific matter in order to provide appropriate legal advice for their clients.