How To Get a Law Degree

There are a wealth of perks that come with practicing law as a career, so it is no surprise that many people are willing to take on the uphill battle that comes with getting a law degree. This article will discuss the steps you will need to take to get a law degree so you can successfully obtain a career in the legal field. We will cover degree requirements, skills, typical salary, and examination information. So, whether you are intrigued by the prospect of becoming a lawyer or are sure you want a career in law.

Why Become a Lawyer?

Many positives come with having a career in law. One of the most common reasons people study for this role is so they can help people and serve their communities. Along with this, the salary of a lawyer is also a perk. Many lawyers see large pay packets straight from completing their education. Flexibility is another positive to the title along with the fact that there are law-based roles needed in almost every industry, so there are plenty of niches to practice in and lots of scope for future career developments.

Salary

It is no secret that people working in the world of law can earn a pretty penny, but with some top lawyers earning up to an eye-watering $208,000, you may find yourself wondering how much you should expect to make in this lucrative career. Taking all law-based industries into consideration, the mean salary earned sits at around $126,930. However, it is essential to note that this number will vary depending on the state, additional education, area of study, and amount of experience. The lowest salary for a law-based career is typically $61,500. However, very few jobs will pay this little.

Skills

The desired skills that a lawyer should portray will differ depending on what area of law they pursue. Some skills that are helpful across the board are:
  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
  • Knowledge of how to present a valid argument
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Good at problem-solving
  • Research skills

Education

You need to take several educational steps before starting your career as a lawyer.
Bachelor's degree
The completion of a bachelor's degree is the essential requirement needed for admission to law school. There are many courses on offer that you can study in person or online. Studies range from political science to journalism. Most areas of study will grant you the ability to apply for law school.
Admission test
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test that all prospective law students must take. The test measures your ability to be successful in the industry. It includes five questions that are multiple-choice and a 35-minute writing assessment that is unscored. Many helpful videos and web pages online provide tips and advice for people who need to take the LSAT. It is worth using these to help you practice to earn the best score possible.
Law school
You will now be able to submit your application for law school. There is a wide range of options when it comes to schools, so be sure to research ones that appeal to you and check that they are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Law school applications will consider many factors, including your LSAT scores, any recommendation letters you may have, and your previous coursework.
Juris Doctor
A Juris Doctor is a degree that you can obtain from American law schools, recognized countrywide, it is a requirement in every state if you want to become a licensed attorney. There are a range of different areas that you can study for a JD, including corporate law, tax law, and healthcare law. You are best taking studies in an area related to the end career goal you desire. Studying a JD will take a minimum of 3 years; however, the length of time will depend on whether you plan to study part or full time.
Bar exam
The bar exam is not easy and can take several months of preparation. However, if you can pass it, you can practice law in any state. This six-hour, 200-question test assesses a student's knowledge of a range of legal topics using multiple-choice questions, performance tests, and essays. Before taking the test, it is imperative to study consistently and strategically. There are many helpful study guides and practice tests that you can find online to use to your advantage while revising. It is essential to consider that the bar exam will vary slightly from state to state, so be sure to check the specifics included for your state exam.
Begin your career
After all of the above steps have been completed, you can now begin your career in the legal field. Start by applying for jobs working alongside professional lawyers so you can gain on-the-job experience for the first few years before broadening your horizons and applying for higher roles.

Conclusion

If you are planning to get a law degree, be prepared for a lengthy process that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Before you begin studying, carry out detailed research into all the different niches in the law world and weigh up all options to take the correct steps to help you secure your ideal role. Remember, success doesn't happen overnight, but you will be rewarded with an incredible career in this highly sought-after industry if you put in the hard work.

FAQ

What is the easiest law degree to get?
The most straightforward law degree to get is the Juris Doctor degree. The Juris Doctor degree can be obtained through a law school program and generally takes around three years of full-time study to complete. You can only apply for the Juris Doctor degree after completing a bachelor's degree.
Can I go straight to law school?
No, to be able to apply for law school, you must first have obtained a bachelor's degree, although this does not need to be in a law-based subject.
Does the LSAT involve mathematics?
The LSAT does not contain any mathematics. However, you may need to understand percentages and numbers as part of some sections. Still, there is no involvement of any specific math questions.