How to Become a Lawyer
Assuming that you are in high school or college, these are the steps that you will need take for the most direct route to becoming an attorney. If you are already out of college, you will still be able to utilize some of these steps to becoming an attorney. Each step should be viewed as a building block, with each block building upon the others, so you want to make sure you do as well as possible in each step. The end result by following these steps should be a practicing lawyer.
Starting in High School, these are the 9 steps you will need to take
1. Graduate from High School. You will want to graduate high school with the best possible GPA and SAT/ACT scores as you can. Typically the higher your GPA and test scores, the more easily you may qualify for scholarships and the more schools you will be able to attend. Additionally, you will want to show you are a well-rounded student by also participating in some extra-curricular activities that you excel at and enjoy.
2. Go to the best college for you. While you should strive to go to the school with the best academic reputation that you can, you should also go to a school that best fits your needs and your finances. Of course, the school you choose to go to should have a sound academic program and have a good reputation.
3. Graduate from Undergrad. In undergrad, you should try to obtain the best GPA you can achieve, while also participating in extra-curricular activities that help develop your leadership and character skills.
4. Take the LSAT. No one looks forward to taking more standardized tests, but you are required to take the LSAT before applying to law schools. Most students try to take the LSAT their last year of undergrad or in the summer immediately after. The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120-180, with 180 being a perfect score. If you can score in the upper 160s you will be able to go to most law schools.
5.Apply to and Attend a Law School. After you receive your LSAT scores, you can begin applying to law schools. Once you receive your acceptance letters, you should pick a school that is similar to your undergraduate institution in that it is the school that best suits your needs and that has a good academic reputation. Law schools will look at your LSAT scores, your undergraduate school and GPA, your extra-curricular activities, and many other factors when determining admission.
6.Graduate from Law School. You will need to graduate from law school before you are able to take the bar exam. When you graduate, you will want to achieve the highest GPA you can, have participated in school activities that promote your career, and make good connections through summer work opportunities.
7. Pass the Bar Exam. After graduation, you will need to take the bar exam in the state where you would like to practice as an attorney. Remember, that where you go to school does not limit where you practice. Though most people practice in the state they went to school in. Additionally, some states offer reciprocity of bar licenses and will allow you to practice in their state with a license from another if you meet certain criteria.
8. Apply for a Job. Once you pass the bar you will now be able to start your career as a practicing lawyer. While you can go out immediately and start your own firm, most attorneys recommend that you spend at least a few years in an established firm to gain experience. To gain necessary legal experience you could apply to law firms, government agencies, in-house counsel for large corporations, military, and judicial clerks for a job in the legal field.
9. Accept your Job Offer and Be a Practicing Lawyer!
Remember these steps are a guideline to becoming a lawyer through the main method. However, there are many successful attorneys who took a more circuitous approach to finishing their education and becoming an attorney. Becoming an attorney is a long journey but it is certainly a rewarding one. Source: Mastriani Law Firm
Website: www.commericallawtexas.com
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