Students who aim to become lawyers frequently find themselves asking this question, “How many years does it take to acquire a law degree?” The answer to that question differs from person to person based on the path the law student decides to take. The initial move in this long timeline to become a lawyer starts by receiving a bachelor’s degree.
Becoming a lawyer is not an easy job. You must know that only those who are determined, hard working, and passionate about the field can tackle all challenges that are thrown their way. If you are someone who has all these qualities and is passionate about law, then you have come to the right place.
Read this article to find out how it will take for you to become a lawyer. We have gathered all relevant information to help you find out the answers to any questions that you may have. So, without any further delay, let us jump right in!
What are the requirements for becoming a lawyer?
Following are the requirements for becoming a lawyer:
Get an undergraduate degree
The first step you should take to become an attorney for the most part is to complete four years of study as an undergrad at a school or college. It isn’t important to center your undergrad subjects in a legal field or in a specific major so far as that is concerned – just as long as you win a four year certification. However, some popular majors are English, political science, history and philosophy.
Most graduate schools that are licensed by the American Bar Association, or ABA, expect you to finish a four year college education to be conceded. In some states, nonetheless, you’re qualified to enter graduate school with only two years of undergrad coursework or by finishing an equivalency test. In spite of the fact that you may have the option to enter law school all the more rapidly, you may struggle getting accepted into a top law school if you only have two years of undergraduate education.
Take the LSAT
A larger part of the graduate schools in the United States expect candidates to take the Law School Admission test, or LSAT, as it’s all the more ordinarily alluded to. Your score on the LSAT is a critical aspect of your graduate school applications and you’ll have to invest energy getting ready for it. Notwithstanding, students who are seeking after a college degree typically complete the test while in school – so getting ready for the LSAT doesn’t regularly need extra time. In case you’re discontent with your underlying score or you previously finished your four year degree, retaking the test or discovering time to read for it can increase the amount of time it takes you to turn into a legal counselor.
Go to a law school
In case you’re ready to go to law school as a full-time student, you can hope to finish the program in three years. Going to graduate school on a low maintenance premise is an alternative at numerous graduate schools, yet it implies you’ll be studying for four as opposed to three years. A few states, for example, Colorado, don’t need you to go to a graduate school. In any case, most states, for example, New Jersey, require participation at an ABA-authorized graduate school.
The most popular degree to get from a law school is a Juris doctor (J.D.) degree because it offers a vast variety of both core and elective courses. However, the J.D. degree is not the only degree that you can opt for. You can also receive a Master of Law (LL.M) if a J.D. degree does not float your boat.
Clear the state bar exam
Not long after completing law school, you’ll have to take the bar exam in your state, or in the state where you want to specialize and practice in legal matters. Reading for the state bar exam will probably take up a few months of your time and it may take an extra couple of months to get the outcomes. In any case, regardless of whether you pass or not, you, despite everything, can’t hold yourself out as a legal advisor until you’re formally admitted to the bar. To be conceded, you should pass a character and wellness survey by your state’s bar affiliation. This cycle incorporates a careful historical verification of your budgetary, criminal, home and work history. The measure of time this takes will rely upon how clean your experience is, yet you can by and large anticipate that it could take various months.
How long does it take to become a lawyer?
Together with four years of undergraduate college and three years of law school, it takes a total of seven years to become a lawyer. However, it may also take a few additional months on top of this where you will take the state bar exam and wait for the results. Once you have cleared it, you can start practicing your dream job.
What subjects do you need to become a lawyer?
During your undergraduate years, you should take subjects in English, public speaking, government, history, economics and mathematics. There are many various courses offered in law school. Depending on what field you want to specialize in, you can study the following subjects:
- Corporate law
- Commercial law
- Administrative law
- Estates
- Trusts
- Taxation
- Comparative law
- International law
- Taxation Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Family Law
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Constitutional Law
- Commercial, Business & Labor Law
- Advanced Torts
How to become a lawyer online?
These days, online classes have become so pervasive that even future lawyers can consider becoming a lawyer on the web. Numerous amazing law programs can only be found on the web. On the off chance that you need to turn into a legal counselor yet need heaps of adaptability, at that point an online application might be your most ideal decision. Obviously, online projects are moderately new, particularly with regards to law classes.
You can turn into a legal advisor online by taking up a distance J.D. program. If your program sets you up to take the certified bar exam, then it will also assist you with building all of the abilities required to be a legal advisor. Presently, on the off chance that you need to realize how to turn into an attorney with an online degree, you’ll need to ensure that you have a decent program. How would you do that? You can begin by asking yourself some exploration inquiries. For instance, what subjects do you have to turn into an attorney in your state? Does this program have ABA accreditation? These kinds of inquiries will push you towards the correct way.
Some of the top most and extremely cost effective online law schools are:
- University of Central Florida – Orlando, FL
- Peirce College – Philadelphia, PA
- Pennsylvania State University (World Campus) – State College, PA
- Keiser University (Ft Lauderdale) – Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Hodges University – Fort Myers, FL
- California University of Pennsylvania – California, PA
- Liberty University – Lynchburg, VA
- National University – La Jolla, CA
- Bellevue University – Bellevue, NE
- Dominican University – River Forest, IL
Why should you become a lawyer?
As a legal advisor, it is quite appropriate and significant to ask why you want to become a lawyer. Is it even worth it or not? While there is no correct answer here, the truth remains that a law vocation stays the first among numerous other renowned callings. The importance, influence and money is definitely there but so is the chance to truly help other people. The calling is mentally testing, as every customer and case is unique in relation to the last. A few attorneys in the wake of spending significant time in natural law have made a long lasting mission of safeguarding the earth. Others direct free work for the underprivileged sections of society, for example, ladies, childre, immigrants, refugees and so forth. Consequently for some, if not all, seeking after a vocation in law matters the most above everything else.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you are well aware of the years it may take you to become a lawyer. If you are up for such a long commitment to studying and are passionate about this profession, then you must pursue law. After all there is nothing better than a job that you absolutely love. So, what are you waiting for? Enroll in a law school now and make all your dreams come true.
