How to Become a Lawyer
Overview & Salaries
Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you depends on the industry and company you apply at.
Those looking for an entry position will likely need a Juris Doctorate, also referred to as a law degree, from an accredited law program. In order to get into law school you will have to pass the LSATs and have a bachelors degree. Once you have graduates you will need to pass the state bar exam in order to get your license. Recommended degrees for you to earn before going into law school include a bachelors degree in legal studies.
Start your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited colleges below that offer programs to help get you started as a social worker.
How Much Does a Social Worker Make?
$113,530 (national median salary, to see salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab up top)
Expected Growth from 2012-2020:
+74,800 additional people employed
Specialization Options:
There are a variety of fields you can specialize in, some include medical malpractice, DUI charges, murders, and mental health cases.
(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Social Work page)
Places to Work
There are approximately 750,000 lawyers in the United States with many legal and administrative support roles beyond that. While many work in private or corporate legal offices, others in local, state and federal governments, according to the U.S. Bureau Labor Statistics.
The following industries employs the most lawyers:
- Legal services 51%
- Government 18%
- Finance and insurance 3%
- Management of companies and enterprises 2%
Employment and Information Data for Lawyer
Why Become a Lawyer?
Despite conventional wisdom there is still some room left in the United States for a few more lawyers. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the demand for more lawyers is expected to grow by 10% from now until 2020. The legal profession has gone through several reputation cycles in the last 50 years. Once considered a somewhat noble profession, it underwent a transformation with the proliferation of law schools and students who filled them. Luckily, for the legal space, bankers in recent years have taken over the villain mantle and today there is growing need for all types of lawyers in many different industries.
Recommended Courses to Become a Lawyer
- Contracts
- Criminal Law I
- Property Law
- Torts
- Civil Procedure
- Constitutional Law
- Constitutional Criminal Procedure
- Wills and Trusts
- Community Property
- Civil Rights
- Court Reporting
Degree Options for Lawyer Careers
Paralegal Studies Program
The program provides students with academic legal training as well as technical skills needed to function as a paralegal. Students completed these programs work in numerous environments including, corporate, government agencies, and nonprofits. Some use it as a stepping stone for further law school study.
Juris Doctorate
In most states the requirements to practice law include receiving a four-year college degree, and three-year Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law school. Once those are completed, students sit for the Bar Exam.
