A career in law can be exciting, challenging, and financially rewarding. But, be aware that law is a career that requires substantial preparation.
You can start preparing yourself for a law career as early as high school. You'll need to work hard in English, math, and science. English will teach you communications skills, and in math and science you'll learn to think logically, analyze, and solve problems. If a career as a trial lawyer is your goal, speak in front of others as much as possible. Join the theatre club, the debate team, or run for class office.
In college, you can major in almost anything...law schools won't care, as long as your grades are good. The best law schools are highly selective, so if you are aiming high you'll be competing for limited spots with top students from throughout the country.
At some point in your senior year of college or afterwards you must take the LSAT. It is like the ACT or SAT for law school applicants. You may want to take test prep classes before signing up for the test, as your scores are very important and many of the applicants against whom you will be competing will take such courses.
Once you've seen your LSAT scores, you'll need to apply to at least 4-6 law schools approved by the ABA. It's not a bad idea to apply to one or two "dream" schools, a few schools where your grades and LSAT scores make you a realistic to strong candidate, and at least one (probably two) "safety" schools.
It will take you three years to complete law school. During that time, it is a good idea to participate in an internship program, write for the law review, try to find summer employment in your field, and/or volunteer your time. Not only will these activities make you a better job candidate but they will increase your netwoork and offer you exposure to some of the many options within the legal profession.
The state Bar exam, which measures a candidate's knowledge of state and federal law, is the last step to becoming a lawyer. Once you pass, you're officially licensed as a lawyer in your state.
Few careers require seven years of higher education and a state licensing exam. Thus, would be lawyers require a strong commitment to the profession. But, for those who make it, there are almost endless opportunities in law firms, government agencies, business, politics, and education.
Daniel Z. Kane invites you to visit his websites on online colleges and online degrees. You can get a unique content version of this article.
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