Law is one of the most rewarding professions in the world. This is because it promises high financial returns and flexible working hours too. Besides, the career is highly competitive, and the demand for attorneys keeps on increasing with time. However, the profession is demanding and requires one to have proper planning strategies and critical thinking skills too. Here is a step by step guide of how to become a lawyer.
Gauge your capability
Law is a highly engaging career. You will most probably need to wear suits for a long day, and deal with all types of clients. The most successful lawyers are patient, creative, detail-oriented, and can manage their stress well. Most importantly, good lawyers know how to manage their time well, and they have excellent communication skills. Some law schools are costly as well, and you should, therefore, gauge your financial capability to sustain yourself in school comfortably.
Apply and attend an undergraduate school
Many institutions offer undergraduate law courses. Carry out detailed research, both online and offline, to find the most reputable institution of your choice. The best school should be affordable and should offer other academic support programs, such as the BAR prep course. If your application is successful, start attending your classes immediately to attain your undergraduate degree. The course takes an average of four years.
Undertake the law admissions test
The law school admission tests (LSAT) is an exam that tests the performance capability of aspiring lawyers. The law school admission council usually supervises the tests within the various testing centers in the country. On most occasions, the test takes a maximum of one day for the supervisors to access your reasoning and verbal skills. When you undertake the test, you will get an LSAT score, which you will use to apply for your law school.
Apply and attend your law school
Apply for a law school of your choice according to your GPA and LSAT score. Also, consider the cost of the school attendance, the BAR prep course pass rates, the employment rates, accreditation, and the specializations. The crucial application requirements include your undergraduate transcript, the application form and fee, personal statement, and the LSAT score. On average, you will spend a total of three years in your law schools, which add up with the undergraduate years to make seven. When you pass well, you will qualify for your BAR exam.
Take your BAR exams
A BAR exam is a test that aspiring lawyers undertake to practice what they learnt in their school. It is a mandatory test, and this means that you cannot get your law license without it. Ideally, the bar test takes six hours per session, and it might extend up to two days. The testing criteria vary from one state to another, and you should, therefore, be fully prepared. The bar tests are not easy; thus, the passing rate for many countries is only 40 percent. You can consider taking a pre BAR course to increase your chances of success.
Apply for law jobs
You can start applying for law jobs immediately after passing your BAR exams. For a start, you can consider working as an associate with a reputable law firm. You can also apply for different legal job openings in companies and corporations. Be patient and keep on practicing until you become an experienced lawyer.
Conclusion
The process of becoming a lawyer is quite long, and it, therefore, requires patience. Also, all the exams require attention. If you wish to become a lawyer, start preparing for your undergraduate education, take the required courses, and learn from the successful lawyers.
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