How hard is it to get a law degree? The path to becoming a lawyer can be a long and arduous one. The road to law school involves undergraduate coursework, LSAT preparation and taking the exam itself, applying to law schools, writing an application essay, getting letters of recommendation and interviewing with schools, completing the admissions process, attending and then graduating from law school, passing the bar exam, finding a job and becoming licensed by the state in which you want to practice law. The length of time it takes varies widely depending on who you are and your goals and when you start, but it’s safe to say that it takes most people over five years — or even 10 years.
That’s not including the years spent getting through undergraduate school (which takes 4-6 years) or earning other degrees that can pre-qualify you for law school (which are often 3-4 year programs). If you’re looking at a career that takes 10+ years to start moving toward your goal in any significant way, you should know going into it that there will be ups and downs on the way — and there will also be many minor setbacks along the way that add up just like larger ones do.
But with the right mindset and dedication, getting your law degree can be well within reach. In this article, we will go over some of the challenges of getting a law degree and why it is essential to becoming an attorney.
What is Involved in Getting a Law Degree?
Getting your law degree requires completing undergraduate schooling at an accredited college or university before applying to law school. Once accepted into law school, you’ll typically be expected to complete three years of full-time study, during which you must pass several exams and obtain letters of recommendation from professors or employers. After completing your studies, you’ll have to pass the bar exam to become a licensed attorney in your state.
In addition to these academic and licensing requirements, there are also other challenges associated with getting a law degree that doesn’t involve studying or passing tests. The most significant challenge associated with getting a law degree is the cost; tuition fees at most reputable universities can be pretty expensive, and can take several years of dedicated saving in order to cover them.
Finally, gaining experience through internships or clerkships can help you better figure out what kind of lawyer you want to be once you obtain your license. Still, it may require additional effort and resources on your part.
Education Requirements
In order to practice law in the United States, you must first earn an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. Although there are no specific requirements for what type of degree you should pursue, it is recommended that potential lawyers focus on degrees related to the law, such as political science or history. Some universities and colleges even offer pre-law programs that give students an introduction to legal topics such as constitutional law, criminal justice, and other related courses that will help prepare them for their future legal studies.
After completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to attend an ABA-approved law school where you can complete your Juris Doctor (JD) program.
Exams & Bar Admittance
Once all coursework has been completed, aspiring lawyers must take either the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) or the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), depending on which state they plan on practicing in. The MPRE tests knowledge of professional responsibility standards, while the MBE covers general legal principles like contracts and torts. After passing these exams, lawyers must pass their state’s bar exam before officially practising law within that jurisdiction.
Studying for the Bar Exam
Once you have earned your JD from an accredited institution, you will then need to begin preparing for the bar exam — the final step toward becoming a practicing lawyer.
The bar exam tests prospective lawyers on various topics, including torts, contracts, civil procedure, criminal procedure, and more. Depending on your state’s requirements, the exam may consist of multiple days or just one day of written exams followed by either oral or performance exams that test applicants on their knowledge of legal principles and their ability to apply them in practical situations.
Passing this exam will require hard work and dedication, but with proper preparation — which can include taking practice tests online or hiring an experienced tutor — passing the bar can be made much more accessible. In addition, many states offer study guides and resources online, as well as review courses specifically designed for those preparing for this critical test.
Conclusion
Earning a law degree is no small feat; however, becoming a lawyer is within reach with determination, dedication, and hard work. By understanding what type of education requirements are necessary, researching which bar exam applies to your location, and preparing adequately through practice tests or tutors, anyone willing to put forth enough effort can become a successful lawyer. With careful preparation, patience, and perseverance, anything is possible!