I've always been interested in being a lawyer, yet somehow, I don't really think I can achieve that anymore....So what does it take?
2007-09-02 16:34:20 · 11 answers · asked by Matilda Midiltom 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
First you have to have an undergraduate degree in *anything* you want. Math and Philosophy majors tend to get the best scores on the LSAT, though. A lot of people also major in Political Science or History.
The year before you graduate, you'll take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). It tests you on how well you can think like a lawyer. There are three sections: logic games, word problems, and reading comprehension. The higher your score (and the higher your undergraduate GPA), the better your chance of getting in to the law school of your choice.
After the LSAT comes the admissions process, which is just like applying to undergrad, only a bit more stressful. After you get in, you'll go to law school for three years. During your first year, all your classes are chosen for you in advance, because there are certain classes you *have* to take. After that you can pretty much pick whatever classes you want to take, with the exception of about two more required courses.
Some time during your time in law school (typically during your third year of classes), you'll probably have to take the MPRE, which tests your knowledge of legal ethics. Some states don't require it, but most do.
In January of your final year, you'll start preparing your "application" to be a lawyer, in which you have to get letters of recommendation, provide every address you've lived in, every job you've had...it's like a huge background check to make sure you're a decent person. For most people, it takes quite a while to prepare.
After you graduate, you'll take the bar exam in whatever state you want to practice in. It's anywhere from 2-3 days long, depending on the state. If you pass the bar, and have already passed the MPRE and cleared the "background check," then you can *finally* be a lawyer.
...and then you forget about everything you learned in law school, and learn how to be a lawyer by getting out there and doing it. It's one of those professions that you sort of learn as you go along. :)
2007-09-02 16:59:26 · answer #1 · answered by coolshades 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it takes alot of education. years, both pre law and law school, you need to be accepted. You then need to take a bar exam. Pass it if your lucky if not you have to go thru some remedial training and try again. Lawyers need the passion and ability to believe in the cause in which they are fighting, have to represent their client 100%, and have a good deal of charisma to pull it all off with a jury and the legal system. They need to have fantastic memories for case law and you need to realize that theres no such thing as a normal life as a attorney. There's several blogs by lawyers out there that explain the hardships associated with doing this for a living. dating and relationships are one.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
2007-09-02 23:48:02 · answer #2 · answered by Ravin 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You will need a 4 yr college degree and 3 yrs of law school to practice with a Juris Doctorate. A JD allows you to also practice federal law. If you only want to do 2 yrs of law school you can earn a Juris Prudence, but you are limited to state bar work. And you cannot practice outside your state.
Take a LOT of dedication and 4 weeks of BRC before you take a lengthy state bar exam.
Good luck to you if you decide to go for it.
2007-09-02 23:52:17 · answer #3 · answered by meg_an_728 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
LAW SCHOOL AND A BAR EXAM TO BE A LAWYER TO PRACTICE IN FRONT OF THE COURTS-WHY CAN YOU NOT ACHIEVE IT??EACH STATE HAS RULE FOR BECOMING A LAWYER SOME STATES SAY THAT IF YOU PRACTICE WITH A LAWYER FOR 4 YEARS AND OTHER SAY YOU HAVE TO HAVE A DEGREE EACH STATE HAS DIFFERENT LAWS PERTINING TO HOW TO BECOME A LAWYER
2007-09-02 23:51:11 · answer #4 · answered by ahsoasho2u2 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
4 years of college and 3 years of law school.
2007-09-02 23:44:09 · answer #5 · answered by rockinout 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it takes about 10 years of college and ability to lie under pressure and be convincing about it.
2007-09-02 23:42:21 · answer #6 · answered by wilderone74 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of learning how to Lie
2007-09-02 23:41:22 · answer #7 · answered by the surprize 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
4 years law school pass the bar have no concience
2007-09-02 23:43:29 · answer #8 · answered by .-. 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hopefully these links will help you out. Good luck!
http://education-portal.com/become_a_lawyer.html
http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/lawschool/lawschool2.html
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos053.htm#training
http://www.osvita.org/eng/guides/admission/become.lawyer/
http://www.lsac.org/LSAC.asp?url=lsac/download-forms-guidelines-checklists.asp
2007-09-02 23:51:47 · answer #9 · answered by freedom_isn't free 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Greed, avarice, no scruples.
2007-09-02 23:43:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋