Thinking about becoming a lawyer? I get it. That six-figure salary is pretty tempting. Whether you’re dreaming of arguing big constitutional law cases or helping clients through tough situations, you’re stepping into a legal profession that’s challenging, rewarding, and full of possibilities.
But where do you even start? And how long does it actually take?
This guide walks you through every major step—from college all the way to passing the bar exam—with zero fluff and real talk on what it takes to get there.
Key Takeaways
- Law School Isn’t Step One: The journey starts with a bachelor’s degree, not law school. You need that before you can even take the LSAT.
- The LSAT Is a Gatekeeper: A strong Law School Admission Test score can make or break your law school options—prep like it matters, because it does.
- Not All Law Is Courtroom Drama: Whether you’re into legal research, contracts, or policy work, there’s more to law than suits and trials.
- Bar Exam = Final Boss: Passing the bar exam is the biggest hurdle to getting your law license—but totally doable with the right prep.
- Legal Careers Are Flexible: A law degree doesn’t lock you into one path. You can work in law offices, startups, government, and beyond.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Before you even touch a law book, you need a bachelor’s degree. It doesn’t have to be in political science or pre-law (though those can help). Many successful lawyers studied everything from history to engineering.
What matters most is that you build critical thinking, writing, and research skills—because trust me, you’ll use them daily in legal practice.
Step 2: Take the Law School Admission Test
The Law School Admission Test is your next big milestone. It’s a standardized test that most law schools use to evaluate applicants. The LSAT is all about reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking.
You’ll register through the Law School Admission Council, which also handles a big chunk of the law school application process.
Pro Tip: Prep seriously. A solid LSAT score can open the door to most law schools, especially law schools accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Plus, the scholarship potential is worth a serious investment of your time and money. The right prep course is invaluable.
Step 3: Apply to Law School
Once your LSAT score is in, it’s time to apply.
Applications typically include your transcripts, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and your resume. This is where you show schools not just what you’ve done—but why you care about joining the legal profession.
It’s also a good time to research what kind of legal work excites you. Whether it’s property law, legal ethics, or working in law offices helping people with everyday issues, there’s a niche for you.
Step 4: Earn Your Juris Doctor Status
Law students, brace yourselves—this is where things get real.
Earning a law degree usually takes three years. You’ll take courses in things like constitutional law, contracts, legal research, and legal documents. You’ll also start thinking about the bar exam, because (spoiler alert) you’ll need to pass it to actually practice law.
You might also intern at law firms, courts, or public interest groups. These experiences give you a taste of real legal services and help you figure out what kind of work feels right.
Step 5: Pass the Bar Exam
Welcome to the boss level.
To get your law license, you’ll need to pass the bar exam in the state where you want to practice law. The exam is intense. It tests everything from legal ethics to detailed issues in criminal, property, and constitutional law.
Each state runs its own version, but many use the Uniform Bar Exam, which makes your score transferable to other UBE states.
You’ll also likely need to pass a character and fitness check, proving you’re trustworthy enough to join the world of legal professionals.
Step 6: Get Sworn In and Practice Law
Once you pass the bar and clear your background check, you’re in!
You’ll take an oath, get sworn in, and officially become licensed to practice. From here, your legal career can go in a lot of directions. You might join a law firm, work in government, go solo, or explore nontraditional roles where a law degree is a huge asset.
What If I Don’t Want to Practice in a Traditional Setting?
Totally fair question. Not everyone wants to work in big law firms or wear a suit every day.
Lawyers work in law offices, nonprofits, corporate teams, startups, and even in media, policy, or education. Your legal education can open a lot of doors—even outside traditional legal practice.
Some grads focus on legal research, while others use their skills to advocate for causes, write legislation, or support small businesses with contracts and compliance. The JD can be more flexible than people realize.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a lawyer isn’t a quick path, but it’s a meaningful one. You’ll spend years building the skills, passing the tests, and learning how to use your voice to help others. But once you get there? You’ll be part of a community of smart, driven people making a real impact.
Take it one step at a time—and remember, every lawyer started where you are right now.
FAQs
It usually takes about 7 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree and 3 years of law school, plus time to study and pass the bar exam.
Yes, it takes dedication, long hours, and a lot of studying—but with the right mindset and planning, it’s totally achievable.
According to the Robert Half Salary Guide, even a first-year attorney can expect to make $97,000 annually. However, even 2 years in, you can easily hit the six-figure salary mark as a lawyer. Some even make millions. The average hourly rate is roughly $327.
A lawyer has a law degree. An attorney is a lawyer who has passed the bar and is licensed to practice law. All attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys.
Getting your bachelor’s degree is the first big step. After that, it’s LSAT time and then on to law school.
Yes, in a few states like California, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, you can take the bar exam without law school by completing a legal apprenticeship (often called “reading the law”) under a practicing attorney or judge.
