how long to become a lawyer

How long does it take to become a Lawyer : Generally, to become a lawyer, you have to take a four-year baccalaureate degree and three years of Law School are required to earn a degree in Law. Then you have to obtain a license by gaining admittance to the Bar in the jurisdiction in which you wish to practice.

How long does it take to become a Lawyer

Four years to earn an undergraduate degree, the major can be almost anything but most students choose Criminal Justice or Political Science; some institutions offer a Bachelor's Degree in pre-law. Before being accepted to law school you must take the LSAT which is a test for admittance. If the law student carries a full credit load they can conceivably finish in three years.
After graduating from law school the person will have a Juris Doctor (a doctorate of law) and may then take the bar exam in the state where they choose to be licensed. This usually occurs a few months after graduation. Most states offer the Bar exam in February and July, about two months after most schools graduate their classes. Results can take many months before they are announced. (July exam results are typically published in November!)
In the U.S., it takes about 7 years to become a lawyer; the times vary from state to state due to various bar rules and regulations. You need a Bachelor's degree before attending law school for 3 years. A Bachelor's degree takes about 4 years to complete, and you apply to lots of law schools a year before you plan to attend. In order to be considered for admission to law school, you must first write and pass the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).
Once you have your Bachelor's degree and have completed law school, you need to write your state's bar exam for admittance. Usually, law school finishes in May or June and you take the summer to study for the Bar exam. There are courses that specifically teach you how to write the exam. In some states, you can be practicing law as soon as October of the same year.

How long does it take to become a Lawyer
In Canada, you aren't admitted to the Provincial Bar until approximately 2 years after completion of your law degree. One year is spent articling; working for a law firm as a student lawyer and provincial bar have a limited amount of sittings per year. In addition, the individual provinces have their own formal education to be admitted to the bar.
For either country, it is a long haul. For people with law degrees from a foreign country, there is a whole set of criteria that must be met before practicing law is allowed; criteria vary according to which country your degree comes from.

How long does it take to become a Lawyer

Most people who pursue a career as a lawyer generally take the traditional path of earning a bachelor's degree followed by three years of law school. The amount of time this actually will take you depends on whether you attend school full-time and pass the bar exam on the first try. However, not every state imposes the same requirements, so choosing to practice in one state over another can significantly affect the time it takes to become a lawyer.

Getting an Undergraduate Degree

The initial step to becoming a lawyer generally is four years of study as an undergraduate at a college or university. It isn't necessary to focus your undergraduate studies in a legal field or in any particular major for that matter – just as long as you earn a bachelor's degree. Most law schools that are accredited by the American Bar Association, or ABA, require you to complete a bachelor's degree to be admitted. In California, however, you're eligible to enter law school with just two years of undergraduate coursework or by passing an equivalency exam. Though you might be able to enter law school more quickly, you may have a hard time getting admitted into a top law school this way.

How long does it take to become a Lawyer – Taking the LSAT

A majority of the law schools in the United States require applicants to take the Law School Admission test, or LSAT, as it's more commonly referred to. Your score on the LSAT is a significant part of your law school applications and you'll need to spend time preparing for it. However, students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree usually complete the test while in college – so preparing for the LSAT doesn't normally require additional time. If you're unhappy with your initial score or you already completed your bachelor's degree, retaking the test or finding time to study for it can increase the amount of time it takes you to become a lawyer.

How long does it take to be lawyer – Going to Law School

If you're able to enroll in law school as a full-time student, you can expect to complete the program in three years. Attending law school on a part-time basis is an option at many law schools, but it does mean you'll be studying for four rather than three years. Some states, such as Colorado, don't even require that you attend law school. However, the majority of states, such as New Jersey, require attendance at an ABA-accredited law school.

Writing the State Bar Exam

Soon after graduating from, law school, you'll need to sit for the bar exam in your state, or in the state where you want to practice law. Studying for the bar exam will likely consume two to three months of your time and will take an additional few months to get the results. But even if you pass, you still can't hold yourself out as a lawyer until you're officially admitted to the bar. To be admitted, you must pass a character and fitness review by your state's bar association. This process includes a thorough background check of your financial, criminal, residence and employment history. The amount of time this takes will depend on how clean your background is, but you can generally expect it to take a number of months.

How to become a Lawyer?

All lawyers must be academically qualified and licensed to perform their professional role. Academic qualifications are a pre-requisite to taking a state's bar examination.

The most typical route to becoming a lawyer entails completing an undergraduate degree in any major (those interested in intellectual property law should have a strong background in sciences), taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and completing the juris doctor (J.D.) degree, before sitting for the state's bar examination.

Before selecting a law school, applicants must make sure of the accreditation by the American Bar Association (ABA). There are non-accredited law schools as well, which may be imparting quality education, however, their graduates may not be able to sit for the state's bar examination.

How long does it take to get a lawyer degree

SO How long does it take to become a Lawyer? Individuals interested in law careers typically ask a common question, "How long does it take to complete a law degree?" The answer is that the time can vary depending on the individual's career goals and the type of legal degree they pursue. Becoming a lawyer can take a few years while pursuing a career as a scholar or a consultant may require a different amount of studies. Here is some information on law degrees and how long they can take to complete.

Types of Law Degrees

Determining the length of time to complete law degrees first requires knowing the type of degree the individual wishes to pursue. Here are the most common law degrees:

Juris Doctor – Referred to as the original of law degrees, this is for students who want to work as licensed lawyers.
Master of Legal Studies – This is for individuals who want a solid understanding of the law but don't wish to become a licensed lawyer.
Master of Dispute Resolution – This non-JD degree program for individuals who want to work for various businesses and deal with negotiations and resolutions.
Master of Laws – This degree is for individuals who already have a law degree but want to specialize in a certain area of law, such as intellectual property, family law or immigration to name a few.
Doctor of Judicial Science – This high-level degree is for individuals who have already earned the Juris Doctor and the Master of Laws and wish to pursue careers in research, academia or as a legal scholar.

How Long to Complete Law Degrees

CLICK THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE IN A NEW WINDOWWhen determining the time it takes to earn a law degree, keep in mind that most law degrees require that the student first has a bachelor's degree, which takes four years to complete. Beyond the bachelor's degree, the law student can expect the following time periods.

Juris Doctor – This program requires three years to complete.
Master of Legal Studies – This program can be completed in 16 months of full-time study or 28 months of part-time study.
Master of Dispute Resolution – Students can complete this program in 16 to 28 months depending on the level of commitment.
Master of Laws – This program can be completed in one to two years.
Doctor of Judicial Science – This full-time program can be completed in two years.

Curriculum for Law Degrees

Students earning a law degree complete a curriculum that includes course work, seminars, internships, fellowships and extensive research. They can choose from several programs of study including law and history; criminal justice; international and comparative law; law and government; law and social change, and law, science and technology. Courses can vary depending on the field of law a student may choose. Course topics might include:

Administrative law
Bankruptcy
Capital punishment
Constitutional law
Cyber laws
Evidence
Legal research and writing

Related Resource:Top 30 Most Affordable Law Degree Programs Online

Career Outlook for Lawyers

Lawyers continue to be in demand as individuals and businesses are in need of legal services in many areas. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job growth of eight percent during the 2016-2026 decade. As of May 2017, lawyers earned wages ranging from $57,430 to $178,480 with the average annual wage at $141,890. Legal students who have the highest degree levels generally earn the highest wages.

A legal career can involve a lot of education, training and externships and it's also a big commitment. Despite how long it can take to complete a law degree, working as an attorney can be exciting, challenging and very rewarding.

Related Sources – How Long Does It Take To Get a Law Degree

This applies for nearly all law school programs, including the ones from: Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, and other elite law schools. (criminaljusticeonlineblog.com)

Featured Law School: University of Dayton Campus Locations: Online Programs: Online Hybrid Juris Doctor: ABA-approved JD program There are also educational programs that can fast track a bachelor's degree as well as degree completion programs for students with community college credits. (lawyeredu.org)

The average private law school student borrows $91,000, while law students attending public school borrow an average of $71,400. 5. (cbsnews.com)

www.alliant.edu

Here are some legal sub-specialties to consider: Administrative law Admiralty law Corporate law Commercial Law Constitutional law Criminal law Environmental law Estate and trust law First Amendment law Health care law Intellectual property law International law Small business law Tax law Specialize in Criminal Law at Alliant International University If criminal law piques your interest, Alliant International University has a world-class legal program based in San Francisco and San Diego.

Requirements for becoming a lawyer include: Earning a bachelor's degree Taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Attending law school Studying for and passing the Bar exam Applying for acceptance from the Bar Association Find out everything you need to know about the California Law programs at Alliant University here!

www.learnhowtobecome.org

Although online learning is somewhat limited in law school settings, pre-law students pursuing undergraduate degrees may pursue nearly every recommended bachelor's degree entirely via online learning or through blended learning formats.

States 2014 Average Salary California $158,200 New York $154,340 Delaware $145,940 Massachusetts $144,030 Texas $141,240 New Jersey $140,770 Connecticut $140,040 Georgia $132,540 Virginia $131,320 Colorado $130,620 Use the map below to compare salary estimates for lawyers by state: According to the 2015 Robert Half International Salary Guide for the Legal Field, 56% of companies surveyed revealed it is difficult to find skilled, qualified legal professionals today.

JD/MA or JD/MS This option allows students to earn a JD and Master of Arts or Sciences degree in a range of disciplines, such as international affairs, political science, philosophy, engineering, or environmental science.

Traditionally, these joint programs require four years of full-time study and prepare graduates for leadership positions in public affairs and domestic and international policy.

The ABA recommends students pursue an undergraduate program that is broad in nature and affords the opportunity to develop core skills in the following areas: Critical analysis Problem solving Research Critical reading Project management Time management Listening comprehension Speaking Writing These skills share a common trait–they are relied upon by lawyers in all legal fields.

Because the ultimate goal of legal practice is to win cases, the above skills are crucial for developing and presenting persuasive arguments.

These include: Juris Doctor (JD) Master of Laws (LLM) Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD) Doctor of Jurisprudence (JSD) Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) or Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) Doctor of Comparative Law (DCL) The following sections will discuss the most common advanced degrees in law.

Having an understanding of the types of law degrees available will allow students to make practical, informed decisions about whether or not to pursue a career in legal services and law.

The Juris Doctor The minimum educational requirement to sit for a state bar examination is a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved institution.

Traditionally completed in one year, the LLM provides a broad course of study that enhances a student's knowledge of both law and legal theory.

JD/MPP & JD/MPA Students considering a career in public policy, administration, or government may earn a Juris Doctor/Master of Public Policy or Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration to set them apart in the field.

Generally offered as a dual degree, these programs are designed for students who want to augment their legal expertise by developing specialized knowledge in another discipline.

The Juris Doctor curriculum provides students with a broad education, covering modern issues in the legal system within the ABA-mandated 84-90 post- baccalaureate credit hours.

Typically requiring approximately 124 credit hours of study, students can complete a JD/MBA in four years of full-time study distributed between the curricula of each area.

Lawyers must also be expert communicators who can prepare, understand, explain, and defend complex legal documents such as contracts or court opinions.

The Law School Admission Council has distilled important legal skills into six areas: Negotiating Counseling Communicating Advocating Synthesizing Analyzing Lawyers should be keen researchers, able to decipher complex legal documents and case studies.

The first year of the program is generally reserved for core coursework and an introduction to elective classes to provide students with a foundational understanding of legal procedure, policies, legal analysis, and writing.

The American Bar Association (ABA) does not currently recommend any particular discipline to prepare students for advanced legal/law education.

law.pepperdine.edu

In recent article in U.S. News & World Report one student recalled that "[l]aw school professors use the Socratic method, which means that at any minute in class, any student can be called on and asked to stand up and have a discussion with the professor about the reading for the day

Another U.S. News & World Report article states "constitutional law has a vast array of applications in the legal profession, and mastering constitutional law through required and elective courses will help prospective attorneys learn skills that they will use throughout their careers." That said, opportunities to practice idealistic law forms such as constitutional law are not as common as Hollywood might have you believe.

At Pepperdine, individuals in pursuit of a JD have the choice to elect a focused area of study, with the opportunity to earn a certificate in one of the following areas: Criminal Legal Practice Dispute Resolution Entertainment, Media, and Sports Law International and Comparative Law Law and Entrepreneurship Having clear goals for one's desired career path will aid in selecting the most suitable concentration, identifying internship opportunities, and gaining employment upon graduation.

Expectations and characteristics of students who successfully complete the Law School's JD program will include: The ability to think like a lawyer A basic proficiency in professional lawyering skills An appreciation, understanding, and inculcation of the moral, ethical, and professional values and responsibilities of law-trained individuals As students work through their tenure of the JD program, they should expect to complete three core apprenticeship programs that will focus on cognitive skills, professional skills, and the moral, ethical, and professional identity.

You are expected to be able to have an intelligent, poised (discussion) in front of your class." A Harvard Law School alumnus vaguely remembers the course experiences but cherishes the relationships built in law school.

www.enjuris.com

Students who attend law school part-time or who experience some sort of health emergency that forces them to step away from school for an extended period may take longer than 3 years.

Completing law school Under the ABA rules , a law student must complete no fewer than 83 credit hours in order to graduate from an ABA-approved law school.

Obtaining an undergraduate degree Currently, the vast majority of law schools require that you obtain a bachelor's degree.

hls.harvard.edu

Harvard Law School offers joint degree programs, with the Harvard Business School ( J.D./MBA ), the Harvard School of Public Health (J.D./MPH), the Harvard Kennedy School of Government ( J.D./MPP or MPA/ID ), the Harvard Graduate School of Design ( J.D./MUP ), and the Cambridge University Faculty of Law ( J.D./LL.M. ) and the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (J.D./PhD).

For information about legal services for people with low incomes call the Legal Advocacy Resource Center at Greater Boston Legal Services (617-371-1234 or 800-323-3205) or the WilmerHale Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School (617-522-3003).

The Harvard Law School faculty prescribes no fixed requirements with respect to the content of pre-legal education.

For those interested in combining a legal education with advanced training in a field in which a joint degree is not offered, we offer a number of concurrent degree opportunities with other graduate schools.

www.yourlawyer.com

Juris Doctor (JD) : 3 years Master of Legal Studies (MLS) : 12-16 months Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) : 16-28 months Master of Laws (LLM) : 12 months following a Juris Doctor program Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) : 24 months Doctor of Philosophy in Law : 4-8 years Where Are Lawyers Paid the Most?

Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) : Focused on training scholars for teaching and writing in their field, this is one of the most difficult law school degrees that one can obtain, and it comes after you receive both your Juris Doctor and Master of Laws.

Master of Legal Studies (MLS) : This type of law degree won't land you a job as a licensed attorney, but it's a graduate degree that will put you on the path to becoming a court administrator, paralegal, trial consultant, compliance director, or e-discovery specialist.

www.bestcollegesonline.org

Doctor of Philosophy in Law – The Doctor of Philosophy in Law is another high-level law school degree that's rooted in research methodologies instead.

Select a Degree Level Select a Category Select a Subject Students interested in law careers typically ask one question, "How long does it take to complete a law degree?" Individuals want to determine if they have enough time, energy, and money to finish law school.

Master of Laws – The Master of Laws (LL.M) is a post-graduate degree for already licensed attorneys to get advanced training.

www.quora.com

View 1 Upvoter Yead Mahmood , Editor (2018-present) Answered August 25, 2018 It usually take 3 years but on special circumstances it can take up to 4 years.

Undergraduate: Many, many college students take more than four years to earn their undergraduate degrees.

Undergraduate: Some college students take unit overloads and attend summer school so that they can graduate from college in three years instead of four.