Becoming an attorney is a structured process that requires years of dedicated higher education and specific credentialing. It begins with an undergraduate education, proceeds to a specialized graduate program, and culminates in a series of licensing examinations before one can legally practice law. Understanding this progression is the first step for anyone considering a career in the legal field.
The Undergraduate Foundation
The journey to becoming a lawyer begins with a bachelor’s degree, a prerequisite for admission to law schools. The American Bar Association (ABA), which accredits law schools, does not mandate a specific major for aspiring attorneys. This flexibility allows students to pursue subjects they are passionate about while developing skills applicable to a legal career.
A common misconception is the necessity of a “pre-law” major. In reality, such programs are tracks within other departments, and law school admissions committees do not favor them over other fields of study. Instead, they look for evidence of critical thinking, strong reading comprehension, and analytical writing abilities. Majors like history, English, political science, philosophy, and economics are popular choices because their curricula are designed to sharpen these exact skills.
Regardless of the chosen major, maintaining a high Grade Point Average (GPA) is important. The GPA serves as a long-term indicator of academic discipline and intellectual ability, making it a significant factor in the competitive law school application process.
Gaining Admission to Law School
After completing an undergraduate degree, the next step is to secure a place at an accredited law school. The centerpiece of this process is the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), a standardized exam that evaluates skills needed in law school.
The LSAT does not test knowledge of any particular subject but instead focuses on aptitude. It measures reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical reasoning. An additional unscored writing sample, administered separately as LSAT Writing, allows applicants to demonstrate their persuasive writing abilities. A high score on the LSAT strongly influences admissions decisions.
Beyond the LSAT score, a successful application package presents a holistic view of the applicant. This includes a personal statement articulating the applicant’s motivations for studying law. Letters of recommendation from professors or employers validate the candidate’s character and intellectual capabilities. Additionally, a record of extracurricular activities, work experience, or community involvement can demonstrate maturity, leadership, and a commitment to service.
The Required Law Degree
The specific degree required to become an attorney in the United States is the Juris Doctor, commonly known as the J.D. The program typically takes three years of full-time study to complete and must be undertaken at a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
The first year of the J.D. program is foundational. Students are immersed in a core curriculum of subjects, and these mandatory courses include Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Property, and Civil Procedure. This initial year is designed to teach students how to “think like a lawyer,” introducing them to case law analysis, legal reasoning, and the Socratic method of instruction.
During the second and third years, students have greater flexibility to shape their education. They can choose from a wide array of elective courses to explore specialized areas of law, such as corporate law, intellectual property, environmental law, or international human rights. Many students also participate in practical skills training through legal clinics, where they represent real clients under the supervision of faculty. Other opportunities, like joining a law review or participating in moot court competitions, allow for further development of research, writing, and advocacy skills.
Licensing and Post-Degree Requirements
Earning a Juris Doctor does not automatically confer the right to practice law. After graduation, every aspiring attorney must complete a licensing process mandated by the state in which they wish to work.
The primary post-degree requirement is passing the bar examination. Each state has its own bar exam, a multi-day test that assesses a graduate’s competence to practice law within that jurisdiction. While the format varies, most states have adopted the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), a standardized 200-question multiple-choice test covering a range of core legal principles. Applicants must also complete state-specific essays and performance tests.
Alongside the bar exam, every applicant undergoes a Character and Fitness evaluation conducted by the state’s bar association. This comprehensive background check investigates an individual’s past conduct to ensure they possess the integrity and moral character to uphold the law. The review scrutinizes everything from financial responsibility and criminal history to academic honesty.
Optional and Specialized Law Degrees
While the J.D. is the required degree for practicing law, several other advanced degrees exist for those seeking further specialization or a career in legal academia. These optional degrees are pursued after earning a J.D. and are not a substitute for it.
The most common of these is the Master of Laws (LL.M.), a one-year program designed for lawyers who want to deepen their expertise in a specific field, such as tax law or international law. It is also a frequent choice for lawyers who were trained in other countries and wish to gain a foundational understanding of the U.S. legal system.
For those aspiring to a career in scholarly research and teaching, the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D. or J.S.D.) is the terminal degree in law. This is a research-intensive doctorate, similar to a Ph.D., that requires the completion of a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the legal field. It is pursued by a very small number of legal professionals who aim to become law professors or high-level legal scholars.