- 1). Graduate from high school and attend an accredited college or university. Take pre-law courses to prepare you for law school. You do not need any particular degree or background to get into law school; you simply need at least a four-year degree. Consider course work in political science, writing, criminal justice and other legal-related courses to give you some background as you enter law school.
- 2). Take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Your score on this test (along with your undergraduate GPA) determines which law schools you can attend. A low score and low GPA will limit your choices. See the link in the resources section for information about this test.
- 3). Attend an accredited law school and earn a juris doctorate. Law school typically is a three-year commitment; some schools offer two-year programs (where the applicant attends class year round).
- 4). Apply for and pass your state's bar examination and ethics test. You must pass a criminal history background check to sit for the examination. Passing scores vary from state to state. After you pass the bar, you must join your state's Bar Association (by filling out an application and paying a fee) before you can practice law in your state.
SHARE
