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Education/Training For Lawyers

United States

Three to four years of undergraduate work to earn a BA or BS degree depending upon your major. Almost any major is acceptable but many students who plan to pursue a career in the legal field major in political science, social sciences, criminal justice or a combination thereof. Some universities also offer pre-law courses.

Once the student has received an undergraduate degree they must take the LSAT before applying to a school of law. Some universities require the student to achieve a minimum score on the LSAT before considering admission. Law school generally requires 3-4 years of study, although choosing to practice in certain areas can add another year to one's studies. After completing your studies you will have earned the a Juris Doctorate or Doctor of Jurisprudence, whichever term your school uses.

After graduating, you will be required to take the ABA exam to become licensed to practice law. Once you receive your license and decide the area of law you wish to practice in, you will be interviewed by the law examiners board in the state in which you choose to practice. Overall costs $150,000 to $200,000+ depending upon the school chosen and the amount of time it takes to obtain the necessary education.

Entry into the bar depends on the individual state. The State Bar sets the requirements for entry to practice law in their state. In some, graduation from the state law school gets you automatic entry. In most, you have to meet certain requirements which include passing the bar exam, which is typically two or three days long. One day is the Multi-State Bar Exam, 200 multiple choice questions similar to something like the SAT or ACT, only all legal related questions. In many states you also have to take the Professional Responsibility Exam.

More notes:

The LSAT does not typically ask any law related questions. They usually deal with reading comprehension and logic.

There are a few states where a law degree is not required to take the bar exam.

Some law schools will allow you to enter without a completed Bachelor's Degree, but the exceptions are getting pretty rare.

Great Britain

GCSEs - A's in English, Maths, Sciences, C-A in a modern foreign language, A in history.

A levels - Maths - A, English - A, History - A, Modern Language - A

Degree - Study Law at a good university, with the result above, Oxford/Cambridge. Failing that Birmingham is extremely good for law.

First answer by Deb. Last edit by Deb. Contributor trust: 1130 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 136 [recommend question]