To work as a lawyer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree;
• have a law degree; and
• pass the Bar exam for the state in which you want to practice.

Education after high school

Lawyers must have a law degree. Many colleges and universities offer professional degrees in law. To qualify for law school, you usually must have completed a bachelor's degree. Some law schools accept a few students who have completed only three years of college.

Together, college and law school usually take seven years of full-time study. This includes four years of undergraduate study followed by three years of law school. Law school graduates receive a juris doctor (JD) degree.

Your bachelor's degree does not have to be in a specific area for you to apply to law school. You should consider a well-rounded course of study, such as liberal arts.

You should consider taking college courses in English, a second language, and public speaking. Other helpful courses include government, philosophy, history, and economics. If you are interested in a particular area of law, courses in that area are helpful. For example, take accounting courses if you are interested in tax law.

Work experience

Some schools also offer clinical programs. These programs help you gain legal skills by participating in mock trials and law school projects. You can also get experience by volunteering at legal aid clinics.

Students who finish their second year of law school may apply for part-time or summer clerkships. These positions offer students experience in law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments.

There are three types of appointments for law clerks:

• Temporary. This is like an internship and is usually for law students. The appointment is for one year or less. Students usually do these appointments during the summer when law school is not in session.
• Term. This appointment is for law students or graduates. The appointment usually is for one or two years.
• Career. This appointment is usually for law school graduates. The appointment usually is for four years or more.

For law students, clerkships are a way to learn by doing. You work with experienced lawyers as you perform legal research, draft contracts, and examine documents. You also observe legal proceedings.

On-the-job training

Beginning lawyers perform research and handle routine cases. As a new lawyer, an experienced lawyer will supervise your work. As you gain experience, you work on more difficult cases and have more responsibility.

Many states require lawyers to take classes or attend seminars every year to keep up with changes in the field.

Military training

The military does not provide training for lawyers. However, it can provide work experience for those who have a degree in law.