What Does It Take to Be a Lawyer?

Being a lawyer is an incredibly demanding job that involves around seven years of rigorous study and training. There are plenty of different areas within the law that you could work in, so why not start your law career now by doing a little bit of research into what it takes to become a lawyer. 

Types of law

There are many different areas and specialisms within the law, and it is important to consider where you might want to work. Types of law include family, business, personal injury, medical malpractice, and criminal defense. Researching different types of law can help you plan your education to help you achieve your dream career. It can also help to talk with lawyers or law students, access resources such as blogs or books, and generally get exposure to different law types. You could read this blog content from Cerebral Palsy Law Doctor to understand some of the work involved in medical malpractice laws to give you an idea of what your career could include.

Skills 

There are a lot of skills that are involved in being a lawyer, and many of them are what are called soft skills. These are non-technical personal skills that can help you excel in the workplace. They include teamwork, communication, time management, and organization. Experience in these skills can be gained throughout your life, and especially during studying. Throughout your educational journey, you will gain plenty of technical skills that relate to the law and the area in which you wish to work. The combination of technical and non-technical skills is important to help you succeed as a lawyer. 

Education

There are a couple of different paths you can take to becoming a lawyer. The most common one is to go to law school. However, before this, you should have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related subject. Many people who want to go to law school study subjects such as English, philosophy, or political sciences, as these can help boost your reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that will also benefit you as a lawyer.

To get accepted into law school, you will need to pass the admissions exams, usually the LSAT. It helps to choose a school with a curriculum that relates to the area in which you wish to work. You will study for a JD, which usually takes three years to complete. Upon completion, you will need to take the bar exams in your preferred jurisdiction. Upon successful completion, you will receive your license and will be able to begin your law career or continue your education. 

Career outcomes

Being a lawyer is a very challenging job but can also be very rewarding. You will be a highly skilled individual with plenty of knowledge and transferable skills, such as your ability to analyze, pay attention to detail and communicate efficiently. As well as a lawyer, other career outcomes can include international relations, politics, education, finance, or social justice advocate.