Key takeaways
Becoming a lawyer requires a strategic educational path that begins with obtaining a bachelor's degree and culminates in earning a Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Understanding the requirements and preparing effectively for each step is crucial for aspiring attorneys.
- A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is mandatory to practice law in the U.S., typically taking three years to complete after earning a bachelor's degree (source: article).
- Choose an undergraduate major that enhances skills valued in law school, such as analytical thinking and writing; common choices include Political Science, Philosophy, and English.
- Law schools generally require LSAT scores for admission, and students should start preparing early to improve their chances of success (source: article).
- Focus on building a competitive application package that includes strong letters of recommendation and a compelling personal statement to stand out in the admissions process.
Contents
Dreaming of becoming a lawyer? It all starts with the right education—and it’s not just about memorizing case law. From choosing your undergrad major to passing the bar, every academic step plays a role in shaping your legal career. We will walk you through what degrees you’ll need and what to expect on the path to becoming a licensed attorney.
What Degree Do You Need to Become a Lawyer?
“You 100% need a bachelors in order to be accepted to any accredited law school …”
In the U.S., becoming a lawyer requires a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. That’s a graduate-level degree that typically takes three years to complete. But before you get there, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree—there’s no skipping straight to law school.
Unlike some other professions, law doesn’t require a specific undergraduate major. What matters more is how well you do, how rigorous your courses are, and how prepared you are for the LSAT and legal studies.
Choosing the Right Major for Law School
There’s no official “pre-law” major—but certain fields help sharpen the skills law schools value most: analytical thinking, argumentation, writing, and critical reading. Common undergraduate majors for law school applicants include:
| Major | Why Does It Help with Law School Prep? |
| Political Science | Builds understanding of government and law |
| Philosophy | Sharpens logic and argument structure |
| History | Develops reading, writing, and source analysis |
| English | Strengthens writing and textual interpretation |
| Economics | Offers policy insight and analytical reasoning |
| Psychology | Enhances understanding of behavior and motivation |
What Are the Educational Requirements to Attend Law School?
To be eligible for most U.S. law schools, you must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree (any discipline)
- Take and submit scores for the LSAT (or, in some cases, GRE)
- Provide transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement
- Meet character and fitness standards
Top-tier schools may also expect leadership experience, extracurriculars, and evidence of writing or research skills.
Prerequisites for Law School Admission
Law schools don’t require specific courses—but they do look for academic strength and well-rounded preparation. Recommended coursework for future law students includes:
- English composition and literature
- History and government
- Philosophy and logic
- Economics and statistics
- Public speaking or debate
If your college offers legal studies or constitutional law electives, those can give you early exposure to legal frameworks.
How to Prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)?
“The LSAT primarily measures logical reasoning and critical thinking skills (and, obviously, test taking skills). Those skills are helpful when taking most law school exams…”
The LSAT measures skills like reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical thinking, so successful prep means building stamina and learning how to manage time under pressure.
The first step is taking a diagnostic test. This gives you a baseline score and helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses. From there, you can build a personalized study plan. Many students focus on one section at a time—whether it’s Logic Games (Analytical Reasoning), Logical Reasoning, or Reading Comprehension—before starting full practice tests. Success often comes from practicing not just questions, but how to think through them: breaking down arguments, spotting assumptions, and identifying patterns.
Consistency matters more than cramming. Regular timed practice, review of mistakes, and understanding why an answer is right or wrong are what lead to improvement. Tools like Khan Academy and official LSAC resources are essential—and so is tracking your progress over time.
Finding an Accredited Law School
Law schools in the U.S. are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). You should only apply to ABA-accredited schools unless you plan to practice in a state with exceptions (like California). Why ABA accreditation matters:
- You’ll be eligible to take the bar in most states
- Your degree will be recognized nationally
- It ensures a standardized, rigorous curriculum
Check the ABA’s list of approved schools to make sure your chosen school is on it.
How Do You Apply to Law School?
Applying to law school involves more than filling out forms. You’ll need to build a competitive application package that highlights your academic and personal strengths. Typical application materials include:
- LSAT score (or GRE, in some cases)
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2-3)
- Resume or CV
- Optional addenda (e.g., diversity statement)
Applications are submitted through LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which streamlines the process.
What Is the Bar Exam and How Do You Prepare for It?
“After doing 25 practice questions, you go through every wrong answer and explicitly write out the rule being tested for each. … keep a log of all these wrong answers and go through it periodically to help solidify areas of weakness”
The bar exam is the final hurdle to becoming a licensed attorney in the United States. It’s a rigorous, state-administered test that evaluates your knowledge of general legal principles and, in most cases, specific state laws. Most states use the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), which includes the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and Multistate Performance Test (MPT). Some states, like California and Florida, administer their own versions with different formats and added state-specific components.
Preparing for the bar exam takes serious focus and endurance. Most students begin studying two to three months before the test, often full-time. Commercial prep courses like Barbri, Themis, and Kaplan are commonly used because they provide structured review schedules, practice exams, video lectures, and essay feedback. However, successful prep isn’t just about following a course—it’s about active learning. That means doing timed practice questions every day, reviewing outlines regularly, and writing essays under exam conditions.
Time management is crucial. Many students follow a strict daily schedule balancing MBE practice with essay writing and performance test drills. It’s also essential to review weak areas and take full-length mock exams to build mental stamina. Stress management and sleep shouldn’t be underestimated either—this is a marathon, not a sprint.
What Are the Different Areas of Law You Can Practice?
Law isn’t one-size-fits-all. After graduation and passing the bar, you’ll choose your path based on interest, job market, and specialization. Popular areas of legal practice:
| Area of Law | Description |
| Criminal Law | Defending or prosecuting individuals accused of crimes |
| Corporate Law | Advising businesses on contracts, mergers, and liability |
| Family Law | Handling divorce, custody, and adoption cases |
| Environmental Law | Advocating for regulations and sustainability |
| Intellectual Property | Protecting copyrights, trademarks, and patents |
| Immigration Law | Helping clients with visas, citizenship, or deportation |
| Public Interest Law | Serving underserved populations or nonprofits |
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist
Sources: ABA, LSAC, Reddit
