How to Become a Lawyer: A Clear, Strategic Guide to Your Legal Career

When I first started The Art of Applying back in 2010, my goal was simple: to help people from underestimated backgrounds get into the world’s top graduate schools. Fifteen years later, that mission has helped thousands of clients get into elite programs, win over $30 million in scholarships, and launch careers that change lives, including legal careers.

If you’re here because you’re wondering how to become a lawyer, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re just starting college, already graduated, or are exploring a new path, the legal profession can be a powerful and purposeful way to make an impact. But starting a career in law in the U.S. is not a one-size-fits-all journey. It takes clarity, discipline, and support, and it’s not always obvious what the right next step is.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to become a lawyer, from earning your degrees to preparing for the bar examination. You’ll leave with a clear plan, a sense of what to expect, and practical insight that goes beyond the generic advice you’ll find on most websites.

A personal insight about the journey to becoming a lawyer being both challenging and deeply rewarding. Mention how many of your clients initially feel overwhelmed by the process but find clarity through strategic planning and authentic storytelling.

The Dream of Becoming a Lawyer: What You Need to Know First

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s clear up some common confusion about how to become a lawyer in the US.

You might be asking:

• Do I need a specific undergraduate degree?
  
• Can I practice law without attending law school?
  
• What tests do I have to take?
  
• How long will it take, and is it worth it?

Here’s the short version:

• Yes, you need a bachelor’s degree, but it can be in almost any field.
  
• In most cases, you must go to law school and earn a J.D. (Juris Doctor).
  
• You’ll need to take the LSAT or GRE, depending on the school.
  
• You’ll have to pass a bar exam to get your license to practice law.

I’ve worked with thousands of aspiring lawyers over the years, and I’ve noticed something important: those who succeed don’t just check boxes, they connect their personal ‘why’ to their professional path. One of my clients shared how their family’s negative legal experiences motivated them to become the attorney they wished their family had. Your motivation might be different, but having that clear purpose will sustain you through the challenges ahead.

There are a few rare routes for those who want to become a lawyer without going to law school, but for most people, attending law school is the clearest and most reliable path.

Let’s break it all down.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Lawyer

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (Any Major)

The first step toward entering the legal field is earning your bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Law schools don’t require a specific undergraduate major. That means you can study English, Political Science, Engineering, Economics, or whatever lights you up.

What matters more than your major?

• Your GPA (aim for 3.5 or higher)
• Your ability to develop skills like analytical reasoning, strong writing skills, and critical thinking skills
• Your track record of leadership and involvement

If you have already finished college, don’t worry. Many of our clients at The Art of Applying start their law journey after college or even after building a first career.

I’ve helped countless career-changers transition into law, including former teachers, engineers, and business professionals who discovered their legal calling later. What matters isn’t when you start but how strategically you position your unique background. One of my clients initially doubted herself because of her non-traditional path, but her unique perspective actually became her greatest strength in applications.

Step 2: Prepare for the LSAT or GRE

Most law schools require the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Some also accept the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Here’s what you need to know:

• The LSAT measures your logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and analytical thinking.
  
• The GRE covers verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and writing.
  
• Some law schools give you the option to take either the LSAT or GRE. Do your research to find the best fit.

Your LSAT score can make or break your law school application, especially for top-tier schools. Set aside time, at least 10 to 20 hours per week, to study for two to four months. Many law students take prep courses or work with tutors to maximize their scores.

Let me be candid here, I’ve seen brilliant future attorneys initially struggle with standardized tests. If your first LSAT score isn’t where you want it to be, don’t let that derail your Ivy League ambitions.

We encourage our clients to start early and create a custom plan to prepare for law school that includes building strong academic habits and crafting a compelling application narrative.

Step 3: Apply to Law School

Once you’ve earned your degree and taken your exam, it’s time to navigate the law school application process.

You’ll need:

• Your transcripts
  
• A compelling personal statement
  
• Letters of recommendation (ideally academic and professional)
  
• A strong resume
  
• Your LSAT or GRE scores

Admissions committees are looking for applicants who show promise in the legal field and a genuine passion for the study of law. At The Art of Applying, our Application Accelerator helps clients craft standout applications that reflect both their story and strategic positioning.

Keep in mind that law schools are not just admitting statistics. They are admitting people. Show who you are, not just what you’ve done.

Your application narrative matters tremendously. I encourage my clients to move beyond generic statements like ‘I want to help people’ and instead articulate specifically what kind of lawyer they aspire to be, whether focusing on immigration, corporate law, or civil rights. This specificity demonstrates both self-awareness and genuine passion. When you can clearly communicate not just what you want to do but why it matters to you personally, admissions committees take notice.

Step 4: Attend Law School (Typically 3 Years)

In the U.S., most students attend a full-time law program that takes three years to complete. During this time, you’ll earn your J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree, the standard law degree required to practice as an attorney.

What will you study?

• Civil Procedure
  
• Constitutional Law
  
• Criminal Law
  
• Property Law
  
• Legal Writing and Research Skills

You’ll also choose electives based on your interests, such as corporate law, entertainment law, family law, or intellectual property law.

Expect to study 60 hours per week, especially during finals and while preparing for internships. Some students intern at a law firm during summers to gain real-world experience and build their resumes.

Law school is intellectually demanding, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to build your professional foundation. I always advise my clients to approach these three years with intention. Beyond academics, focus on building meaningful relationships with professors who can become mentors, joining organizations aligned with your interests, and securing internships that provide real-world experience. These strategic choices will distinguish you when it’s time to enter the job market.

Some attend the University School of Law in their state, while others aim for national schools like Harvard, Yale, or Stanford. Your choice will affect your network, job opportunities, and bar eligibility, so research carefully.

Step 5: Take and Pass the Bar Exam

After earning your J.D., the next step is taking the bar exam in the particular state where you want to practice. This is your final academic hurdle before you can officially become a lawyer.

Here’s how it works:

• The exam requirements vary from state to state, but typically include:
  • The Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) with multiple-choice questions on core legal topics
  • State-specific essays or performance tests
• Some states also require the MPRE, a test on ethics and professional responsibility
• You must pass a background check, which includes reviewing your past conduct for any academic misconduct or other red flags

The National Conference of Bar Examiners helps coordinate many components of the bar. Passing this exam means you are officially admitted to the bar and can receive your license to practice law.

Many law students spend 8 to 12 weeks studying for the bar exam after graduation and dedicate full-time hours. Preparing for the bar exam is like a full-time job and requires a strong work ethic, focus, and support system.

The bar exam represents the final hurdle, and it’s one that requires both technical knowledge and emotional resilience. I’ve seen many brilliant law graduates struggle not because they lack knowledge, but because they underestimate the psychological aspects of preparation. Create a study schedule that includes breaks, physical activity, and time with supportive people. Remember that this exam is a test of endurance as much as legal knowledge, approach it accordingly.

Bonus: Can You Become a Lawyer Without Going to Law School?

In a few states like California, Virginia, and Washington, it’s possible to become a lawyer without going to law school through a process called “reading the law” or an apprenticeship.

But let me be clear. Pursuing this path is rare, difficult, and often less successful. Most people who take this route still struggle with passing the bar exam, and the process lacks the structured education and alumni network of a traditional legal education.

So while it’s legally possible to become a lawyer without law school, it’s not recommended unless you have a very specific plan and a mentor who’s been through it.

FAQs About Becoming a Lawyer

How long does it take to become a lawyer?

It typically takes 7 years, which includes four years for a bachelor’s degree and three years of law school.

What are the best degrees needed to enter the legal profession?

There’s no required major, but degrees in Political Science, English, Philosophy, or Economics help you build the skills necessary for law school.

What kinds of lawyers are there?

Lawyers handle cases involving civil rights, criminal defense, immigration, corporate law, and more. Common areas of law include:

• Criminal Law
  
• Family Lawyers
  
• Intellectual Property Lawyers
  
• Constitutional Law

What’s the median annual salary for lawyers?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for lawyers is over $135,000, though it can vary widely.

What makes a good lawyer?

Lawyers must be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the law, excellent research skills, strong ethics, and the ability to manage complex legal issues under pressure.

How do I know if law is the right career for me?

This is perhaps the most important question, and one I encourage all my clients to reflect on deeply. Law is a demanding profession that requires significant investment of time, money, and energy. Beyond asking if you can become a lawyer, ask yourself why you want to. Take time to shadow attorneys in different practice areas, conduct informational interviews, and honestly assess whether the day-to-day work energizes you. The most successful attorneys I’ve worked with aren’t necessarily the ones with the highest LSAT scores, they’re the ones who found authentic alignment between their personal values and professional path.

Your Legal Career Starts With One Step

Pursuing a career in law is a big decision. It requires investment, grit, and clarity. But it’s also one of the most powerful ways to create lasting impact for individuals, organizations, and entire communities.

If your dream is to become a lawyer, don’t let confusion or doubt hold you back. At The Art of Applying, we’ve helped countless clients just like you—first-gen college grads, career changers, and ambitious professionals navigate the path to law school and beyond.

I believe that the legal profession needs diverse voices and perspectives now more than ever. Some of my most successful clients initially doubted themselves because of low GPAs or average LSAT scores, but they learned to frame their unique journeys as strengths rather than weaknesses. One client told me, ‘I figured out it wasn’t impossible to meet the rest of my goals, even though I had some hiccups along the way.’ Your path might not be perfectly linear, and that’s actually an advantage when thoughtfully presented.

Want to make sure your law school application stands out? It all starts with booking a free Quick Call with our team. We’ll help you figure out if our support is the best fit to reach your goals.

You don’t have to figure it out alone. Your journey into the legal profession can begin today with a single, confident step.