Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

• Law
• Advanced Legal Research/Studies, General
• Programs for Foreign Lawyers
• American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence
• Canadian Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence
• Banking, Corporate, Finance, and Securities Law
• Comparative Law
• Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law
• Health Law
• International Law and Legal Studies
• International Business, Trade, and Tax Law
• Tax Law/Taxation
• Intellectual Property Law
• Patent Law
• Agriculture Law
• Arts and Entertainment Law
• Compliance Law
• Criminal Law and Procedure
• Human Resources Law
• Real Estate and Land Development Law
• Tribal/Indigenous Law
• Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies, Other

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

First professional degree

Becoming a lawyer usually takes 7 years of full-time study after high school - 4 years of undergraduate study, followed by 3 years of law school. Most states and jurisdictions require lawyers to complete a juris doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). ABA accreditation signifies that the law school - particularly its curricula and faculty - meets certain standards.

Insider Info

Extra Requirements

Prospective lawyers take licensing exams called "bar exams." Lawyers who receive a license to practice law are "admitted to the bar." Each state’s highest court establishes its rules for bar admission. Rules for federal courts differ, and requirements vary by state and jurisdiction. For more details on individual state and jurisdiction requirements, visit the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

For additional information, visit these websites:

• http://www.ncbex.org