Becoming a licensed attorney requires completing undergraduate education, law school, and passing the bar examination. This guide outlines the pathway to legal practice, from pre-law preparation to bar admission, helping aspiring lawyers understand and make informed decisions.

The journey to becoming a lawyer begins with undergraduate education. While no specific major is required for law school admission, successful applicants typically demonstrate strong analytical thinking, writing skills, and academic achievement. Common pre-law majors include political science, history, English, philosophy, and business, though law schools value diverse educational backgrounds. Focus on courses that develop critical reading, logical reasoning, research abilities, and persuasive writing. Maintain a competitive grade point average, as law school admissions heavily weight undergraduate GPA alongside LSAT scores.

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or, increasingly, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) serves as a standardized measure of skills necessary for law school success. The LSAT assesses reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning through multiple-choice questions and a writing sample. Serious preparation, often spanning several months, significantly impacts scores. Many prospective students take prep courses, work with tutors, or use self-study materials to maximize performance. Strong LSAT scores open doors to prestigious programs and merit-based scholarships that can offset the substantial cost of legal education.

Law school typically requires three years of full-time study, culminating in a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The first year covers foundational subjects including contracts, torts, civil procedure, constitutional law, criminal law, and legal research and writing. Second and third years offer greater flexibility to explore specialized areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, family law, or public interest work through elective courses, clinics, and externships. Participation in law review, moot court, and student organizations develops practical skills and enhances employment prospects. Law school also provides networking opportunities that often lead to internships and post-graduation positions.

After earning a JD, graduates must pass their state's bar examination to practice law. Bar exams typically include the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), state-specific essays, and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT). Additionally, most states require passing the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) covering legal ethics. Bar preparation courses help candidates review substantive law and practice exam techniques. Beyond the bar exam, states conduct character and fitness reviews examining applicants' backgrounds to ensure they possess the integrity and competence required for legal practice. Only after satisfying all requirements can new attorneys be sworn in and begin practicing law.