Home • Education Center • Legal Studies • Law School

Lawyers, also called attorneys, act as advisors and representatives who guide their clients through an increasingly complex society. Lawyers are also advocates in civil or criminal actions, protecting clients' legal rights.

How to Prepare for a Career in Law

If you are considering a career as an attorney, be prepared for a great deal of schooling. Seven years of postsecondary education are required--a four-year college degree, followed by three years of specific legal studies in law school. Proficiency in writing, speaking, analyzing, researching, reading, and logical thinking are required for acceptance to law school. Applicants must also score well on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which tests an applicant's aptitude to study law. Law school coursework includes:

• Contracts
• Torts
• Criminal and civil law
• Legal research and writing
• Constitutional, federal, and property law
• Legal theory
• Professional responsibility and ethics
• Specialized training in specific areas of the law

Law school graduates must also pass the bar exam in the state in which they plan to practice. In addition to becoming an attorney, a law degree is also useful for law enforcement positions such as FBI agents. A law degree is also helpful for advancement in county, state, and any other government law enforcement position. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008 the median annual income of wage-and-salaried lawyers was $110,590. However, because many lawyers are self-employed, this does not reflect the potential earnings of all lawyers. Although the demand for attorneys is expected to grow at an average rate, the high number of law school graduates makes it a very competitive field.