What Does It Take to Become a Lawyer? A Step-by-Step Overview
Introduction
Many people think of lawyers as the people who speak in court or handle important paperwork. But behind that job title is a long journey filled with education, training, and responsibility. Becoming a lawyer isn’t quick or easy, but it’s a career that helps people, solves problems, and supports justice.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to become a lawyer, this guide will walk you through each step — from choosing the right education to earning the license to practice law.
Gammill Law knows that great lawyers are built through hard work, honesty, and deep knowledge. Here’s how the journey begins.
Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step to becoming a lawyer is going to college. A person must earn a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes about four years. There’s no special major required, but some subjects can help build useful skills.
Common Majors That Help:
Political science
History
English
Philosophy
Criminal justice
Business
What matters most is learning how to read, write, think clearly, and analyze information — skills every lawyer needs.
Step 2: Take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
After earning a college degree, the next step is taking the LSAT. This test is required to apply to most law schools in the United States.
The LSAT doesn’t ask about legal facts. Instead, it tests how well someone:
Thinks logically
Understands arguments
Reads complex texts
Solves problems
It’s a hard test, and many people study for months before taking it. A strong LSAT score helps improve your chances of getting into a good law school.
Step 3: Attend Law School
Law school is a three-year program that teaches students how the law works and how to apply it. Students can apply to law school once they’ve finished college and taken the LSAT.
In law school, students study subjects like:
Contracts
Property law
Constitutional law
Ethics
Civil procedure
Legal writing
Students also learn how to research cases, argue ideas, and think like a lawyer. The classes are intense, and there’s a lot of reading and writing involved.
Many students also join clinics, mock trials, or internships to get real-world experience during law school.
Step 4: Earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree
At the end of law school, students earn a degree called a Juris Doctor, or J.D. This is the main degree required to become a lawyer in the U.S.
Earning a J.D. means the student has learned enough about the law to take the next big step: the bar exam.
Step 5: Pass the Bar Exam
The bar exam is a major test that every future lawyer must pass to be allowed to practice law. Each state gives its own version of the bar, but most include:
Multiple-choice questions
Written essays
Performance tests (real-world legal tasks)
The test covers many parts of the law, and it usually takes two to three days to complete. It is considered one of the hardest professional exams in the country.
Many people study full-time for two to three months just to prepare for the bar exam.
What Happens If You Fail?
It’s not uncommon to fail the bar on the first try. Most states allow people to take it again. With more preparation and support, many people pass the second time.
Gammill Law of Torrance, CA believes in the value of perseverance. Great attorneys often grow through the challenges they face along the way — including the bar.
Step 6: Get Licensed to Practice
Once a person passes the bar exam, they can apply for a license in their state. This process includes a background check, and some states also ask for a character and fitness review.
Once the license is granted, that person is officially a licensed attorney. They are now allowed to:
Give legal advice
Represent clients
Sign legal documents
Appear in court
This is a big responsibility, and licensed attorneys must always follow strict ethical rules.
Step 7: Continue Learning and Staying Certified
Becoming a lawyer doesn’t mean the learning stops. Most states require lawyers to complete continuing legal education (CLE) every year or every few years. These courses help lawyers stay up to date with changes in the law.
Some lawyers also choose to focus on special areas of law, like:
Family law
Real estate law
Environmental law
Technology law
As the world changes, so do the rules — which means good lawyers are always learning.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
College (Bachelor’s degree): 4 years
Law school (J.D. degree): 3 years
Studying for the bar: ~3 months
Getting licensed: ~1–6 months depending on the state
Total time: 7–8 years (on average)
This is a serious commitment, but for those who care about helping others and solving real-world problems, it can be a rewarding path.
What Skills Make a Great Lawyer?
Not all lawyers are the same, but many share these qualities:
Strong reading and writing ability
Good communication
Clear thinking and problem solving
Patience and attention to detail
A sense of fairness and ethics
Willingness to work hard
Some lawyers work in courtrooms, but many work at desks, on calls, or in meeting rooms. No matter the setting, they all focus on helping people understand and apply the law.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a lawyer takes time, focus, and dedication. It’s a career built on knowledge, service, and trust. The path can be challenging, but the rewards — helping people, shaping decisions, and defending fairness — make it worthwhile for many.
Whether someone is just curious or seriously considering a legal career, understanding the full journey helps set expectations and build respect for the work lawyers do every day.
Gammill Law knows the value of a strong foundation. Every lawyer on their team has earned their place through years of learning, training, and ethical service to the community.
