What is how long does it take to become a lawyer?

Becoming a lawyer is a significant commitment that requires several years of dedicated study and preparation. Here's a general timeline:

• Undergraduate Degree: Typically, aspiring lawyers first obtain a four-year bachelor's degree. There are no specific required majors, but common and beneficial choices include:

  • Political Science
  • History
  • English
  • Economics
  • Philosophy

• Law School Admission Test (LSAT): After or near the end of their undergraduate studies, prospective law students must take the LSAT. Preparation for the LSAT can take several months.

• Law School: Law school is a three-year full-time program (or four-year part-time program). The first year typically focuses on foundational courses such as:

  • Torts
  • Contracts
  • Property Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Civil Procedure

• Bar Exam: After graduating from law school, candidates must pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction where they wish to practice. Preparing for the Bar%20Exam usually takes 2-3 months of intensive study. Some states also require a separate ethics exam (like the MPRE).

• Admission to the Bar: Once the bar exam is passed and other requirements (such as a character and fitness investigation) are met, the candidate is admitted to the bar and can practice law.

Total Time: In summary, it typically takes seven years of post-secondary education to become a lawyer: four years for a bachelor's degree and three years for law school. This doesn't include the time spent preparing for the LSAT and the bar exam, which can add several months to a year.