degrees to practice law. … In 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported an annual median wage of $122,960 for lawyers in general. 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Brown College of Business and Public Administration, An Interview with the Dean – Dean Dr. Cathy Carey, University of Southern Indiana’s Romain College of Business, An Interview With The Dean – Dean Dr. Robin Sronce, Southern Arkansas University’s Rankin College of Business, An Interview with the Dean – Dean Dr. J. Bret Becton, University of Southern Mississippi’s College of Business & Economic Development, 10 Best Degrees for Getting Into Law School. You should study English, government, history and public speaking. a Study.com College Advisor at the end of the process. The Juris Doctor (JD) is the nationally recognized degree for practicing … "What Education or Type of Degree is Needed to Be a Lawyer?." Potential lawyers need Juris Doctor (J.D.) In the final years, students usually develop a specialty, such as corporate or labor law. ©2020 College Consensus | All Rights Reserved. List of common legal degrees here. Requirements vary according to the law school but typically entail 21-26 course credits. …said it was important to communicate with colleges during the search process. Learn about the education and preparation needed to become a lawyer. CollegeConsensus.com is an advertising-supported site. You need to earn a bachelor's degree in order to get into law school. Along with LSAT scores, admission is determined by an applicant's education, work experience, propensity for law, and general character. The ABA does not accredit any legal education programs besides J.D. degree programs is generally competitive. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. Lawyers who wish to specialize in specific concentrations of law may consider enrolling in a Master of Laws (LL.M.) Accordingly, students may consider completing courses in English, political science, business, economics, and mathematics. Justice of the Peace Career Video: Becoming a Judicial Officer. (2020, Apr 30 of publication). The education path typically takes a total of seven years to complete, including four years of undergraduate coursework and three years of law school. Curriculum, relevancy of sample programs, and outcomes will vary by school. 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The BLS predicted average growth of 6% for lawyers from 2018-2028. 29 Nov 2020 accessed. Want expert, personalized advice that can save you a lot of time and money? Some law schools may offer joint J.D./LL.M. Retrieved from https://study.com/education_needed_to_be_a_lawyer.html. Some lawyers choose to specialize in a particular area of law by earning further degrees. Initially, students get their bachelor’s degree from a college or a university. degree programs. Although the American Bar Association (ABA) notes that there are no specific undergraduate majors that best prepares aspiring lawyers for law school, it suggests that students complete coursework that stresses problem-solving, writing, critical reading, research, and oral communication. Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Corrections, Afterwards, you'll have the option to speak to an independent Philosophy majors receive training in critical thinking, logic and problem-solving skills. Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree. These programs generally last one year and focus on specialized fields, such as business or international law. (What Education or Type of Degree is Needed to Be a Lawyer?. The first year of law school usually focuses on general law courses, such as contracts, criminal law, and legal writing. Some majors that offer traditional pre-law training include subjects like history, economics, political science, English and philos… © copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. After earning their J.D. Philosophy. Every law school requires a four-year bachelor’s degree from a university or college, and law school takes another three years to complete. What Is a Lawyer? 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