Req 8 — Becoming a Lawyer or Judge
The Path to Becoming a Lawyer
Becoming a lawyer is a long journey — typically about seven years of education after high school — but the path is well defined. While specific details vary by state, the overall process is similar across the country.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
There is no required college major for aspiring lawyers. Some choose political science, history, English, or criminal justice, but you can major in anything from engineering to philosophy. Law schools care most about your grades, your critical thinking skills, and your ability to write clearly.
Step 2: Take the LSAT
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test that measures reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking. Most law schools require it as part of the application process. A strong LSAT score can open doors to top law schools and scholarship opportunities.
Step 3: Complete Law School (3 years)
Law school is a graduate program that takes three years of full-time study. Students earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. The first year typically covers foundational subjects like contracts, torts, criminal law, civil procedure, constitutional law, and property. In the second and third years, students choose specialized courses and often gain practical experience through clinics, internships, and moot court competitions.
Step 4: Pass the Bar Exam
After graduating from law school, you must pass the bar exam in the state where you want to practice. The bar exam is an intense two- or three-day test covering both state-specific and general legal knowledge. It is one of the most challenging professional exams in the country. Pass rates vary by state but typically range from 50% to 80%.
Step 5: Character and Fitness Review
Before receiving a law license, every applicant must pass a character and fitness review. The state bar association investigates your background to make sure you are honest, trustworthy, and fit to practice law. This includes checking your criminal record, financial history, and academic conduct.
Step 6: Get Licensed and Keep Learning
Once you pass the bar and clear the character review, you are officially a licensed attorney. But learning does not stop there. Most states require lawyers to complete Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses every year to keep their license current.
How Judges Are Selected
Judges are the referees of the legal system. They interpret the law, manage trials, and make decisions that affect people’s lives. But how do they get their jobs? The answer depends on the type of court and the state.
Federal Judges
All federal judges — including Supreme Court Justices — are nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Once confirmed, federal judges serve for life (or until they retire or are impeached), which is meant to protect them from political pressure.
State Judges
State judge selection varies widely. Most states use one or more of these methods:
How States Choose Judges
Common methods for selecting state judges
- Partisan elections: Judges run for office with a political party affiliation, just like other elected officials. Voters choose between candidates from different parties.
- Nonpartisan elections: Judges run for office, but no political party is listed on the ballot. Voters choose based on the candidates’ qualifications and record.
- Gubernatorial appointment: The governor appoints judges, sometimes from a list of candidates recommended by a nominating commission.
- Merit selection (Missouri Plan): A nonpartisan commission reviews applicants and recommends candidates to the governor, who makes the appointment. After a set period, voters decide whether to keep the judge in a “retention election.”
- Legislative appointment: The state legislature votes to appoint judges (used in only a few states).
Preparing for Your Counselor Discussion
How to Become a Lawyer — Bureau of Labor Statistics The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook covers education requirements, pay, and job outlook for lawyers. Judicial Selection in the States — Ballotpedia A comprehensive state-by-state guide to how judges are chosen.