How to Become an Attorney General

How to Become an Attorney

Many young people dream of becoming an attorney. Some are inspired by family, others by television. Regardless of the motivation behind wanting to pursue a career in law, there is some information that may prove helpful in considering this career path. It is always wise to consult the resources in your school's guidance office. Additionally, your public library should have numerous books about the legal profession.

Once the decision has been made to become and attorney, it is important to remember that there are many different ways to reach this goal.

Step One: High School

In most areas ninth grade marks the beginning of the academic record that will be used for college admissions. Consult with your guidance counselor on how to establish the academic and extracurricular record that will make you a strong candidate for college admissions.

Step Two: Undergraduate Degree

When selecting a major, it is strongly recommended that you consult with one of the guidance counselors at your college or university. The major you select as an undergraduate is far less important than how you perform academically. Most law schools look for students with strong writing and analytical skills. Additionally, the admission committees often look for students that have distinguished themselves both in and outside of the classroom. If one is interested in patent law, the patent bar requires a degree in one of the hard sciences like mechanical or electrical engineering.

Step Three: Law School

Law schools are all very different in size and atmosphere. You can visit the index of law schools to obtain additional information about a particular school. It is always a good idea to contact students at the various schools to learn what their experiences have been. Additionally, the Princeton Review site has some information about law schools. Most law schools require a college degree for admission, however, you should always consult the law school directly to obtain its admission requirements.

Step Four: License Examinations

Like most states, to practice law, you must pass both the Professional Responsibility Exam and the Bar Exam. Before you may take either exam, you must have a degree from an accredited law school. The professional responsibility exam tests your knowledge of legal rules and ethics. The exam lasts one day. The bar exam is a two day test. The bar exam tests your knowledge of state laws. Review classes are offered for both exams. You will only have three opportunities to take the bar exam. To practice law in another state, you must contact their bar association to learn what is required.