1. Bachelor's Degree: A four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is necessary. The subject matter isn't mandated; however, strong performance in subjects like history, English, and political science can be beneficial.
2. Law School: After completing a bachelor's degree, aspiring lawyers must attend and graduate from an accredited law school. This is typically a three-year program leading to a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
3. Bar Exam: Following law school graduation, lawyers must pass the bar exam in the state(s) where they intend to practice law.
Therefore, while the undergraduate portion takes four years, and law school takes three, the total minimum time commitment is seven years of higher education to become a defense lawyer. Many lawyers spend additional time on internships, clerkships, and other professional development activities.