Study for the LSAT. The test is composed of six sections: five, 35-minute multiple choice modules and one, 35-minute writing sample module. The LSAT tests reading comprehension, analytical and logical reasoning. Sample questions and tests from previous years are available from the Law School Admission Council, linked in the Resources section.
Register for an LSAC account, which will allow you to register for the LSAT. The LSAT is administered in June, October, December and February at most law schools in northern California. For a full list of schools, available test dates and the online registration form, follow the links provided in the Resources section. After registering successfully, you will be given an LSAC account number.
Report to your chosen testing center, and take the LSAT. Upon completion and grading, you will be given a score, which you will need to submit along with your LSAC account number, to the law schools you plan to apply to.
Research law schools. There are many colleges and universities that offer law degrees in northern California, including the University of California at Berkeley, Cal Northern in Chico, the University of California at Davis, John F. Kennedy University School of Law in Pleasant Hill, Lincoln School of Law of Sacramento, Northwestern California University in Sacramento, University of the Pacific in Sacramento, Lincoln Law School of San Jose, Santa Clara University School of Law, Empire College School of Law in Santa Rosa, Monterey College of Law in Seaside, Stanford University, at Humphreys College in Stockton. In San Francisco, you can study law at the New College of California, San Francisco Law School, Golden Gate University School of Law, UC Hastings College of the Law and at the University of San Francisco School of Law. Take into consideration the universities' reputation, location, faculty and fees when applying.
Complete the law school applications, which can be obtained from the website of the law schools you choose. Apply to several schools to ensure you are accepted at one of them. Each application process will be slightly different, but there are some similarities. The application will require your academic history and residency information (California residents can expect to pay less tuition at a state school), as well as your LSAC account number and LSAT scores.
Add any additional information. Some law schools may require a personal statement or an essay describing your objectives. A school also may require letters of recommendation or academic references. Some schools, such as Stanford, require an application fee and a resume. Review the submission guidelines as well. If applying for Cal Northern School of Law, for instance, the application must be printed and mailed. For Stanford, most of the material can be filed electronically.
Submit the application before the due date, which can be found on the same page as the application materials.