The legal system is very much a part of daily life. Therefore, lawyers often hold positions of great respect and notoriety because their actions impact many facets of society. Studying law therefore reflects the great variety of topics in which lawyers engage, including contracts, civil law, criminal law, international law, contracts and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, competition for admission into most law schools is extremely high, and competition for jobs is even higher due to the burgeoning number of graduates from law school each year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lawyers act as advocates and advisors in society. Lawyers must research and argue the intent of statutes and laws through case law application. Law school teaches students how to do this effectively. Following law school, students are required to become licensed attorneys. All states require that prospective attorneys take and pass a written examination, called a bar exam, to be legally licensed to practice law within the state. In all states except Louisiana and Washington, the six-hour Multistate Bar Examination is the required exam used for licensing. Generally, the MBE covers a broad range of legal issues and a locally prepared state exam is given in conjunction with the MBE.
Law school takes intense commitment and dedication. It takes seven years of post-high school, full-time study to become a lawyer, generally. Four years of undergraduate work is usually followed by three years of law school, although the number of students engaging in part-time law school programs is on the rise. Many law students study as long as lawyers work, about 50 or more hours a week. During undergraduate study, students interested in a future career in law are urged to have a broad, multidisciplinary background. During law school, students spend the first year or so studying core subjects such as torts and civil procedure, followed by another year and a half or so of specialized training in a specific area, as well as practical experience interning for firms or companies within the student's area of interest.
As mentioned, it is important to think creatively within the constraints of the law. Lawyers also need to have impeccable logic and reasoning abilities to work within and argue against the constraints of laws or cases. All lawyers need to be familiar with the procedures used in the state(s) and/or court(s) in which they practice. Trial lawyers must also communicate effectively and efficiently. Law school prepares students in thinking, research and speaking abilities, but learning procedure and administration is largely done once a lawyer has passed the bar and begins practicing law.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, job competition for lawyers is going to increase steadily as the number of law school graduates grows. However, employment of lawyers is to increase 13 percent from 2008-2018, as well. Take advantage of internship opportunities during law school and network with potential employers.