It wasn't until the 1950s that most states began to require individuals wanting to practice law to have a juris doctorate. Most people simply apprenticed under an established attorney for several years before applying for admission to the bar.
Starting in the 1950s, state legislatures began establishing the juris doctorate requirement in an effort to raise the quality of practitioners and to limit the number of attorneys. The juris doctorate started out as a master's degree but as the requirements increased the degree was replaced by a juris doctorate.
Earning a juris doctorate involves completing a three-year curriculum involving legal writing, oral arguments, and a selection of seminars covering core areas of law such as civil procedures, criminal law, torts and business associations. Typically the first year involves a set curriculum that every law student takes. Beginning in the second year the law student will have some flexibility in taking classes he is more interested in.
After the juris doctorate is earned, a person can sit for the bar exam in the state she wants to practice law in. The bar exam is a grueling test that ensures a holder of a juris doctorate has achieved a certain level of knowledge in different areas of the law.
Once the juris doctorate is earned and the bar exam has been passed, the graduate is able to practice law. Many opportunities exist in private practice, civil service, the business world and the nonprofit sector.