How to Become a Lawyer with Online Law Degrees

If you are looking for a respected, challenging career that can not only be financially rewarding, but can also be applied to almost any passion, then becoming a lawyer may be right for you. Becoming a lawyer is a long, difficult, and often frustrating path, but it can lead to one of the best careers possible. It requires extensive education, so if you are going to commit to this path, you need to understand the different types of lawyers, the requirements for this career, and the best places to work. Most of all, you need to know how to become a lawyer, and that means understanding the educational requirements. We’ll discuss not only what education is needed, but comes after getting your law degree. Want to know more about how to become a lawyer? Keep reading and you’ll get the information you need!

Article Navigation: Steps to Become a Lawyer | Education Requirements | What Degree Do You Need? | Degree Selection | Licensing & Certification Requirements | Career Overview | Career Outlook | Conclusion

How to Become a Lawyer

Becoming a legal professional takes time, so it’s best to break it down into smaller steps. Here are the recommended steps to become a lawyer…

1. Complete a four-year bachelor’s degree

   A bachelor’s degree in a subject of your choice is the primary educational requirement for admission to a law school. The American Bar Association does not specify a single field of study at this level. Some common undergraduate majors undertaken by pre-law students include journalism, business, political science, English, as well as philosophy.

2. Pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

   The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the second prerequisite to gain admission into a law school in the state you intend to practice in. Admission officers usually take an applicant’s LSAT scores as an objective measure to determine their knowledge and quality. The LSAT exam comprises five multiple choice question sections along with a writing sample. It measures an individual’s skills and capabilities in the core areas of legal work. These include information management, argumentation, reading and comprehension, analysis and critical thinking, and reasoning.

3. Graduate with an advanced law degree

   Most prospective lawyers usually pursue an ABA accredited juris doctor law degree.The Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is a highly sought-after and nationally recognized law degree. Students who hold it have a comprehensive knowledge about law and their areas of specialization. Students may specialize in criminal, real estate, tax, family, property, or environmental law. On average, it takes three years of studying full time to complete a juris doctor degree.

4. Pass the bar exam in the state you intend to practice in

   Individuals who graduate from an ABA-accredited law school must pass the state bar examination in the state in which they’d like to practice before they are eligible to be a lawyer. Different states have different testing requirements and guidelines. However, the bar exam is typically a two-day test. The first day includes the Multistate Bar Examination, and the second day tests knowledge of various legal matters. The state board of bar examiners also looks into a candidate’s competence, character, academic background, and ability to act as a representation in legal matters before offering a full legal license. After passing the bar exam, you’ll be able to practice law in your chosen field.

How to Become a Lawyer in California

Because it’s the one of the largest states in the country, many people want to know how to become a lawyer in California. While the process is similar to other states, there are some unique aspects for California.

California offers both a traditional (ABA accredited law education) and adjunctive pathways. To sit for the Bar exam, you need to meet one or a combination of the following options:

• Complete 3 or 4 years of study at one of the 21 ABA-accredited law schools in California
• Finish 4 years of study at a state Bar-Registered traditional, brick and mortar law school in California
• Complete 4 years of study (minimum 864 hours) at a registered, unaccredited distance learning or online law school, based in California
• Complete 4 years of study under the supervision of a practicing California state judge or attorney

How to Become a Lawyer in Texas

The process for how to become a lawyer in Texas is more traditional. This state does not mandate undergraduate education, but, like most states, they do require that you graduate from a school that is accredited through the American Bar Association to be eligible to sit for the Bar exam. Additionally, all applicants must meet certain moral standards set by the Texas Board of Law Examiners.

Lawyer Education Requirements

Can You Become a Lawyer Online?

Yes! However…

While most academic educations have been available online for many years, law degrees lagged behind as the ABA resisted online education. The ABA, essentially, refused to accredit online schools at first. However, the ABA has changed their stance on online law schools. The good news is there is one fully-online law schools recognized by the ABA, St. Mary's University School of Law. The ABA believes online education environment doesn’t allow for the dialoguing and debating of law concepts in the same way an in-person classroom does.

ABA Law School Accreditation

Accreditation is an important process for all schools, as it verifies a school’s quality of education and ensures students are fully prepared for their chosen profession. Law school accreditation is generally delivered through the American Bar Association (ABA). At the time of publish (June 2023), the ABA accredits 198 institutions and schools offering JD degrees.

This nationally-accrediting body is responsible for a majority of schools in the United States, but individual states have their own process for accrediting law schools. Most adhere, in some form, to the standards set by the ABA.

Hybrid Online Law Programs

The ABA's stance on online law education is rapidly evolving. As online education technology offers solutions that better emulate an in-person environment, the ABA is now allowing hybrid JD programs. These online law schools are ABA accredited. In hybrid JD programs, up to one-third of coursework may be completed in an online or distance format. Hybrid degree students graduate with identical JD degrees as their on-campus peers and also qualify to sit for the Bar exam.

States With Exceptions

If a hybrid JD isn’t right for you and you’re unable to wait for new online JD program(s) to begin enrolling, then consider pursuing licensure in a state where non-ABA pathways to the Bar exam exist. Each state sets licensure criteria independently. Currently, a few states provide a path to practice law without earning an ABA-accredited JD, which can open up online law degree options. However, keep in mind that you will not be allowed to practice law in other states where an ABA-accredited JD is required.

Some of these states are; Washington, Vermont, California, and Virginia allow you to take the bar exam without a JD, but you must meet other criteria. Wyoming, New York, and Maine require some law school prior to taking the bar.

Online Law Schools

Although most “online” law programs are hybrid programs, there is one ABA fully online law program. In September of 2021, the ABA has granted approval to first fully online law school in the country—St. Mary's University School of Law. The first cohort of 25 part-time students will begin in Fall of 2022.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Lawyer?

How long is law school? That’s a common question that is a big concern for many aspiring lawyers and people wondering how to become a lawyer. The education of a lawyer is long, complex, and requires an advanced education from a top-class institution. The education is challenging, but it can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling journeys you’ll ever complete.

After high school, most prospective lawyers will complete their education in seven years. This includes four years to complete a bachelor’s degree, and three more years of law school. After seven years, you’ll meet the basic requirements for becoming a lawyer.

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Lawyer?

Most aspiring lawyers complete a bachelor’s degree that is related, at least on a small level, to the law. This might include law studies, legal history, or political science. These degrees give you a basic understanding of the legal system, providing a foundation for your future studies.

A lot will depend on the goals for your law career. For example, if you want to become a corporate lawyer, a bachelor’s degree in business administration would be useful. If you want to be a prosecutor or defense lawyer, then a degree in criminal justice may be ideal.

Broad-level degrees that expand your critical thinking and communication can be crucial before entering law school. This can include philosophy, history, writing, English, and more. Many aspiring attorneys wonder what undergraduate degree do you need to be a lawyer, but the reality is that most bachelor’s degrees are useful in some way.

Undergraduate Degree Options For Prospective Law Students

Becoming a lawyer starts well before admission to a law school. The path is variable, allowing students to choose a personalized plan of action. As discussed before, undergraduate students can choose any major. And although the American Bar Association does not recommend specific majors for law school hopefuls, it encourages programs that foster skills that will be set them up for success later in their education and careers as lawyers. These skills include, but aren’t limited to; critical analysis, problem solving, researching, reading and listening comprehension, time management, and written and verbal communication. Many universities have pre-law advisors who help prospective students choose a major, prepare for the LSAT exam, apply to law school, and obtain letters of recommendation.

Master of Laws (LL.M) vs JD

The Juris Doctor degree is not, however, the only law degree option to consider. A master of laws (LL.M) is being offered by some top online law schools. While these won’t meet qualifications to sit for the bar exam, they will give you an advanced law education that you can apply in various types of employment.

There are a few main differences between a JD versus LLM degree. The first is a LLM focuses on law practice, whereas a JD focuses on law theory. Another key difference is what type of course a student takes in each program. A LLM student will take more business and litigation courses. On the other hand, a JD student will have more courses in history and philosophy.

The Juris Doctor

A Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited institution is the minimum educational requirement to be eligible for a state bar examination. The J.D. is a professional degree specially developed to prepare future lawyers and train them for success in the bar examination.

The curriculum of a Juris Doctor degree provides a broad education, including the contemporary issues in the legal system. The curriculum is completable within the ABA-mandated 84-90 post-baccalaureate credit hours. The first year of the program typically covers the core coursework. It introduces the elective courses, allowing students a basic understanding of the legal policies and procedures, writing, and legal analysis.

The second and third year of education coursework includes almost entirely elective courses, allowing students to develop a highly personalized study program. Several law schools also offer students the opportunity to pursue a specialization in areas such as international law, advocacy, business law, public law, or appellate law. Some elective courses highly popular amongst law students include the following:

• Intellectual Property

  This course includes a comprehensive survey of the foundation of intellectual property safeguards. It reviews the three primary legal principles and mechanisms in this domain: copyright, patent, in addition to trademark.

• Administrative Law

  Administrative law allows students insight into the body of law pertinent to the executive agencies. It includes topics such as regulatory reform and the Administrative Procedure Act.

• Legislation and Regulation

  This course offers an introduction to the roles of legislative bodies, including the study of regulations and statutes, ranging from development to enforcement and from analysis and evaluation to interpretation.

• Corporate Practice

  The Corporate Practice curriculum prepares students for future legal practice in corporate settings by introducing them to corporate legal issues such as dispute resolution, joint ventures, and contract negotiation.

The Master of Laws

The Master of Laws (LLM) is a degree of specialization mainly designed for lawyers or graduates of a J.D. program. Judges, law professors, government officials, as well as lawyers are the ideal candidates for this degree program. LLM is typically completed in a year and offers a comprehensive study course, including legal theory and law. It typically requires the completion of 20-26 credit hours for graduation.

The curriculum for LLM emphasizes diversity, flexibility, and personalization, allowing students to study the section of the law that interests them most. These areas of specialization include the following:

• International Business
• Property
• Entertainment and Media
• Civil Litigation
• Taxation

How to Get into Law School & Choosing Your Degree

Once you complete a bachelor’s degree you’ll be ready for law school, assuming your grades are high enough. We should note that law schools often have high requirements for GPA and class performance, so you need to maintain an elite level of academic success to ensure you meet the top law degree requirements.

LSAT Exam Score

The LSAT exam score is also considered in your law school applications. To prepare, some students take prep classes or reduce their course load to allocate more time studying for the test. If your GPA is borderline, then the LSAT score is more important. In this scenario, consider prioritizing your LSAT prep as your results can often tip the scale on admission to the school of your choice.

Choosing a Degree Program

In choosing your degree, make sure you have a full understanding of what graduate level education you’ll need to meet your states’ requirements to become a practicing lawyer.

The traditional path is to apply to and get accepted into an ABA-accredited law school where you’ll enroll in a juris doctor (JD) law degree. Once you graduate, you’ll qualify to sit for the bar exam.

However, depending on the state where you intend to practice law, there may be an alternate pathway. In some cases, you can enroll in a graduate level law program at a school that does not hold ABA accreditation and still qualify to sit for the bar if some additional requirements are met. Read more about ABA accreditation and online law schools in the following sections.

Classes & Curriculum

The classes in law school can vary widely, and law school requirements will change depending on the school. However, there is often a core curriculum that is fairly similar from one school to another. Throughout your studies, most students will study aspects of legal procedures, constitutional law, contracts, property, and criminal law. Much of the focus will be on the legal methods of the American and international legal system.

For many schools, the first year of law school is often the hardest. The material is complex and extensive, and you’ll likely be subject to a larger workload than you received during your bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, the teaching method is different, creating challenges for students not prepared for the change. Essentially, this time is for teaching you to think like a lawyer.

Besides your classes, you’ll likely need to study for at least two hours for every hour of class time. So if you have a class that lasts three hours a day, then you’ll need roughly six hours of study time to make sure you are ready for testing.

Required Licensing & Certification for Lawyers

The Bar Exam & MPRE

You’ll have to pass a test to become a lawyer, which means passing the bar exam. After completing your law degree, you can’t just jump into the career of a lawyer. First, you need to complete the bar exam, the final hurdle for how to become a lawyer. It’s one of the most difficult exams you’ll ever take, so preparation is key to success. The bar exam is a two-day test that is held at a specific time.

The Bar Exam contents and format varies by state. Some states use a standard test. This format includes two days of testing. Day 1 starts with two 90-minute performance tests. In the afternoon, you’ll have to complete six 30-minute essay exams. The second day does not get any easier; the morning features a 100-question multiple-choice test, while the afternoon features yet another 100-question multiple-choice test.

However, many states have their own Bar exams that only use either the essay or multiple choice portions or neither of these. Other section(s) are designed by the state to be state-specific.

It’s a challenge, a grueling two-day gauntlet of mental fatigue. But if you are well prepared by a top law school, then you should have little problem passing the bar exam. To get an idea of how candidates have done in the past, review pass rates by state.

Beyond the Bar, many states require the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). The MPRE usually needs to be taken around the same time as the Bar exam and before admission to the Bar.

What Does a Lawyer Do?

First, let’s start with the various tasks performed by lawyers. Lawyers provide advice and recommendations to clients of all type regarding their legal options and rights. They are knowledgeable in the laws of their area, and use this knowledge to represent individuals, businesses, organizations, or groups of people.

Their work doesn’t just include delivering impassioned speeches in front of juries. On the contrary, most lawyers will spend a majority of their time researching a case, examining the law and legal precedence, preparing legal documents, and providing advice to clients. They often prepare and file legal documents. Additionally, many manage and oversee teams of paralegals.

Perhaps more than any other profession, lawyers work in many different areas. Understanding these areas will help you choose the right path for your career.

Civil vs. Criminal Lawyers

There are many ways to divide and categorize the different types of lawyers, but perhaps the most obvious is civil vs criminal.

Civil courts deal with a citizen’s or group’s private rights. However, this does not include situations where someone is being prosecuted for a crime. They don’t involve jail time, but usually feature someone (or some group) suing another, either for money or for someone to take an action or to stop taking an action. Either way, no one is going to jail after a civil case. Theses cases may include child custody, breach of contract, property damage, defamation, and more. Civil lawyers often specialize in a certain subject, such as divorces or estates.

One of the defining factors of civil law is that it’s one person or group vs another, while in criminal cases, it’s the government vs a person or group.

In criminal courts, someone is being accused of and prosecuted for a crime. There are charges by government authorities, and jail time, probation, and financial penalties may apply. From theft to murder to racketeering charges, criminal lawyers on both sides deal with the justice system and legal punishments.

The Different Types of Lawyer

It’s not enough to simply know how to become a lawyer. You also need to understand the different types of lawyers. From prosecuting accused criminals to navigating the complexities of real estate law, there are numerous types of lawyers.

• Criminal Prosecutors

  Prosecutors work for governments, including state and federal branches, to prosecute accused criminals. They may specialize in a specific type of crime, and many of them work with law enforcement, such as the FBI or state police departments, to create cases against suspected criminals.

• Defense Lawyers

  Both the government and private citizens can hire defense lawyers. They specialize in the legal defense of accused criminals, usually going against prosecutors to win a case. They provide expert counsel and advice to people after they have been arrested, and often stay with a client from the initial charges through the court proceedings and, if needed, sentencing and appeals.

• Family Lawyers

  These types of lawyers handle a wide variety of domestic cases, including divorce, legal separation, adoption, paternity, prenuptial agreements, and more. Essentially, if a situation involves both the family and the legal system, then family attorneys are there to help.

• Estate Planners

  No one likes to think about their own death, but it’s inevitable. To ensure that a person’s financial property is distributed according to their wishes, and within the law, they will work with estate planners. These legal professionals draft wills and legal documents during a person’s life. When one of their clients dies, it’s their responsibility to make sure their last wishes are honored properly.

• Injury Lawyers

  If someone has suffered physical, mental, or emotional injury, then they often hire injury attorneys to reach compensation. These experts specialize in “tort law,” which is a branch that deals with civil and legal liabilities and financial damages. Injuries can happen for a wide variety of reasons, and personal injury lawyers are often there to help people overcome the financial hardships created by lost work, medical bills, and damaged property.

• Business, Contract & Corporate Lawyers

  From employment disputes to business competition, corporate lawyers help settle the complex legal issues that businesses face everyday. Depending on the nature of their clients, they may also help draft contracts, provide hiring advice, assist with tax issues, or support mergers and acquisitions.

• Tax Lawyers

  Most people, including business owners and managers, are not tax experts. Tax lawyers help people overcome disputes with the IRS. They ensure they are treated properly and not overly charged by the government. Large business as well as wealthy individuals often hire tax attorneys, but middle-class and blue collar people often need their services as well.

• Real Estate Lawyers

  Real estate transactions can be complex. However, a real estate lawyer can help sort through the details of selling a property and moving the title from one person to another. They help with the sale of a residential or commercial property. Additionally, they often negotiate disputes between landlords and tenants.

• Constitutional Lawyers

  If someone feels their civil rights have been violated, then they may seek the help of a constitutional lawyer. These professionals are knowledgeable in issues such as free speech, assembly rights, self defense, proper punishment for crimes, property rights, and more.

Career Outlook

Lawyer Salary

If you are thinking of becoming a lawyer, then you probably want to know how much does a lawyer make. Lawyers, as you may know, have a reputation as one of the most high-earning professions in the world. While much will depend on your skills and your chosen profession, it’s reasonable to expect a high lawyer salary.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a lawyer in 2021 was $127,990. This mean that half of all lawyers surveyed make more! The highest 10% of lawyers made more than $208,000 in annual wages, whereas the lowest 10% made less than $61,400.

The top paying states for lawyers are:

• California – Average Salary: $179,470
• New York – Average Salary: $174,060
• Massachusetts – Average Salary: $169,120

Job Outlook for Lawyers

Not only is the pay strong, there should be excellent opportunities for skilled lawyers. The BLS says that job growth for lawyers between 2021 and 2031 should be 10%. This projected job growth is expected to result in 913,000 jobs for lawyers by 2031. Many individuals will require legal services, and organizations are more likely to hire in-house attorneys.

The industries where lawyers are most in demand are:

• Litigation
• Healthcare
• Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Insolvency
• Contracts
• Labor & Employment

The states where job growth for lawyers is the highest are:

• Colorado – 20%
• Texas – 18%
• Utah – 17%
• Nevada – 14%
• South Carolina – 11%

Start Your Law Career with the Right Education

If you want to become one of the best lawyers in the world, then you need the right education. Head to our degree database to view the leading online law degrees, all properly accredited, to help you become a leader in the legal profession. With the right education, you’ll have a strong understanding of the legal profession and be prepared for the bar exam, the most important test to become a lawyer.