There are many jobs for people who hold an Alabama law degree. From civil law to criminal litigation to business negotiations, lawyers are in high demand. Law schools generally accept students who hold a Bachelor's degree in any major, but they prefer students who majored in business, political science, legal studies or something similar during their undergraduate years.

Alabama law schools have strict admission requirements, and being the best student you can be is critical. You can begin with getting a paralegal certificate or Associate's degree, then advance to get your B.S., then proceed to law school.

1. Look into paralegal studies to start your journey to an Alabama law school. Paralegal careers pay well and offer great experience.

2. Get your undergraduate degree before applying to Alabama law schools. All law programs require a Bachelor's degree for admission.

3. Apply for law school in Alabama. Make sure to choose a school that is accredited by the American Bar Association.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider a certificate in paralegal studies to help get you into an Alabama law school

Paralegals assist attorneys, in short. Depending on their education, they may do almost as much as the attorney himself, although they do not hold bar cards. This is a great career for those interested in law but who don't have the time and/or money to attend law school for a J.D. degree. If you plan to eventually go to law school, you'll need a Bachelor's degree, but a paralegal certificate or Associate's degree can be the first step in your preparation.

I recommend: Wallace State Community College offers an A.A.S. degree in Paralegal Studies. South University also offers an Associate's degree.

Prepare yourself for admission into an Alabama school of law with an undergraduate degree

Admission into law school is extremely competitive. Getting good grades while working on your Bachelor's isn't the only deciding factor as to your acceptance into a law program; teacher recommendations and extracurricular activities factor in as well. Choose a school with a program that interests you as well as has academic clubs and caring teachers.

I recommend: Look into the Political Science major at Auburn University. Or consider doing the University of Alabama law preparation program in Huntsville.

Earn a J.D. degree from one of the accredited Alabama law schools

The J.D. is the highest degree that can be held by those in the legal industry. These degrees are usually three-year programs designed to prepare you for taking the Bar Exam. It's important that these are ABA law schools; Alabama students who go to schools that are not accredited risk not being allowed to sit for the bar.

I recommend: Apply online for the J.D. program at The University of Alabama School of Law, located in Tuscaloosa. Schedule an appointment for a tour at the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. Check out the timeline for the program at Faulkner University.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As a general rule, private schools cost more than public schools, but may offer a better curriculum. Carefully weigh your options before choosing a program of study to prepare yourself for getting one of the Alabama law degrees offered in your area.
• •  Keep in mind that online law schools in Alabama are not accredited by the ABA and you may not qualify to sit for the Bar Exam upon graduation.