There are many jobs for people who hold degrees from Maine law colleges. 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.

The state law school in Maine has strict admission requirements, and being the best student you can be will only help your chances of getting accepted. You can begin with getting a paralegal certificate, then advance to get your A.S. or B.S., then proceed to law school.

1. Look into paralegal studies to start your journey to Maine law schools. Paralegal careers pay well and offer great experience.

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

3. Apply for law school in Maine. The University of Maine Law School, the only law school in the state, is accredited by the American Bar Association and offers a great program.

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

Consider a certificate in paralegal studies to help get you into law schools in ME

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 can be the first step in your preparation.

I recommend: Get your paralegal certificate from Husson College in Bangor, which also offers an A.S. and B.S. in paralegal studies. Andover College, in Portland, offers a paralegal program as well.

Prepare yourself for admission into Maine law universities 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: Check out the University of New England, which offers a Bachelor's in Political Science with an emphasis in pre-law. Earn a B.S. in Justice Studies from University of Maine at Augusta; this degree teaches you about the many facets of our judicial and legal systems.

Earn a J.D. degree from an accredited law school in Maine

The J.D. is the highest degree that can be held by those in the legal industry. Unfortunately, there is only one campus at which to earn a Juris Doctor degree in Maine. The University of Southern Maine offers a law program through the University of Maine's campus in Portland.

I recommend: Check out the extensive knowledge of the professors at the University of Southern Maine Law School (in cooperation with the University of Maine Law School). View the tuition and fees for the J.D. program and find out how to submit an application for admission. Check out the Internet Legal Research Group to see how the school ranks.

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 a law degree in Maine.