There are many jobs for people who hold a law degree in South Carolina. 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.

South Carolina law schools have 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 a South Carolina school of law. Paralegal careers pay well and offer great experience.

2. Get your undergraduate degree before applying to a law school. South Carolina law programs require a Bachelor's degree for admission.

3. Apply for admission to law schools; South Carolina programs should be accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

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 South Carolina

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 A.S. can be the first step in your preparation.

I recommend: Check out the paralegal certificate program at Midlands Technical College. Earn an Associate's degree or a certificate at Trident Technical College, located in Charleston.

Prepare yourself for admission into law schools in SC 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: Take a look at the courses offered as part of the Political Science degree at Clemson University. Alternatively, you can minor in Pre-Law at Coastal Carolina University; that way, you can choose a major that will help you become more well-rounded and thus look better when you go to apply for law school.

Earn a J.D. degree from one of the accredited law schools in South Carolina

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; South Carolina students who go to schools that are not accredited risk not being allowed to sit for the bar.

I recommend: Think about attending a dual-degree program at the public University of South Carolina School of Law. If you have a full-time job or daytime child-care duties, consider applying for the evening program at the private Charleston School of Law.

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 SC.