Law Education and Training

Identify and participate in the appropriate law education and training

A legal career requires several years of education. Many law students begin their education in a college pre-law program. From there, students complete a three-year law school program leading to a juris doctorate.

In law school, students study specific law cases and learn more about legal subjects, such as constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, contracts, criminal procedure, property law, the organization of American legal system, legal research and writing, and torts. In addition, students engage in mock trials, which prepare them for presenting a case in court. To obtain the law education and training that's right for you:

1. Obtain the necessary pre-law training to adequately prepare you for law school.

2. Attend and complete a law school program certified by the American Bar Association.

3. Participate in clinical programs that allow you to apply your skills to specific legal cases.

 

Identify and apply to a law school accredited by the American Bar Association

It's important to find a law school that is the best match for you. Some schools offer a more clinical approach, allowing for experiential learning. Other schools offer specializations in particular areas of law.
Try: Search for law schools by going to HG.org Worldwide Legal Directories, which provides links to categories, such as "Top US Law Schools," "Law Schools Online," or "Low Cost Law Schools." You may also want to check the Law School Admission Council, Official Guide to ABA Approved Law Schools. This interactive link allows you to narrow your search according to various factors.

Pass the bar to demonstrate your knowledge of statutes and other aspects of the legal system

The bar exam is a rite of passage for anyone wishing to practice law; however, passing it isn't a guarantee. Many law students take courses and spend months training to pass the bar.
Try: Consider enrolling in a home study course to prepare for the bar exam, such as the Study Group Personal Bar Review. Ameribar is another home study course that provides preparation for the bar exam in several jurisdictions. They also offer focused one-on-one tutoring sessions. You can review and order products from their website.

Apply for internships or a clerkship where you can put the legal information you've attained to use

The only way you'll become comfortable with the judicial system is to apply the skills you've learned throughout your training. One great way to accomplish this is through a school's clinical program. Some schools also require a certain number of pro-bono hours, which may apply towards the clinical program.
Try: Check the list of paid Washington D.C. Internships posted by the University of California San Diego Career Services. You'll find links to various organizations in the areas of law and legislation as well as social justice and civil rights. Look for international internships at the American Bar Association's International Internship Program Law Firm Profile Listing.

 

• Take opportunities to network frequently, establishing strong relationships throughout your training. Frequently, these personal contacts lead to your first job.
• Participate in select extracurricular activities to enhance your overall profile and obtain more law information. Activities might include the serving as a writer or editor on your school's law review or taking part in clubs dedicated to particular legal fields, such as environmental law or corporate law.

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