Are you considering a career in law? A legal career can be fulfilling and full of chances, regardless of your goals: representing clients in court, negotiating corporate agreements, or working in human rights. Lawyer as a profession has high-income potential, job security, and the opportunity to truly make an effect, and hence there is huge demand for getting into law schools.
How does one become a lawyer, though? Depending on the nation in which you wish to practice, the procedures differ. A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is required in some countries, such as the US and Canada, following a bachelor’s degree. In Europe and the UK, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is typically required, followed by professional training and examinations.
This blog answers some commonly asked questions regarding the legal profession and covers how to become a lawyer, as well as what these professionals do.
Table of Contents
What Does a Lawyer Do?
Lawyers assist clients in comprehending and navigating legal issues by applying their legal expertise. The majority of lawyers carry out the following tasks, though their roles and responsibilities may differ based on their area of expertise:
- Attorneys draft a variety of legal documents, such as wills, contracts, deeds, and legal pleadings, making sure they are both legally sound and serve the interests of their clients.
- Attorneys help clients comprehend the ramifications of certain legal activities by advising them of their rights and obligations under the law.
- In order to reach agreements that are advantageous to all parties, attorneys negotiate on behalf of their clients to resolve conflicts outside of court.
- Lawyers develop solid arguments and give correct legal advice by thoroughly researching statutes, regulations, and legal precedents.
- To create compelling arguments and give sound legal advice, attorneys thoroughly investigate statutes, regulations, and prior court decisions.
Types of Law Specialisations
- Civil law
- Real estate law
- Corporate law
- Criminal law
- Tax law
- Cyber law
- Animal rights law
- Consumer protection law
- Environment law
Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria to Become a Lawyer
Here are the qualifications and eligibility criteria to become a lawyer, presented briefly in bullet points:
- High School Completion—Required to begin legal studies in all countries.
- Undergraduate Degree –
- Direct law degree (LLB) after high school in countries like the UK, India, and Australia.
- A bachelor’s degree in any subject is required before pursuing a JD in the US and Canada.
- Law Degree –
- LLB (3–5 years) or JD (3 years), depending on the country and educational background.
- Practical Training –
- Mandatory in most regions (e.g., internships, articling, pupillage, or practical legal training).
- Licensing Exam –
- Required to practice law formally (e.g., Bar exam, SQE, AIBE, or state-specific exams).
What to Consider When Selecting a Law School
Selecting the best law school is a crucial choice that will have a big influence on your legal career. Here are some things to think about:
- Ranking and reputation: Examine the standing and reputation of the law schools you are thinking about attending. Seek out universities with a solid reputation for turning out accomplished lawyers.
- Faculty and program: Consider the credentials and background of the faculty members in addition to the law school’s program. A knowledgeable teacher and a well-rounded curriculum can improve your educational experience.
- Infrastructure and Facilities: Take into account the law school’s resources, including its libraries, mock courtrooms, legal aid clinics, and online resources.
- Placement and Internship Opportunities: Examine the law school’s placement statistics and the internship programs offered to students. For internships and placements, a reputable law school should have a robust network of legal organizations and law firms.
- Campus Life and Location: Consider the law school’s campus life and location. A positive atmosphere and an active campus community can make law school a rewarding experience.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Become a Lawyer
Step 1: Complete Educational Qualifications:
To pursue a bachelor’s degree in law, you must at least finish your higher secondary education (10+2) from an accredited school board. To pursue a career in law in America, one typically needs to first hold an undergraduate degree; however, any four-year undergraduate degree can be used as a prerequisite for admission to an American law school. So all in all, you must
In the UK, however, you can directly pursue a bachelor’s law course by passing the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) exam. We have already covered all about the LNAT exam, its syllabus in 2025, and tips and strategies to ace the exam.
Step 2: Entrance Examinations
- The Law National Aptitude Test, commonly referred to as the LNAT exam, is a prerequisite for pursuing a bachelor’s degree in law in the United Kingdom.
- The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required to get into law schools in the USA
- LNAT ANZ is required for law schools in Australia and New Zealand.
Step 3: Degree in Law.
After clearing the entrance examination, one needs to get into the law college to complete a law degree, either through a 5-year integrated law course (B.A. LL.B., B.Com LL.B., etc.) or a 3-year LL.B. program after an undergraduate degree.
Step 4: Bar council registration
To practice law, candidates must register with the appropriate Bar Council of the country after earning their law degree and must pass the council exams if required.
Professional Training & Licensing Requirements
Getting a legal degree is only the beginning. You must finish professional legal training, which includes passing qualifying examinations and gaining real-world job experience, in order to become a fully qualified lawyer. Although the procedure differs from nation to nation, it usually entails:
- Legal Internships, Traineeships, or Articles
Law graduates must obtain practical experience under the guidance of seasoned lawyers in the majority of countries. This stage is known as
- Traineeship or pupillage in countries like the UK.
- Articling: In Canada, before obtaining full legal qualifications, recent law graduates serve as articling students for approximately a year under a licensed attorney.
- Judicial Clerkships: In certain nations, such as the US, law graduates can participate in clerkship programs where they work for judges prior to joining a legal practice.
- Bar exams
You must pass a bar test or other professional evaluation in order to obtain a legal license. Legal knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to apply the law in actual situations are all assessed by these exams. Here are the major examples:
- In the UK, aspirants must clear the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE).
- The US and Canada have a bar exam.
- Additional Licensing and Bar Association Registration
To practice law after completing their training, lawyers must register with a bar organization or law society.
Planning to Study Law Abroad? We’ll Help You Get There.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer?
The length of time needed to become a lawyer varies by nation. If you enroll in a rigorous program or forego optional postgraduate degrees, several nations offer quicker routes. Here is a comparison between different countries:
Country | Undergraduate Degree | Postgraduate Law Degree | Practical Training | Total Time Required |
United States | 4 years (any subject) | 3 years (JD) | None (except clerkships) | 7 years |
United Kingdom | 3 years (LLB) | 1 year (GDL, if non-law degree) | 1–2 years (SQE for solicitors, pupillage for barristers) | 5–6 years |
Canada | 4 years (any subject) | 3 years (JD) | 9–12 months (articling or LPP) | 6–7 years |
Australia | 3–4 years (LLB) | 3 years (JD, if non-law degree) | 6–12 months (PLT) | 5–6 years |
Germany | 4–5 years (law degree) | Not required | 2 years (Rechtsreferendariat) | 7–8 years |
France | 3–4 years (law degree) | 1–2 years (Master’s in Law) | 18 months (bar school + internship) | 6–7 years |
Italy | 5 years (law degree) | Not required | 18 months (practical training) | 6–7 years |
Spain | 5 years (law degree) | Not required | 1–2 years (practical training) | 6–7 years |
India | 5 years (BA LLB) or 3 years (LLB after BA) | Not required | 1 year (internship after degree) | 6 years |
How to Become a Lawyer in Popular Countries
Around the world, becoming a lawyer involves different steps. The precise procedures vary by nation, but all legal systems demand schooling, hands-on training, and a license exam. An outline of how to become a lawyer in some of the most well-known countries:
- How to practice law in the United States.
A bachelor’s degree must be earned before enrolling in law school in the United States because law is a postgraduate degree. The procedure consists of:
Get your bachelor’s degree. Although any subject can be studied, many students opt to study business, criminal justice, or political science.
Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), a standardized exam needed to apply to law schools.
Earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Three years of law school are spent studying legal theory, research, and case law.
Pass the bar exam.
Top 10 Law Schools in the US – Rankings & Guide
- How to practice law in the United Kingdom.
Law can be studied in the UK as an undergraduate degree (LLB) or as a conversion course if you previously studied another topic. Whether you desire to become a lawyer or a barrister will determine your course:
Obtain a legal degree (LLB) or enroll in a GDL or PGDL law conversion course. If your first degree is not in law, you must take a conversion course.
- How to practise law in Canada
The following procedures must be followed in order to become a lawyer in Canada:
A three-year law program requires enrollment at a university approved by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada in order to earn a JD or LLB.
Finish an article or a course on legal practice. This is a 9–12 month internship with a licensed attorney.
Pass the bar exam.
- How to practice law in Australia.
Both undergraduate and graduate degrees in law are available in Australia. Here’s what the procedure looks like briefly
Get a law degree (LLB or JD). LLB is an undergraduate degree, and JD is a postgraduate degree.
Complete a supervised internship or practical legal training (PLT); these programs typically require practical experience and often last six months to a year.
You must register with the state law society in the area.
Final Thoughts
A law degree, practical training, and a final qualifying exam are all necessary steps in the legal profession, regardless of where you intend to practice. It’s crucial to inquire with the local bar organization or law society about the precise procedures required in your area, as every nation has a different legal system and set of regulations.
Career Options After Becoming a Lawyer
1. Litigation: Handle legal disputes and represent clients in court in both civil and criminal proceedings.
2. Corporate law: One can also work in the corporate sector by handling laws related to business. Like a merger, an acquisition, etc.
3. Public Service: Serve as a public prosecutor.
4. Academia: Choose to work as a professor and researcher at universities and law schools.
5. Specialised Legal fields: Explore opportunities in fields like tax law, property law, etc.
FAQ on How to Become a Lawyer
Q. What education do I need before going to law school?
The level of education required before entering law school varies per nation. Before applying to a law school for a JD, you must first finish a three- to four-year undergraduate degree in any field in the US and Canada. In contrast, nations such as the United Kingdom, India, and Australia permit students to enrol in a three- to five-year LLB program and start legal studies right out of high school. Before starting legal training, you can frequently enroll in a one-year conversion course, such as the GDL (UK) or JD (Australia), if you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree that isn’t in law.
Q. How important is internship experience before becoming a lawyer?
Although it is not often legally needed, internship experience is extremely helpful prior to becoming a lawyer. It enhances your knowledge of many legal topics, gives you hands-on experience with legal work, and aids in the development of professional networks. Additionally, internships can greatly improve your resume and increase your competitiveness when applying for training contracts or law school admissions. While internships, particularly during undergraduate years, can show a significant interest in the profession, they are typically required after law school in nations like India, the UK, and Canada. All things considered, internships are a crucial first step towards developing a prosperous legal profession.
Q. Can I become a lawyer without passing a bar exam?
In most countries, you cannot legally practice as a full lawyer without passing a bar exam or its equivalent.Â
