Law School Basics

Law school has a reputation as one of the most demanding and most expensive graduate paths. It also leads to some of the most varied careers, from courtrooms to boardrooms to government and advocacy. Because the stakes are high and the system has quirks that surprise newcomers, a clear picture of how it works is worth having before you start. This guide gives an introduction to law school in the United States, with notes on how other countries differ.

Legal education and licensing rules differ by country and by state, and they change. This guide uses no figures and is general information, not legal or career advice. Check the licensing authority and the law schools you are considering.

How legal education works in the US

In most of the United States, the typical route to becoming a lawyer is:

1. Complete an undergraduate degree in any subject.
2. Apply to law school and earn a Juris Doctor, or JD.
3. Pass the bar exam in the state where you want to practice.
4. Meet character and fitness requirements set by that state.
5. Be admitted to the bar and, in many cases, continue legal education throughout your career.

Law school is graduate study that begins after a bachelor's degree. Unlike in many other countries, law is not usually an undergraduate subject for those who want to practice. Rules differ by state, and a few states allow other routes, so check the state you care about.

The JD and other degrees

• The Juris Doctor (JD) is the main professional law degree, and the one most people need to become practicing lawyers.
• Master of Laws (LLM) programs are shorter and often taken by lawyers trained elsewhere or by those who want to specialize.
• Other law degrees exist, such as research doctorates for those who want academic careers.
• Joint degrees, such as a JD with a master's in business or public policy, allow you to combine fields.

If you are a foreign-trained lawyer, rules for practicing in a US state vary greatly. Check with the state bar.

What law schools look for

Admissions typically weigh:

• Undergraduate grades, and the strength of your program.
• Standardized test scores, where used. Policies on tests have been changing, so check each school.
• Personal statement, which shows your writing and motivation.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Work experience and activities.
• Resume and addenda, where you explain anything unusual.
• Character and fitness disclosures, which you must report honestly.

Law schools often publish information about the range of grades and scores among admitted students. Use it as a guide, not as a prediction. Our guide to statement of purpose tips offers general advice that applies to personal statements.

What the three years involve

Most JD programs follow a pattern.

• First year: core courses such as contracts, property, torts, civil procedure, criminal law and constitutional law, plus legal writing. Teaching often uses the Socratic method, in which professors question students in class, and grades may rest heavily on final exams.
• Second and third years: electives in areas you care about, clinics, journals, moot court and internships. Many students gain practical experience through clinics and summer jobs.
• Throughout: reading is heavy, competition can be intense and stress is common.

The first year is often the hardest and the most formative. Ask current students how they cope and how the school supports wellbeing.

Costs and funding

Law school is expensive in many places, and borrowing is common. Consider:

• Tuition and fees, which vary a great deal between schools.
• Living costs, especially in expensive cities.
• Lost income during three years of study.
• Scholarships, which many schools award to attract strong applicants.
• Loans and repayment, including options for public service careers.
• Likely earnings, which differ widely by career path.

Compare offers carefully, since scholarship amounts can change the real cost of two schools dramatically. Our guide to comparing graduate school costs shows how to build a total, and

The bar exam and licensing

Graduating from law school does not by itself let you practice. In most US states you must:

• Pass the bar exam, a multi-part test of legal knowledge and skills, over a couple of days.
• Pass an ethics exam, in many states.
• Pass character and fitness review, which looks at your background.
• Be sworn in.

Bar pass rates differ between schools and states, and law schools often publish them. Check the state bar's official website for current requirements, since rules and exam formats change.

Career paths

A law degree opens many doors.

• Private practice, from small firms to large ones.
• Government and public service, including prosecution, public defense and agencies.
• Public interest and nonprofit work, often with lower pay and special loan support.
• In-house counsel for companies.
• Judicial clerkships, which are competitive and prestigious.
• Academia.
• Policy, compliance and business roles that value legal training.

Salaries differ widely, and averages hide big gaps between paths. Ask schools for real outcomes data, such as where graduates work and how many are employed in jobs requiring a license.

Questions to ask yourself

1. Why do I want to be a lawyer? Check your picture against the reality by talking to practicing lawyers.
2. What kind of law interests me, and what does day-to-day work look like?
3. Can I afford it, and what is my plan for debt?
4. Am I ready for a demanding course of reading, writing and exams?
5. Do I need a JD for the career I want, or are there other routes?
6. Where do I want to practice? The state and city matter.

Choosing a law school

• Check accreditation, since graduating from an accredited school is usually required to sit the bar.
• Look at outcomes: bar passage, employment and where graduates work.
• Look at cost and scholarships.
• Look at location, which affects where you will build contacts.
• Look at programs and clinics in areas you care about.
• Look at culture and support.
• Talk to students and alumni.

Other countries

Legal education differs greatly around the world.

• In some countries, law is an undergraduate degree, followed by vocational training and apprenticeship.
• In others, a graduate law degree is available but not required.
• Licensing is controlled by national or regional bodies, with their own exams and rules.
• Foreign-qualified lawyers often need additional study or exams.

If you plan to practice somewhere specific, check that jurisdiction's regulator before choosing a degree.

A worked example

Imagine a student who loves public policy and wants to work on housing law. Before applying, she speaks with two housing lawyers and a law student, who describe long hours but meaningful work. She shortlists schools with strong clinics in housing and checks their bar passage and public-interest employment data. She applies to several, compares scholarship offers and chooses a school with a loan repayment program for public service graduates and a clinic in her area of interest.

By checking fit, outcomes and cost, she made an informed choice.

Wellbeing in law school

Law school can be stressful, with heavy reading, competitive grading and high expectations. Ask schools about counseling, peer support and how they handle the pressure of first-year exams. Build routines for sleep, exercise and friendships early, and do not wait until you are struggling to ask for help.

Pre-law preparation

You do not need a special major, but strong reading, writing and analytical skills matter. Courses that demand careful argument, such as philosophy, history, political science and English, are common, but so are sciences and business. Work or volunteer experience in a legal setting can also help you test your interest.

Common mistakes

• Applying without understanding the work.
• Ignoring cost and debt.
• Choosing a school without checking bar passage and employment data.
• Not checking the licensing rules for the state where you want to practice.
• Assuming any major is fine without building strong grades.
• Underestimating the intensity of the first year.
• Neglecting wellbeing.

A quick checklist

• Do I understand what lawyers actually do, and want that?
• Is the law school accredited and recognized for the state I need?
• Do I know the total cost, scholarships and debt plan?
• Have I checked outcomes: bar passage and employment?
• Have I checked my target jurisdiction's rules?

Final thoughts

Law school can open many careers, but it is a heavy investment of time, money and energy. Learn what lawyers do, check accreditation and outcomes, and plan your finances. Check the rules where you want to practice, and talk to people in the profession. With clear eyes, you can decide if the road is right for you.