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The path to becoming an attorney isn’t a short one, and it certainly isn’t simple. If you’re thinking about going into law, then you know you’ll be committing quite a few years to the process of getting there. Find out what lawyers do, how to become one, and how much you can expect to earn.
As a lawyer, you will be hired to legally represent an individual, a corporation, a business, or some other type of entity within a court of law. You may have specialized in an area like immigration, divorce/family, business, or the many other areas of the field.
Your duties will be dependent on what type of attorney you are, and what type of law firm you’re in.
You’ll work with the government, in a law firm, on retainer with a corporation, or as a self-employed lawyer.
Maybe you’re just fulfilling your destiny, coming from a long line of lawyers, or maybe you are thinking that becoming an attorney is just a good way to support yourself. Whatever your reason, you have decided to become a lawyer. Here’s what you’re going to need to do:
The Bar Exam will allow you to practice in the state you took it in. Some states have reciprocity in other states. However, if you plan on practicing law in more than one state, then expect to take more than one Bar exam.
Once you’re practicing law, you’ll be working more than the typical 40-hour work week. It’s not uncommon for lawyers to work evenings and weekends, especially when in the thick of a case. The average salary for lawyers was $176,470 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the top 10 percent earning significantly more.
If you own your own firm, you may make less than you would as a partner in a firm. But, it’s also not uncommon for attorneys to be self employed. You will have to do what works best for you.
The BLS also predicts that by 2032, demand for lawyers will increase 8 percent, which is faster growth than that of the national average. This translates to about 39,100 new job openings for lawyers every year throughout the next decade.
If you're someone with excellent research skills, and a passion for law and legal history, becoming a lawyer could be a great fit for you.