Lawyers, as described by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, are licensed experts of the law. Their typical duties include serving clients by counseling them on legal issues and representing them in the court of law. In other words, lawyers help their clients in handling legal matters.
Should I Become a Lawyer in Idaho?
The Idaho Bar Commission (IBC) is monitored by the Idaho Supreme Court and it regulates all Bar exams in the state. The IBC is also responsible for providing licensure for all lawyers in the state of Idaho. To work as a lawyer in this state, candidates must earn a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Further details on how to become a lawyer in Idaho are explained below.
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Education Required
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A doctoral or professional degree
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Major Requirement
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Law
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License/Certification
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Clear the Idaho State Bar Exam to get a license
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Experience/Training
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Completing an internship or doing volunteer work is advantageous
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Key Skills
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Critical-thinking, Attention-to-detail, Interpersonal, Communication, Analytical, Research, and Problem-solving Skills, etc.
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Annual Mean Salary (2019) -
Idaho
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$105,450
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Annual Mean Salary (2019) -
National
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$145,300
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Job Outlook (2018-2028)
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6% (As fast as average)
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)
Career Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, lawyers are anticipated to see a 6% employment growth between 2018 to 2028. In addition to that, 657,170 Lawyers were serving the residents of the United States in 2019, and this figure is projected to grow by up to 874,000 by 2028. 2,110 of these lawyers were employed in the state of Idaho in 2019.
Steps to Become a Lawyer in Idaho
If practicing law is your passion and your goal is to work as a Lawyer in Idaho, then this easy to follow career guide can help you achieve your goal.
Step-1: Obtain a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree
Building a career in law requires you to earn a doctoral degree from a law school and without completing a 4-year bachelor’s degree, you cannot enroll in a law school. Taking law-related courses during your bachelor’s degree would equip you with the basic knowledge needed to take the LSAT exam.
Step-2: Clear the LSAT Exam
LSAT stands for the Law School Aptitude Test that must be cleared to attend a law school. If you are interested in attending a well-recognized ABA-accredited law school, you must secure a very good score in the LSAT exam.
Step-3: Get a Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree
After clearing the LSAT exam, you become eligible to enroll in a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at a law school. A typical J.D. degree, accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), can be completed in approximately 3 years. Several universities in Idaho, such as the University of Idaho, offer an ABA-accredited J.D. degree.
Step-4: Getting Licensed by Clearing the Idaho State Bar Exam
The last step on this road is to apply for the Idaho State Bar Exam that is regulated by the Idaho Bar Commission (IBC). Once you take and clear this exam, you can obtain the license required to practice law in this state.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Idaho?
The overall duration needed to become a licensed lawyer in the state of Idaho is approximately 7 to 8 years of hard work. This timeline includes 4 years of bachelor’s degree, 3 years of attending an ABA-accredited law school, and a few months preparation needed to pass the Idaho State Bar Exam to get licensed.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Idaho?
To work as a licensed lawyer in the state of Idaho, all aspiring lawyers are required to meet the requirements set by the Idaho Bar Commission (IBC). According to the IBC, candidates must have,
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Completed a bachelor’s degree
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Cleared the LSAT exam
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Earned an ABA-accredited J.D. degree from a law school
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Passed the Idaho State Bar Exam
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Obtained a license to practice the law in Idaho
How Much Can I Make as a Lawyer in Idaho?
As per the data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, Lawyers employed in the state of Idaho earned an annual mean salary of $105,450. In addition to that, the District of Columbia was reported as the highest paying state for this profession with an annual mean salary of $192,180.