A lawyer is someone who has a license to practice law and provides valuable consultations to his/her clients. A lawyer also represents people in a court of law to resolve legal matters. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, all lawyers who want to practice in the US must clear a Bar Exam of their respective states to become licensed.
Should I Become a Lawyer in Maryland?
If you are interested in becoming a lawyer in the state of Maryland, then you must fulfill all state-set requirements. For instance, you must earn an ABA-accredited doctoral degree in law. Moreover, lawyers in Maryland are required to take and pass the Maryland State Bar Exam if they want to become licensed. Lawyers cannot practice law if they do not get licensed. Further details 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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Pass the Bar Exam to get licensed
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Experience/Training
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Doing an internship or volunteer work is suggested
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Key Skills
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Attention-to-detail, Communication, Analytical, Critical-thinking, Interpersonal, Research, and Problem-solving Skills, etc.
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Annual Mean Salary (2019) - Maryland
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$135,500
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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%
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)
Career Outlook
A 6% employment increase between 2018-2028 has been projected for Lawyers in the US by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the other hand, 657,170 Lawyers were representing the residents of the US in 2019, with 12,840 of those were employed in the state of Maryland.
Steps to Become a Lawyer in Maryland
Are you passionate about becoming a lawyer in the state of Maryland? If so, check out this detailed step by step guideline that may help you out.
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Get a Bachelor’s Degree
The first milestone on this journey is the completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. A typical bachelor’s degree can take approximately 4 years to complete. Taking courses in law during your bachelor’s degree can help you prepare for the LSAT and the advanced curriculum of law school.
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Clear the LSAT Exam
LSAT is an acronym for the Law School Admission Test. The LSAT exam is like a doorway that provides entry into a law school. All candidates must pass this and get a good score if they want to enroll in a well-reputed law school.
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Earn a Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
The doctoral degree in law is typically known as a Juris Doctorate (J.D.). All aspiring lawyers must earn this degree from a law school that has been accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Usually, a J.D. can take about 3 years to complete. Several ABA-accredited law schools in this state, such as the University of Maryland, and the University of Baltimore offer a J.D. degree.
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Pass the Maryland State Bar Exam to Earn Your License
The Maryland State Board of Law Examiners acts as the regulatory authority for lawyers in this state. All lawyers must take and clear the Maryland State Bar Exam if they want to become licensed and practice law in this state.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Maryland?
Completing a bachelor’s degree in 4 years, a Juris Doctorate in 3 years makes a total of 7 years. However, you must add a few months for the preparation of the LSAT, clearing the Maryland State Bar Exam, and the acquisition of licensure. So, it is safe to say that it takes about 8 years to become a lawyer in Maryland, approximately.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Maryland?
Do you want to become a Lawyer in the state of Maryland? If that is the case, all lawyers must meet the state-set requirements. You must:
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Possess a 4-year bachelor’s degree (from an accredited institution)
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Have cleared the LSAT exam (preferably with a good score)
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Graduated from a Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school
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Have passed the Maryland State Bar Exam
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Have obtained the Maryland State Lawyer’s license
How Much Can I Make as a Lawyer in Maryland?
In 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that Lawyers employed in the state of Maryland had an annual mean salary of $135,500. While the District of Columbia was listed as the highest paying state for this career with an annual mean salary of $192,180.