The US Bureau of Labor Statistics describes lawyers as highly trained individuals who are licensed to advise their clients on legal matters. They also represent them in a court of law as and when needed to resolve legal issues.
Should I Become a Lawyer in Massachusetts?
If becoming a lawyer in the state of Massachusetts is your passion, then you must meet all requirements set by the state. For example, you must graduate from an ABA-accredited Juris Doctorate and pass the Massachusetts State Bar Exam to become licensed. No lawyers can practice the law if they do not possess a state-issued license. More details on this career are explained below.
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Education Required
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A doctoral or professional degree (J.D.)
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Major Requirement
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Law
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License/Certification
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Pass the Massachusetts State Bar Exam and get licensed
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Experience/Training
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Completing an internship or doing volunteer work is recommended
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Key Skills
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Communication, Analytical, Critical-thinking, Attention-to-detail, Research, Interpersonal, and Problem-solving Skills, etc.
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Annual Mean Salary (2019) -
Massachusetts
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$164,800
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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
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated a 6% rise in employment level for Lawyers from 2018-2028. Whereas 657,170 Lawyers were employed all over the US in 2019, and 18,750 were working in Massachusetts.
Steps to Become a Lawyer in Massachusetts
Do you dream of becoming a lawyer in the state of Massachusetts? If that is a yes, then this step by step career guide may be of help to you.
1. Complete a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree
The first step of this journey begins with the completion of a 4 -year bachelor’s degree. Make sure that your degree is accredited by relevant authorities. Although it is not necessary to take courses in law during this degree, doing so would benefit you later in law school.
2. Pass the LSAT Exam
LSAT is the Law School Admission Test which must be passed to enroll in a law school. If you want to attend a prestigious law school, you must get an excellent score as it is a highly competitive exam.
3. Get a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) Degree
A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) is a doctoral degree in law and it must be accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). A J.D. degree can be completed in approximately 3 years. Numerous ABA-accredited law schools in Massachusetts offer a J.D. degree.
4. Become Licensed by Passing the Massachusetts State Bar Exam
The Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners administers the Bar Exam for lawyers in this state. All lawyers must clear the Massachusetts State Bar Exam which includes the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), Multistate Performance Test (MPT), and Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) to become licensed in this state.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Massachusetts?
Becoming a lawyer in Massachusetts may take about 7 to 8 years overall. This duration includes completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree, 3 years of J.D. at a law school, and the time required to prepare and clear the LSAT and the Bar Exam.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Massachusetts?
To become a Lawyer in the state of Massachusetts, all aspiring candidates must:
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Earn a 4-year bachelor’s degree
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Pass the LSAT exam
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Graduate from a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school
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Clear the Massachusetts State Bar Exam
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Acquire the state-issued lawyer’s license
How Much Can I Make as a Lawyer in Massachusetts?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Lawyers employed in the state of Massachusetts had an annual mean salary of $164,800 in 2019. The District of Columbia was reported as the highest paying state for this occupation with an annual mean salary of $192,180.