Lawyers are highly trained people who have earned a doctoral degree in law. They pass a State-conducted Bar Exam to become licensed and practice the law. Their job is to give legal advice to their clients and represent them in a court of law to resolve legal problems.
Should I Become a Lawyer in Minnesota?
If you are a resident of Minnesota or want to work in this state as a Lawyer, you must meet all the requirements set by the state. For instance, all lawyers in Minnesota must take and clear the State Bar Exam which is regulated by the Minnesota State Board of Law Examiners. To be eligible for this exam, you must possess an ABA-accredited Juris Doctorate. Further details on this career are mentioned as follows.
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Education Required
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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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Minnesota Bar Exam
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Experience/Training
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Not required
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Key Skills
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Critical-thinking, Attention-to-detail, Research, Communication, Analytical, Interpersonal, and Problem-solving Skills, etc.
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Annual Mean Salary (2019) -
Minnesota
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$124,510
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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 assessed a 6% increase in employment for Lawyers in the US between 2018-2028. 657,170 lawyers were working in the US in 2019, and 11,420 of them were from the state of Minnesota.
Steps to Become a Lawyer in Minnesota
Have you always dreamt of working as a lawyer in the state of Minnesota? If that is the case, then here is a complete guideline for you that explains all the milestones of this journey.
1. Getting a Bachelor’s Degree
If you want to enroll in a law school, you must have earned a 4 -year bachelor’s degree to do so. Completing an accredited bachelor’s degree is always better as it is recognized and preferred by admission committees. It is not required for students to study law-related courses in a bachelor’s degree. However, it is beneficial to take up some law courses.
2. Passing the LSAT Exam
The LSAT is an extremely competitive exam which must be cleared by all prospective candidates who want to enroll in a law school. If you want to enroll in a well-renowned law school, then you must get an excellent score in the LSAT exam.
3. Getting a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) Degree
A J.D. is a doctoral degree in law that must be earned by everyone who wants to become a Lawyer. Since all lawyers must pass the Bar Exam, they must enroll in a J.D. that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). A typical J.D. degree takes about 3 years to complete.
4. Becoming Licensed by Passing the Minnesota State Bar Exam
The Minnesota State Board of Law Examiners regulates the Bar Exam for all lawyers in this state. No lawyers can practice the law without clearing the Minnesota State Bar Exam.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Minnesota?
It may take approximately 7 to 8 years for anyone to be able to work as a lawyer in Minnesota. This timeline includes graduating from a 4-year bachelor’s degree with 3 years of J.D. at a law school. Apart from that, the time spent in preparing for and passing the LSAT and the State Bar Exam is also counted in this duration.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Minnesota?
To become a Lawyer in Minnesota, all candidates must fulfill the state-set requirements such as:
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Be 18 years old at least
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Have a good moral character
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Be medically fit
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Hold a 4-year bachelor’s degree
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Clear the LSAT exam
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Earn an ABA-accredited Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from a law school
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Pass the Minnesota State Bar Exam
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Get the state-issued lawyer’s license
How Much Can I Make as a Lawyer in Minnesota?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2019 that Lawyers working in the state of Minnesota earned an annual mean salary of $124,510. While the District of Columbia was listed as the highest paying state for this profession with an annual mean salary of $192,180.