A career in law promises job stability, good financial rewards, and growth opportunities. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the yearly mean salary of lawyers working in Oklahoma in 2019 was $116,270. If you are attracted by the monetary benefits associated with this profession, then make sure you give this article a read. This guide will help you figure out how to become a Lawyer in Oklahoma.
Are you intelligent, confident, and well-spoken? If yes, then you are an ideal candidate for a legal position.
Candidates who aim to practice law in the United States have to meet several conditions. These are briefly discussed in the table below. The guidelines and statistics mentioned below have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Outlook
BLS has estimated that Lawyers will experience favorable employment growth of 6% through 2028.
Steps to Become a Lawyer in Oklahoma
Skim through this section to learn how to become a Lawyer in Oklahoma.
Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
A 4-year long undergraduate degree will help you prepare you for law school. Therefore, you should aim to enroll in a Bachelor’s program right after completing high school. Lawyers are not required to study any specific pre-law majors, however, a liberal arts education is generally recommended.
Step 2: Get Admitted to a Law School
In order to get into an accredited law school, you will have to pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Once this test has been cleared, you can begin working on your admission application. The admissions committee usually looks at the students’ transcripts, CGPA, LSAT score, and personal statements, before making an admission decision. If you are lucky enough, you will be given a place on the Juris Doctor (J.D.) program.
Step 3: Work Hard and Graduate from Law School
It will take you approximately three years to get done with your Juris Doctor (J.D.) program. During your course of study, you will explore a range of modules, such as Contracts, Criminal Law, Oral Advocacy, Torts, and Brief Writing, etc. While studying at law school, you should also try to participate in moot courts to build your speaking skills and sharpen your advocacy skills.
Step 4: Meet Examination Requirements
After obtaining a J.D. degree, you will be required to take the Oklahoma bar exam. The essay portion of the bar exam covers a range of topics, such as Family Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law, Criminal Law, Procedural Law, Commercial Law, and Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct. Moreover, you will also be required to take the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). If you can get a scaled score of 75 or higher on this exam, you will become eligible to practice law in the state, provided that you have passed the character and fitness screening.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Oklahoma?
Candidates usually need 7-8 years of post-high school education in order to become eligible to practice law. They have to complete a 4-year long Bachelor’s degree, followed by an intensive 3-year long Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. After getting the required qualifications, candidates have to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) and the bar exam. Moreover, they also have to meet the character and fitness screening standards.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Oklahoma?
‘The Sooner State’ requires prospective Lawyers to meet several qualification and examination requirements. These are listed below.
Individuals are expected to:
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Get a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-approved law school;
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Pass the Oklahoma bar exam;
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Clear the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)
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Have a good moral character.
How Much Does a Lawyer Earn in Oklahoma?
Official wage data extracted from BLS indicates that Lawyers working in Oklahoma made a decent yearly mean pay of $116,270 in 2019. This figure is lower than that year’s national average.