Trained professionals who are responsible for handling legal matters are called Lawyers. Their work may involve preparing legal documents and advising clients. If you are passionate about studying and practicing law, then read this article on how to become a Lawyer in Oregon.
Are you trustworthy, articulate, and competent? If yes, then a career in law would suit you best.
Practicing law is quite hard and complicated since it requires knowledge of different fields. In order to ensure that Lawyers have the required knowledge and skill-set to work in this field, different states have set certain standards that individuals are required to meet. These job requirements are discussed below. The data listed below has been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Outlook
The career projections published by BLS reveal that there will be a 6% career growth for Lawyers from 2018 to 2028.
Steps to Become a Lawyer in Oregon
The information presented below will help you learn how to become a Lawyer in Oregon.
Step 1: Acquire Undergraduate Education
You won’t be allowed to enroll in a professional law school if you have not completed your undergraduate education. Therefore, the first step is to enroll in a 4-year long Bachelor’s program. There are no restrictions as to which major you should opt for at the undergrad level.
Step 2: Enroll in a Law School
An impressive score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required in order to get into a top-tier law school as the admissions committee gives LSAT score a significant weight in the application process. The LSAT is a standardized test that determines the candidate’s aptitude and ability to excel in law school. Several months of preparation is usually required to ace this exam. Once you are done with this test, you can start sending your admission applications to different law schools.
Step 3: Graduate from 3-year Long Law School
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree will help you build a foundation in legal writing, analysis, and theory. In order to complete your J.D. program, you will be required to study many modules, such as American Legal History, Legal Methods, Contracts, Administrative Law, Insurance Law, Trial Advocacy, Wills and Trusts, Advanced Torts, Information Privacy Law, and Advanced Legal Research. It can take you around three years to obtain the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Step 4: Pass the Bar Exam and the Background Check
Once you are done with law school, you will be required to sit for the written bar exam. A passing score on this test is needed if you want to get admitted to the Oregon State Bar. Moreover, you will also have to pass an intensive background investigation. The purpose of this investigation is to see whether the candidate has a good moral character. After clearing all of these steps, you will be given your license.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Oregon?
If you have decided to become a Lawyer, then buckle up for a long and hard journey! First of all, you will have to earn a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline. After completing a 4-year college, you will have to enroll in a 3-year long Juris Doctor (J.D.) program. Upon completing these degrees, you will have to take and pass the bar exam. Moreover, you will also have to clear a background screening, to become eligible to practice law in Oregon.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Oregon?
Candidates who want to practice law in ‘The Beaver State’ must be admitted to the Oregon State Bar. In order to get admitted to the bar, the candidate has to meet the following conditions.
The person must:
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Complete at least three years of legal education. The J.D. degree must be obtained from an accredited law school.
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Pass a background investigation.
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Pass the written bar exam.
How Much Does a Lawyer Earn in Oregon?
Salary data published by BLS shows that Lawyers employed in Oregon made an annual mean income of $116,860 in 2019.