According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a Lawyer must possess an ABA-accredited Juris Doctorate. The common description of a lawyers’ job is that they give legal advice to their clients and represent them in the court of law.
Should I Become a Lawyer in South Carolina?
The South Carolina State Bar regulates the legal profession in the state, and it operates under the supervision of the Supreme court of South Carolina. To practice law in this state, lawyers need to pass the State Bar Exam after getting permission from the South Carolina State Bar. Further details on this career are explained below.
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Education Required
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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 South Carolina State Bar Exam and obtain a license
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Experience/Training
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An internship or volunteer work is beneficial
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Key Skills
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Communication, Analytical, Critical-thinking, Research, Interpersonal, Attention-to-detail, and Problem-solving Skills, etc.
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Annual Mean Salary (2019) -
South Carolina
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$111,090
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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
Lawyers are expected to experience a 6% rise in employment between 2018 and 2028 as projected by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2019, a total of 657,170 Lawyers were employed in the US, and 6,350 of them belonged to the state of South Carolina. The employment level for Lawyers in the US is supposed to increase by up to 874,000 by 2028.
Steps to Become a Lawyer in South Carolina
Do you want to help the residents of South Carolina with legal matters and get their issues resolved as a lawyer? If that has always been your goal, this detailed career guide can help you achieve it.
Step-1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
To become a lawyer in South Carolina, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree that typically takes 4 years to complete. You can graduate in any subject of your choice.
Step-2: Pass the LSAT Exam
The Law School Admission Test or otherwise called the LSAT is a mandatory test for all those who want to attend a law school. It is incredibly competitive and well-renowned law schools often admit candidates with excellent LSAT scores.
Step-3: Complete a Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
Once you successfully enroll in a law school, you must graduate with a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) which takes about 3 years to complete. Numerous ABA-accredited law schools in South Carolina offer a J.D., such as the University of South Carolina.
Step-4: Clear the South Carolina State Bar Exam
The South Carolina State Bar regulates the testing process of all Bar Exams in this state. All lawyers must take and pass the South Carolina State Bar Exam after getting permission from the State Bar. Lawyers cannot become licensed if they do not clear this exam.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in South Carolina?
In the first step, completing a bachelor’s degree takes about 4 years and that is followed by the second step, LSAT which may take a few months. The third step, getting a J.D. from a law school can take about 3 years. Whereas the last step, taking the State Bar Exam, may take a few months as well. So, overall, anyone can become a lawyer in around 7 to 8 years.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in South Carolina?
To work as a Lawyer in the state of South Carolina, all interested individuals must:
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Have a good moral character
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Be at least 21 years of age
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Have graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA
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Have cleared the South Carolina Bar Exam
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Be cleared by a panel of the South Carolina Bar Committee on character and fitness
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Have received a scaled score of at least 77 on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners
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Not be disbarred, or suspended from the practice of law
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Not be the subject of any pending disciplinary proceeding in another jurisdiction
How Much Can I Make as a Lawyer in South Carolina?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2019 that Lawyers in the state of South Carolina had an annual mean salary of $111,090.