Lawyers are responsible for carrying out a range of duties, such as advising clients, helping them draft legal documents, collecting overdue bills, and more. If this profession fascinates you, then you should think about becoming a Lawyer. This guide will help you understand how to become a Lawyer in Texas.
Are you a team player who has good interpersonal skills? If yes, then you might have a chance at succeeding in the legal profession.
Take a look at the table below to learn about the training and education requirements for Lawyers. The details stated below have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Outlook
BLS has revealed that the job prospects for Lawyers are bright. They are expected to experience a career growth of 6% from 2018 to 2028.
Steps to Become a Lawyer in Texas
Take a look at the details given below to understand how to become a Lawyer in Texas.
Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Program
Since law programs usually require an undergraduate degree for admission, therefore candidates are expected to complete their Bachelor’s degrees before applying to law school. Individuals are not required to study a particular discipline in order to get into a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program. They can pursue any major of their choice. However, it is advised that they take courses that can help develop their language skills (both spoken and written) and their analytical skills. The average completion time of a Bachelor’s degree is four years.
Step 2: Prepare to Get into Law School
Admission into a law school is not solely based on the candidate’s CGPA, but also his/her Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score. Since the only way to get a good score on the LSAT is through practice, therefore aspiring Lawyers should spend several months preparing for this aptitude test. Law schools also take several other factors into consideration while accepting applicants – these include the candidate’s work experience, his/her involvement in leadership/community activities, and recommendation letters.
Step 3: Enroll in a Law School
In order to become eligible for a license, candidates have to obtain a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from a law school that has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). In order to graduate from law school, students have to study a range of topics, such as Legal Analysis and Communication, Criminal Law, Persuasive Writing and Advocacy, Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Torts, Criminal Procedure, and Professional Responsibility. The Juris Doctor (J.D.) takes around three years to complete.
Step 4: Meet State Requirements
An individual cannot handle legal matters, offer representation in court, or give legal advice if he/she does not have a license to practice law in the State of Texas. In order to get the license, candidates have to meet certain state requirements. The individual has to take and pass the bar exam and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam. After passing these tests and passing the moral character evaluation, candidates are allowed to work as Lawyers.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Texas?
After finishing high school, aspiring Lawyers have to complete seven years of education. This includes four years of undergraduate study, followed by an additional three years of law school. Once the educational qualifications have been obtained, candidates have to take and pass the bar exam and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam. Moreover, they are also required to pass the character and fitness screening. If the individual manages to clear all these steps successfully, he/she is granted the license.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Texas?
If you want to practice law in the ‘Lone Star State,’ then you will have to meet many requirements.
You will be expected to:
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Graduate from an accredited law school with a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree.
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Pass the character and fitness screening.
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Pass the bar exam and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE).
How Much Does a Lawyer Earn in Texas?
BLS has reported that Lawyers in Texas made an annual mean pay of $144,110 in 2019. This figure is quite close to 2019’s national average.