Whether just deciding on a career in the legal profession or wishing to immigrate to the United States and continue an already established career as an attorney, there are several essential steps that are necessary to become an attorney in the USA. Here are few basic points to consider.
For a US citizen who wishes to become a lawyer, the process begins by successfully completing a degree program at an accredited university or college. This can be a bachelor’s degree in just about any discipline. Typically, degrees that encourage a great deal of attention to detail and the development of solid research skills are a good choice. A degree in English, history, or political science can go a long way toward developing habits that will serve the individual well in the effort to become an attorney.
Next, acceptance into an accredited law school is essential. Most law schools require an admissions exam, and will use those scores along with past academic performance to determine if the candidate may be admitted. Upon acceptance, the student will need to comply with all stipulations associated with admission before beginning to take classes.
Understanding that even if you plan on focusing on a particular discipline within your practice of law, you will spend the first few years of your training to become an attorney learning broad legal areas. This will provide you with the proper grounding in current law, precedents, and procedures that will be helpful in later years. Patience may be required at times, as the importance of the data may not seem apparent at first.
During the final portion of your formal education, you will want to invest in a clerkship. This may take place during summer breaks, or on a part time basis during school sessions. Clerking will provide you with valuable insights into the day to day operations of a law office, as well as allow you to begin networking with your peers in the legal field.
Upon graduation from law school, your final step will be to take the bar examination required by your state of residence. Upon successfully completing the examination, you will be able to receive credentials from the state bar association and be registered with the state court system to practice law.
For attorneys who were trained outside the United States, it is possible to achieve recognition of your prior credentials and be able to become an attorney in the United States. Many state bars will evaluate previous educational credentials and admit a solicitor from another country to practice law upon successful completion of the bar exam. In some instances, the educational level may be deemed to not be up to standards necessary to become an attorney in the United States, and the candidate may be required to take courses at an accredited domestic law school before permission to take the bar exam is granted.
