Education · 1 of 5

The path

Seven years after high school, then a few more learning the courtroom.

1. 1

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Any major. Psychology, social work, accounting or a second language all show up in this job more than you would guess.

2. 2

   LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

   Junior year

   The admission test every law school accredited by the American Bar Association accepts. Score plus grade average decides where you get in.

3. 3

   Law school

   3 years

   Three years for a juris doctor degree. Take family law, evidence and trial advocacy, and get into the family law clinic if the school has one.

4. 4

   Bar exam and admission

   About 6 months after graduating

   Pass your state's bar exam and the ethics exam, then clear a character and fitness review before the state will license you.

5. 5

   First job

   Ongoing

   A small firm, legal aid or a court appointment list. Expect to be in a courtroom within weeks, which is the fastest real training in law.