The road to becoming a lawyer is not easy; it requires a significant investment in time, energy and finances. Before embarking on the journey to become a lawyer, it's important to educate yourself about law school and law practice so you can determine if becoming a lawyer would be a good fit for you. The resources below are a good place to start.
LEGAL CAREER EXPLORATION
5 Lawyer Myths
Many lawyers enter the legal profession for the wrong reasons (hint: "I don't know what else to do with my life" and "I want to change the world" are not good reasons). These five lawyer myths are a must-read for anyone considering law school.
Top 10 Reasons to Become a Lawyer
Working as a lawyer can be financially and personally rewarding. These top 10 reasons to become a lawyer outline the highlights of working in this noble and respected profession. Some of these reasons may surprise you.
Top 10 Worst Things About a Career as a Lawyer
Becoming a lawyer is not a guarantee to financial success or career happiness. In fact, many attorneys experience a high level of frustration and dissatisfaction with the profession. These 10 worst things about a career as a lawyer outline some of the primary drawbacks of the profession.
So, You Want to Become a Lawyer
Not everyone is cut out for law practice. Are you analytical? Do you like public speaking? Do you perform well on high-pressure exams? Here are 10 factors every prospective law student should consider before enrolling in law school.
Paralegal vs. Lawyer
Paralegal work is very different from attorney work. Which profession would suit you best? These Paralegal vs. Lawyer15 key considerations outline the pros and cons of a career as a lawyer versus a career as a paralegal.
LAW SCHOOL
Law School Education
What does it take to become a lawyer? How many years of schooling does law school entail? This educational guide outlines the educational requirements for lawyers in the United States.
Law School Guide
If you are contemplating law school, this law school guide provides fundamental information for would-be lawyers such as admission tips, selecting a school, preparing for your first year and surviving law school.
LSAT
The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is one of the most important admissions tools that law schools use to select the most qualified candidates. Learn about what the LSAT involves, including exam contents and scoring criteria.
Law School FAQs
These Law School Frequently Asked Questions answers many potential law students' basic questions, from choosing an undergraduate major to law school cost to what score you need to gain admission to a good school.
Part-Time Law School
If you work full time or care for young children, attending law school part time is a smart option. This part-time law school guide outlines the pros and cons of part-time study.
LEGAL COMPENSATION
Lawyer Salaries
How much can you expect to earn as a lawyer? That answer, of course, depends on practice specialty, location, experience, firm size and various other factors. However, this guide to legal compensation outlines salaries for many positions in the legal industry.
Highest Paying Legal Jobs
Some lawyers earn multi-million dollar salaries while others earn a pittance. What lawyers earn the highest paychecks? Check out the highest paying jobs in the legal profession (hint: most of them are held by lawyers).
LAW PRACTICE
Top 10 Legal Skills
What does it take to practice law? What qualities do the most successful lawyers possess? These top 10 legal skills outline the skills and abilities necessary to law practice. Developing and nurturing these skills will make you a better lawyer.
Law Firm Practice
Three quarters of all lawyers work in a law firm. A law firm is a unique practice environment that differs from working in a corporation, the government, academia and other settings. The hours can be long, the work grueling and the deadlines stressful. However, working in a law firm also offers its own unique rewards. Learn more about life in a law firm as well as the advantages and disadvantages to working in firms both large and small.
Legal Practice Specialties
The practice specialty you choose will guide your future life as a lawyer. Hundreds of practice specialties exist from appellate law to taxation to everything in between. These practice summaries detail the substance and job duties of each specialty and describe whether it's growing (and why) and how you can break in. In choosing your practice specialty, you should consider what areas are in demand in today's market. These seven law practice areas outline what specialties are red hot and growing.
LAWYER RESOURCES
Legal News Resources
Stay on top of the latest news, trends and happenings in the legal industry through this list of top legal news resourcesfrom around the globe.
Publications for Attorneys
Dozens of publications target attorneys and law students. This publication list provides links to some of the world's leading legal publications. Explore these publications for law-related news, features, commentary, surveys, legal technology and career information and more.
