Becoming a lawyer is no cake walk. It takes a lot of time, effort and intelligent choices to begin a career in law. Start by selecting the right classes. Even though you don't need any specific ones to get into law school, certain subjects can help your chances. Becoming a lawyer is no cake walk, but a comprehensive education will ensure a sweet career.
Undergraduate
Most law schools require a bachelor's degree for admittance. Although no specific degree or set of courses is required for admission, certain courses can be helpful. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, classes in English, public speaking, government, history, economics and mathematics are useful.
LSAT
Most law schools require applicants to take the Law School Admission Test, or LSAT. The LSAT measures reading comprehension, analytical reasoning and logical reasoning, all skills needed to succeed in law school and as a lawyer. While the LSAT is not a university subject, you may take private courses to help you study for the exam.
Law School
Law school, which typically takes three years to complete, covers subjects to prepare you for a variety of legal situations. You can expect to take courses in constitutional law, which teaches about the legislative powers of the government, and contract law, which involves studying the nature of enforceable promises. Courses in criminal law teach the rules and policies for dealing with people who commit crimes. You will also take practical courses, such as legal writing classes that teach how to research and write legal documents. You may also choose to specialize in a specific area of law, such as labor law or tax law.
Continuing Education
After you become a lawyer, you're still not in the clear as far as studying goes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 45 states -- as of 2011 -- required lawyers to take continuing education courses on an annual basis or every three years. These courses are offered by bar associations and law schools, and cover areas such as legal ethics and tax fraud.
