Studying and Working in the United States — A Brief Overview of What it Takes to Become a Lawyer

According to UNESCO, there were around 10,000 students from the UK enrolled at American universities in 2021. With a variety of prestigious universities to choose from, there are an abundance of opportunities for those seeking a law degree. And, leaving upon graduation doesn’t have to be the end of the journey, either. From the process of becoming a lawyer within the country to how you can go about opening your own practice, here’s what you should know before booking a flight.

Before applying to law school

When looking to become a lawyer within the United States, obtaining a bachelor’s degree is the first step you’ll need to take before you can even apply for law school. Study in the USA notes that because the American Bar Association hasn’t recommended a specific field of study regarding the bachelor’s degree, you can start from anywhere (though it is noted that many prospective law students start their journey with a bachelor’s in subjects such as political science, economics, or business). As a foreign student, you’ll need a variety of documents in order to go on to law school in addition to a bachelor’s degree — including an LSAT score.

After graduating from a bachelor’s program, you’ll need to take the LSAT, also known as the Law School Admissions Program. According to the Chambers Associate, the LSAT is the only admissions test that is accepted by all law schools that are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). It’s important to note that the test has a reputation for being ‘extremely tough,’ as the goal of this test is to ultimately determine whether or not you have the skills to succeed at law school — as noted by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), this involves “reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning.” While there isn’t a specific number that you’ll need to score, law schools will have a range for what they consider the ideal score, so looking into schools of your choice can give you a better idea as to what you’ll be aiming for. 

Your journey in law school

Regardless of the law school you choose to attend, Coursera notes that an individual must earn what is known as a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in order to become a practicing lawyer. While a JD degree typically takes three years to earn, it’s worth mentioning that there are other options out there that can speed up or slow down the timeline, such as an accelerated law program or the ability to attend law school part time.  

However, earning a JD degree alone isn’t enough to become a practicing lawyer within the U.S., as you’ll also need to take the bar exam, offered through the Board of Bar Examiners in the state where you want to practice law. Coursera notes that this usually requires you to apply for and take the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), apply for and take the state bar exam, and complete the character review process (in addition to any additional requirements for the state). That said, studying for the bar exam is a time-consuming effort, and is one that typically begins during the final semester of the third year of law school, according to Coursera (though of course, you can choose to start earlier).  

Starting your own practice

After completing all of the requirements involved, you may choose to gain experience by working at an existing law firm. For those who wish to eventually move on and open a practice of their own, however, doing your research well ahead of time can allow you to map out the details well in advance. For instance, when looking to start your own practice, looking into the many aspects of starting a business — such as your options regarding entity formation — can make for a smart move later on. Forming an LLC, or a Limited Liability Company, is just one option worth considering. Under an LLC structure, the business owner’s personal assets are protected in the event of legal issues, such as business debts and lawsuits against the business.

When it comes to actually forming an LLC, it’s important to realise that there is paperwork involved. Hiring a service can ensure that all of your paperwork is in order and filed correctly/on time, and can overall make the process easier if you’re not familiar with the ins and outs of forming a legal entity in the U.S.. When looking for the best LLC service, comparing a variety of different options online will allow you to determine which one you need based on a variety of factors. Depending on the service, offers may include features like business license research, Registered Agent services, and varying turnaround times at various price points, so doing your research beforehand can prevent you from paying for something you don’t want/need.

A variety of considerations

In addition to choosing a legal structure, there are a variety of additional considerations to look into before jumping into starting a business of your own. For example, as a lawyer, you’ll need to look into securing liability insurance, the proper financial accounts, a logo, a marketing plan, and setting up a website and social channels, according to Forbes. Transitioning from a student visa to one that’s more appropriate for your situation is also something to think about. When looking to transition from a law student to a working individual, usvisagroup.com notes that an international student can transfer their F-1 student visa to H-1B status with the help of a sponsoring employer, which may be a route worth looking into for those who want to work for an existing firm right out of law school. However, for those who wish to open their own practice, consulting with an immigration lawyer is ideal in understanding your visa options.

Traveling to the U.S. in order to pursue a law degree is an exciting endeavor that involves a variety of different steps, and your time in the country doesn’t have to end after graduation. Whether you choose to go on to work for a firm for a number of years before opening your own practice, doing so successfully can make for a rewarding journey.