{"id":6524,"date":"2026-08-31T12:16:24","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T19:16:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/?p=6524"},"modified":"2026-08-31T13:49:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T20:49:58","slug":"how-to-become-a-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/2026\/08\/31\/how-to-become-a-lawyer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to become a lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/POLIS-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6526\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/POLIS-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/POLIS-1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/POLIS-1.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/POLIS-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/POLIS-1.jpg?resize=2048%2C1366&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/POLIS-1.jpg?resize=930%2C620&amp;ssl=1 930w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/POLIS-1.jpg?resize=1250%2C834&amp;ssl=1 1250w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/POLIS-1.jpg?resize=400%2C267&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/POLIS-1.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many students, becoming a lawyer starts with a desire to help others, solve complex problems or advocate for change. Lawyers work in courtrooms, law firms, government agencies, corporations and nonprofit organizations, making it a career path with a wide range of opportunities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, lawyers earn a median annual salary of more than $145,000. While the path to becoming a lawyer requires dedication and years of study, there is no single route to success.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Start with a strong educational foundation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many students assume there is a specific major or academic path required to become a lawyer. According to Professor Larry Levine of University of the Pacific&#8217;s McGeorge School of Law, that isn&#8217;t true.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;There is no set path that needs to be followed to get someone to law school,&#8221; he said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In fact, Levine has taught law students who majored in everything from mathematics and foreign languages to modern dance. While many aspiring attorneys choose political science, philosophy, business, criminal justice or legal studies, law schools welcome students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather than focusing on a specific major, students should choose a field that genuinely interests them while developing strong analytical and communication skills. Classes that strengthen writing, reasoning and critical thinking can be especially helpful, regardless of a student&#8217;s major.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students should also focus on maintaining a strong GPA, developing effective study habits and seeking opportunities that challenge them intellectually.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Develop the skills lawyers use every day<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Success in law school depends on more than strong grades.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;I&#8217;d start with a willingness to work hard,&#8221; Levine said. &#8220;Law school is demanding and requires significant dedication.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strong organizational skills, effective communication and empathy can also help students succeed in both law school and the legal profession.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Levine also encourages students to approach challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. The legal profession requires individuals who can analyze complex information, collaborate with others and adapt to changing circumstances. Developing these skills during college can help students build a strong foundation for law school.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students can begin strengthening these skills through leadership opportunities, campus organizations, internships and volunteer work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Gain experience and explore the profession<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students interested in law do not have to wait until law school to learn more about the profession. Talking with practicing attorneys, participating in internships, and joining pre-law organizations can provide valuable insight into what lawyers actually do day to day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That understanding is important because many students enter law school with unrealistic expectations about the profession.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Some students come to law school thinking their success depends on engaging with others in an aggressive and adversarial way,&#8221; Levine said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While some legal situations require advocacy and conflict resolution, collaboration is often just as important.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;The ability to work cooperatively with others is central to success,&#8221; he said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Popular media often focuses on dramatic courtroom arguments, but much of a lawyer&#8217;s work involves research, writing, negotiation and advising clients.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;The media portrayal of lawyers rarely has them at a computer doing research, writing briefs or motions, or engaging in negotiations,&#8221; Levine said. &#8220;But these are far more common undertakings than appearing in court.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding the typical job responsibilities of a lawyer can help students decide whether the profession is the right fit for their interests and career goals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prepare for the LSAT and law school applications<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After earning a bachelor&#8217;s degree, most students take the Law School Admission Test, commonly known as the LSAT, before applying to law school. The exam is designed to measure reading comprehension, logical reasoning and analytical thinking skills that are important for legal study.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Levine encourages students to invest time and effort into both LSAT preparation and the law school application process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Personal statements allow applicants to distinguish themselves from other candidates and provide context for their academic and personal experiences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;It is also the chance to explain challenges faced by the applicant that might explain a less-than-stellar GPA,&#8221; Levine said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When possible, Levine recommends taking an LSAT preparation course as a good score often allows for meaningful financial support.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Attend law school and earn a JD<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The primary educational requirements for lawyering include earning a bachelor&#8217;s degree and completing a Juris Doctor, or JD, degree. Most full-time JD programs take three years to complete, though some schools offer accelerated or part-time pathways. During law school, students take courses covering foundational areas of law such as constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, civil procedure and legal writing. Many students also pursue specialized interests through concentrations, clinics, externships and other hands-on learning opportunities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pass the bar exam and become licensed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After graduating from law school, aspiring attorneys must pass the bar exam in the state where they intend to practice. The process generally includes passing the bar examination, completing a character and fitness evaluation and taking an attorney&#8217;s oath.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Preparing for the bar exam often requires several months of focused study, and many graduates choose to enroll in formal bar preparation courses. While not everyone passes on the first attempt, candidates can typically retake the exam during a future testing cycle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Exploring law at Pacific&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For students interested in pursuing a legal career, college is about more than meeting educational requirements. It is an opportunity to develop the analytical, communication and leadership skills that law schools value while exploring different areas of interest.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Pacific, students can build those skills through a wide range of academic programs. Because law schools accept students from many academic backgrounds, students can choose a major that aligns with their interests while developing the skills needed for future legal studies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students can also take advantage of resources designed specifically for aspiring attorneys. Levine encourages students to connect with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/academics\/honors\/pacific-legal-advantage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pacific&#8217;s Legal Advantage program<\/a>, which is a selective, honors-level pre-law opportunity for high-achieving students from any major. &nbsp;that blends hands-on experience with expert mentorship. He also suggests students explore the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/law\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">McGeorge School of Law<\/a> and learn more about the legal profession before they apply to law school.&#8221; Pacific undergrads are welcome to contact the McGeorge Admissions Office and to come to the law school to sit in on classes and to meet students, staff and faculty&#8221; said Levine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These opportunities allow students to gain firsthand exposure to legal education while building relationships with faculty, admissions professionals and current law students. Another benefit for Pacific students is that undergraduates who meet certain qualifications will be granted automatic admission to McGeorge School of Law through a new pathway to admission, eliminating the requirement to take the LSAT.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new pathway\u2014called the McGeorge Promise\u2014grants admission to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/law\/jd-programs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">JD program<\/a> for students who meet the designated requirements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students interested in exploring the legal field before law school can also pursue Pacific&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/liberalarts\/academics\/departments-and-programs\/political-science\/pre-law-minor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pre-law minor<\/a>. The interdisciplinary program introduces students to legal systems, reasoning and writing while helping them build a strong foundation for future legal studies regardless of their major.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What opportunities are available with a law degree?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people associate a law degree exclusively with courtroom careers, but graduates have access to a wide range of professional opportunities. Some become attorneys in private practice. Others pursue careers in government, public policy, higher education, nonprofit leadership, compliance, consulting or business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Levine notes that many positions are considered &#8220;JD advantage&#8221; careers, meaning a law degree can provide a competitive edge even when attorney licensure is not required.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;A law degree opens up a vast array of options,&#8221; he said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As industries continue to navigate legal, regulatory and ethical challenges, legal expertise remains valuable in many professional settings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A career built on growth and opportunity<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking back on his own career, Levine says one of the most important lessons he learned was that setbacks often create unexpected opportunities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;My biggest lesson from the practice of law as well as life in general is that things that seemed like huge setbacks at the time that they occurred were actually opportunities,&#8221; he said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For students considering a legal career, that perspective can be valuable. There is no single path to becoming a lawyer and no perfect undergraduate major that guarantees success. Instead, students who are willing to work hard, continue learning and embrace new opportunities can build a strong foundation for law school and beyond.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interested in exploring a future in law? Learn more about Pacific&#8217;s pathways to legal education and the opportunities available through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/law\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">McGeorge School of Law<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For many students, becoming a lawyer starts with a desire to help others, solve complex problems or advocate for change. Lawyers work in courtrooms, law firms, government agencies, corporations and nonprofit organizations, making it a career path with a wide range of opportunities.&nbsp; According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, lawyers earn a median&hellip;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/2026\/08\/31\/how-to-become-a-lawyer\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read More &raquo;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">How to become a lawyer<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6526,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[414,541],"class_list":["post-6524","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-school","tag-college-of-the-pacific","tag-explore-careers"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to become a lawyer - People of Pacific<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/2026\/08\/31\/how-to-become-a-lawyer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to become a lawyer - People of Pacific\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"For many students, becoming a lawyer starts with a desire to help others, solve complex problems or advocate for change. Lawyers work in courtrooms, law firms, government agencies, corporations and nonprofit organizations, making it a career path with a wide range of opportunities.&nbsp; According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, lawyers earn a median&hellip;&nbsp;Read More &raquo;How to become a lawyer\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/2026\/08\/31\/how-to-become-a-lawyer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"People of Pacific\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-31T19:16:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-31T20:49:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/POLIS-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1667\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Pacific Blog\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Pacific Blog\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/2026\/08\/31\/how-to-become-a-lawyer\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/2026\/08\/31\/how-to-become-a-lawyer\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Pacific Blog\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/94f9639563569c45624978a068cfc289\"},\"headline\":\"How to become a lawyer\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-31T19:16:24+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-31T20:49:58+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/2026\/08\/31\/how-to-become-a-lawyer\/\"},\"wordCount\":1457,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/2026\/08\/31\/how-to-become-a-lawyer\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/POLIS-1.jpg?fit=2500%2C1667&ssl=1\",\"keywords\":[\"College of the Pacific\",\"Explore careers\"],\"articleSection\":[\"School\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/2026\/08\/31\/how-to-become-a-lawyer\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/2026\/08\/31\/how-to-become-a-lawyer\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/2026\/08\/31\/how-to-become-a-lawyer\/\",\"name\":\"How to become a lawyer - 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