Becoming a lawyer is a long and competitive process. A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university is mandatory. An associate's degree will not suffice. Your major is not important since this will not affect your chances of entering law school, but your grade point average will. Maintaining a high grade point average (GPA) throughout your four years is important.

Once you have completed your bachelor's degree, the next step is to take the entrance exam known as the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test). This is a half-day exam so preparation is important. Investing in study guides, practice tests and a LSAT prep course will help with your success.

The next step is applying to a law school. Your GPA and LSAT scores will influence your chances of acceptance. Most schools minimum score requirement will decide your application being considered.

Once accepted, expect to spend a minimum of three years as a full-time student. Law school focuses on essay exams and requires formulating information in a way acceptable to your professor, so it is imperative to adopt to this style of learning early.

Next, after graduating law school, you must prepare for the bar exam. The best way to prepare and pass on the first try is to take the bar review course. The money is worth the investment because it aids in organizing your thoughts and ensures you covered all the necessary information.

The last step is passing the Character and Fitness evaluation. This is an extensive and intrusive investigation into your personal history and records to decide your ethics in practicing law.

Education is not the only skill needed for this profession. The ability to articulate effectively, be persuasive, mediate disputes, and recall large volumes of legal documents and precedents are all essential.