Attorneys, also known as lawyers, are legal advisors and advocates for individual clients, businesses, government entities, and other organizations. Attorneys may specialize in particular areas, such as family law, tax law, environmental law, criminal law, public interest law, estate planning, immigration, civil rights, intellectual property and patents, and other areas. While some attorneys are trial lawyers, others may work mainly or completely outside of a courtroom. To become an attorney, you must first receive a Bachelor’s degree, take the LSAT, be admitted to an accredited law school, complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, and pass the bar exam. English is among the top five most recommended majors for applying to law school, as it prepares students for the analytical reading and writing required of legal studies.
Skills and Responsibilities
- Represent and advise clients on legal matters
- Conduct research on laws and judicial decisions
- Interpret how relevant law applies to the facts of a client’s case
- Write legal documents of various kinds
- Be adept at close reading and textual analysis
- Be a precise and rhetorically effective writer
Where They Work
Attorneys may work in law firms, businesses, government offices and other organizations, as well as in solo law practice.
Educational and Other Requirements
- B.A. degree
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
- J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Bar exam for the state in which you will practice law