{"id":358064,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:22","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/what-are-the-professional-requirements-for-becoming-a-lawyer.html"},"modified":"2026-01-19T09:32:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T14:32:00","slug":"what-are-the-professional-requirements-for-becoming-a-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/what-are-the-professional-requirements-for-becoming-a-lawyer.html","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Professional Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Are the Professional Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Becoming a lawyer requires completing a bachelor\u2019s degree, graduating from law school or an approved apprenticeship program, and passing a state bar exam. Applicants must also undergo a character and fitness review and take an oath to uphold the law before receiving their license to practice.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

You must meet the professional requirements to practice law or call yourself an attorney. These range from meeting educational standards and passing the bar exam to moral character and background checks. Below is a description of the standard prerequisites for the practice of law.<\/p>\n

Understanding what lawyers must do before practicing law may help you find a qualified attorney<\/a>. It may also help you decide whether a legal career is right for you.<\/p>\n

1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree<\/h2>\n

Anyone pursuing a law degree must complete a bachelor’s degree program. No specific type of degree is required. Common prelaw undergraduate degrees are:<\/p>\n