There are many reasons why you might want to become an attorney in ‘The Wolverine State.’ One of the reasons is that this state offers decent pay to Lawyers – the annual mean salary of Lawyers in Michigan was $116,310 in 2019. If you want to join this promising field, then read this guide on how to become a Lawyer in Michigan.
Attention to detail, analysis, and research are key traits that are required for providing legal advice. If you possess such skills, then a legal career would be ideal for you.
Depending on the state's requirements, prospective Lawyers might be required to meet several academic and licensing requirements. The general job requirements are mentioned below. This information has been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Outlook
Job outlook data reported by BLS shows that there will be an increase of 50,100 in the employment of Lawyers from 2018 to 2028. Thus, professionals working in the legal sector will enjoy bright career prospects.
Steps to Become a Lawyer in Michigan
The process of becoming an attorney is quite difficult – to help you understand the process, we have broken it down into simple steps. Read these guidelines to learn how to become a Lawyer in Michigan.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Since the majority of American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law schools have made it compulsory for applicants to obtain a Bachelor’s degree before applying to a law program, you will also be expected to do the same. The duration of a standard Bachelor’s program is usually four years, however, some accelerated programs may take less than four years to complete. You can take up any major at the undergrad level, however, Lawyers are usually recommended to study courses related to Political Science, History, Psychology, English, Sociology, Economics, and Philosophy.
Step 2: Make Your Way to Law School
Law schools accept only those candidates who have completed their Bachelor’s degrees and have passed the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Thus, after completing university, you will have to take and pass the LSAT. This test is offered several times a year; therefore you can register for a date that suits you best. After passing this test, you can start searching for law schools in your area. You should consider the program's ranking, reputation, and accreditation status before applying. Law programs, such as a Doctor of Jurisprudence, usually take around three years to complete.
Step 3: Get Licensed!
The Board of Law Examiners administers the admission of Lawyers to the Michigan Bar. To get admitted to the Bar, you will have to obtain passing marks on the bar examination. This exam is offered twice a year, on the final Wednesdays and Tuesdays of July and February. After passing the Bar Exam, the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE), and a thorough background check, you will become eligible to work as a Lawyer in Michigan.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Michigan?
It can take several years of education to become a Lawyer in Michigan. In order to meet the education standards, prospective Lawyers have to complete a 3-year long law school after completing a 4-year long Bachelor’s program. Thus, they have to invest a total of 7 years preparing for this profession.
After completing law school, they have to clear two exams – the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) and the Bar Exam. After passing these tests and the stringent background check, they become eligible to work as Lawyers.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Michigan?
If you are planning to become an attorney in ‘The Wolverine State,’ then you will be expected to meet several conditions, as stated below.
You will have to:
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Obtain a J.D. degree from an approved and reputable law school;
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Pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE);
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Clear the Bar Examination.
How Much Does a Lawyer Earn in Michigan?
BLS has reported that Lawyers in Michigan earned an annual mean wage of $116,310 in 2019. This figure is less than that year’s national average of $145,300.