The legal sector has always been portrayed as lucrative and prestigious. The lifestyle and perks enjoyed by Lawyers are enough to tempt anyone to join this profession. However, in reality, the life of Lawyers is not really as glamorous as shown on the television - this field can be very demanding and competitive.
If you are passionate about helping others and promoting justice, then make sure you read this guide on how to become a Lawyer in Missouri.
Do you have good people skills and exceptional writing skills? If yes, then joining the legal profession would be a wise decision.
Every U.S. state has set certain educational standards and licensing requirements that aspiring Lawyers must meet. Go through the table below to learn more about these professional requirements. The information provided below has been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Outlook
Employment projections shared by BLS show that Lawyers will experience employment growth of six percent though 2028.
Steps to Become a Lawyer in Missouri
The employment guidelines mentioned below will help you figure out how to become a Lawyer in Missouri.
Step 1: Complete your Undergrad Studies
You will be expected to obtain a Bachelor’s degree before making your way to law school. It can take you around four years to complete your undergrad studies. There is no compulsion for students to take specific pre-law majors. They have the freedom to major in any discipline they wish to. That being said, certain majors can help individuals in law school, therefore studying those courses at the undergrad level is recommended. Some of these subjects include Political Science, Sociology, English, and Philosophy.
Step 2: Attend Law School
Getting into an ABA-approved law school is not easy. You will have to attain a stellar score on your Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) to get admitted to a decent law school. Once you enroll in a Doctor of Jurisprudence program, you will be expected to study a diverse range of modules, including Problem Solving and Dispute Resolution, Legal Research & Writing, Criminal Procedure, and Torts.
Step 3: Pass the Uniform Bar Exam
To become a Lawyer in Missouri, you will be required to clear the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) and the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE). The Missouri Board of Law Examiners administers the UBE. This exam is comprised of three components the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), the Multistate Essay Exam (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE). You are advised to visit the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) website to get more information about different components of the UBE. If you can pass the required exams and the background check, you will become eligible to practice law in ‘The Show-Me State.’
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Missouri?
Becoming a Lawyer in Missouri can easily take more than 7 years. Prospective Lawyers have to undergo lengthy academic training – they are required to complete a 4-year undergrad program and a 3-year Juris Doctor (J.D.) program. They, then have to clear the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) and the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE). In addition to that, they also have to meet the character and fitness criteria. Thus, the journey to becoming a Lawyer is hard and long.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Missouri?
If you are thinking about pursuing a career in law, then you should be prepared to meet a long list of requirements. These are stated below.
You must:
-
Graduate from an accredited law school;
-
Obtain passing marks on the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE);
-
Clear the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE);
-
Pass a background check and meet the character and fitness standards.
How Much Does a Lawyer Earn in Missouri?
Lawyers working in Missouri made a yearly mean salary of $109,820 in 2019. These statistics have been taken from BLS.