Becoming a Lawyer can be an emotionally draining and exhausting process. If you have made up your mind about joining this profession, then read this article on how to become a Lawyer in Montana. This guide will assist you in realizing your career goals.
Do you have strong reasoning, analytical, and critical thinking skills? If yes, then you should consider pursuing a career in law.
Let’s take a look at the table below to learn about the job requirements for Lawyers. The details listed below have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Outlook
According to the job outlook data published by BLS, Lawyers are likely to experience a career growth of 6% from 2018 to 2028.
Steps to Become a Lawyer in Montana
This section will discuss how to become a Lawyer in Montana. Read it carefully if you are interested in joining this competitive field.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s degree
Before candidates can get their law degrees, they must obtain an undergraduate degree. They have the option of pursuing any major that they like. Usually, pre-law students major in subjects like Economics, Philosophy, and Political Science, before they begin their law studies. While in university, candidates are also advised to gain some experience relevant to their field. Individuals should apply to different law internship programs in corporate and legal offices, in order to get some practical training.
Step 2: Get Admitted to a Law School
In order to get into a Law school, candidates are required to obtain a high score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Many law schools are offering special joint degrees, such as the JD/MS in Environmental Studies, JD/MBA (Business Administration), and JD/MPA (Public Administration). Candidates can either choose to pursue a standard 3-year long Juris Doctor (J.D.) program or one of the joint degrees listed above.
Step 3: Meet Other Requirements
In order to become eligible to practice law in Montana, candidates have to clear a background investigation and obtain a qualifying score on the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MRPE). Moreover, candidates must attend the Montana Law Seminar (MLS). This course explores the structure and unique aspects of the legal system in Montana. Once the candidate has met all of these requirements, he/she will be able to work as a Lawyer in Montana.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Montana?
The journey to becoming a Lawyer in Montana is full of challenges and hurdles. It usually takes 7 years of full-time study to join this field. First, candidates have to obtain a 4-year long Bachelor’s degree, in any discipline of their liking. Then, they have to spend some months to prepare for the LSAT. After passing this test, they are required to enroll in an accredited law school. It can take approximately 3 years to get the J.D. degree.
After meeting the educational requirements set out by the State, candidates have to clear a background check, a Bar Exam, and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination. After passing these tests and paying the required fees to the State Bar of Montana, the candidate becomes eligible to practice law.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Montana?
The ‘Treasure State’ requires Lawyers to satisfy the following conditions. The candidate must:
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Have earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school;
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Have passed the Uniform Bar Exam;
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Have obtained a qualifying MPRE score;
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Have been certified by the Commission on Character & Fitness;
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Have paid the dues and the license tax to the State Bar of Montana;
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Have taken the Montana Law Seminar.
How Much Does a Lawyer Earn in Montana?
According to BLS, the annual mean pay of Lawyers working in Montana was $83,030 in 2019.