As described by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, all Lawyers in the US must earn an ABA-accredited Juris Doctorate from a law school. Without passing the State Bar Exam, lawyers cannot do their job which is to advise their clients and represent them in the court of law.
Should I Become a Lawyer in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Bar Association operates under the supervision of Rhode Island’s Supreme Court. It is responsible for regulating the legal profession in the state. All lawyers are required to get permission from the Rhode Island State Bar and pass the State Bar Exam to practice law. Further details on this career are explained below.
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Education Required
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Doctoral or professional degree (J.D.)
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Major Requirement
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Law
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License/Certification
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Clear the Rhode Island State Bar Exam to obtain a license
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Experience/Training
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Volunteer work or an internship is recommended
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Key Skills
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Analytical, Critical-thinking, Communication, Research, Interpersonal, Attention-to-detail, and Problem-solving Skills, etc.
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Annual Mean Salary (2019) - Rhode Island
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$124,600
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Annual Mean Salary (2019) - National
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$145,300
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Job Outlook (2018-2028)
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6% (As fast as average)
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)
Career Outlook
A 6% rise in employment level for Lawyers has been projected by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2018-2028. Moreover, 657,170 Lawyers were employed in the US in 2019, and 1,780 of them were working in the state of Rhode Island.
Steps to Become a Lawyer in Rhode Island
Are you interested in working as a lawyer in Rhode Island? If that is the case, here is a detailed career guide that can help your dream come true.
Step-1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
All lawyers begin their academic careers with a bachelor’s degree because it is a stepping-stone for enrolling at a law school. The 4-year bachelor’s degree acts as a pre-requisite which must be completed to attend a law school.
Step-2: Take and Clear the LSAT Exam
The LSAT is a mandatory test that must be taken and cleared by all those individuals who are interested in attending a law school. The LSAT stands for Law School Admission Test and is highly competitive.
Step-3: Earn an ABA-accredited Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
To become a lawyer, you must earn a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) that takes about 3 years to complete. For instance, the Roger Williams University-School of Law in Rhode Island offers an ABA-accredited Juris Doctorate that can be completed in approximately 3 years in full-time enrollment and 4 years if opted for as a part-time degree.
Step-4: Take and Pass the Rhode Island State Bar Exam
The Rhode Island Bar Association oversees and conducts the State Bar Exam in Rhode Island. It is mandatory for lawyers to get permission from the State Bar and sit for the Rhode Island State Bar Exam. Lawyers cannot become licensed if they do not pass this exam.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Rhode Island?
Aspiring candidates can become lawyers in 7 to 8 years if they complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree followed by a 3-year Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Apart from these two steps, they must take LSAT and Rhode Island State Bar Exam to get licensed which may take an additional few months.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Rhode Island?
To work as a Lawyer in the state of Rhode Island, all interested individuals must:
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Be at least 21 years of age
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Possess an ABA-accredited Juris Doctorate
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Pass the Rhode Island Bar Exam
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Have a good moral character
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Be physically and mentally fit to practice the law
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Not be disbarred, suspended, or the subject of any pending disciplinary action in another jurisdiction
How Much Can I Make as a Lawyer in Rhode Island?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Lawyers in the state of Rhode Island had an annual mean salary of $124,600 in 2019.