Lawyers are one of the most respected and highly paid professionals. If the monetary perks of this field attract you, then you must give this article a read. This guide will help you learn how to become a Lawyer in Utah.
Do you like taking initiatives and helping people? If yes, then a career in law would be ideal for you.
Becoming a Lawyer is quite a difficult task. Individuals have to complete several degrees and clear many exams before they can obtain their licenses. Go through the table below to learn about the qualification and training requirements for Lawyers. This information has been extracted from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Outlook
According to the forecasted data published by BLS, the job opportunities for Lawyers will grow by 6% from 2018 to 2028.
Steps to Become a Lawyer in Utah
If you want to figure out how to become a Lawyer in Utah, then read this section carefully.
Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited School
Getting into a law school does not require studying specific pre-law courses. You can earn a Bachelor’s degree in any subject that you wish. Some majors that you can study at the undergrad level include Criminal Justice, Sociology, English, History, and Philosophy. A Bachelor’s program typically takes approximately four years to complete.
Step 2: Crack the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
After graduating from a 4-year college, you should take the Law School Admission Test, popularly known as the LSAT. This exam is administered by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) and is taken multiple times every year. You can either study from different prep books available at local bookstores or use free study aids available on the internet, in order to prepare for this test.
Step 3: Enroll in an ABA-Approved and Accredited Law School
After passing the LSAT, you should start shortlisting law schools that you wish to attend. You can base your decision of attending a particular law school on several factors, such as the location of the school, the cost of the program, and the reputation of the program. The standard Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree can usually be obtained within three years, however dual degrees, such as the Juris Doctor (J.D.)/Master of Public Administration (M.P.A) or the Juris Doctor (J.D.)/ Master of Public Policy (M.P.P), may take longer to complete.
Step 4: Get Licensed!
In order to work as a Lawyer in Utah, you will have to get licensed by the state. Thus, you will have to pass the Bar Exam and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam in order to become eligible to practice law. Moreover, you will also have to pass a background investigation, which is conducted by the Utah State Bar's Character and Fitness Committee.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Utah?
Becoming a Lawyer can be a tough, tiring, and long journey. So you should pursue this profession only if you have the stamina to meet the education and examination requirements.
Candidates have to first complete seven years of post-secondary education. After completing the 4-year long Bachelor’s degree and the 3-year long J.D. degree, they have to take and pass several exams. These include the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam and the Bar Exam. Aspiring Lawyers also have to pass a character and fitness screening. After clearing these challenging stages, the candidate can call himself a Lawyer.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Utah?
‘The Beehive State’ requires aspiring Lawyers to satisfy several conditions, which are mentioned below.
Candidates must:
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Obtain a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree;
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Pass the Bar Exam;
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Pass the character and fitness evaluation;
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Pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE).
How Much Does a Lawyer Earn in Utah?
According to the wage figures published by BLS, Lawyers in Utah earned an annual mean wage of $134,770 in 2019.