Lawyers or attorneys are licensed legal experts who must pass the State Bar Exam to get licensed. Lawyers generally advise clients on legal issues and represent them in the court of law. Simply put, their job is to help their clients with legal matters.
Should I Become a Lawyer in Wyoming?
The Wyoming State Bar was first established in 1915 and it operates under the supervision of the Wyoming State Supreme Court. To practice as a lawyer in this state, lawyers must have earned a doctoral degree in law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Further information on how to become a lawyer in Wyoming is detailed below.
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Education Required
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A 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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Pass the Wyoming State Bar Exam and get licensed
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Experience/Training
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An internship or volunteer work is recommended
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Key Skills
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Communication, Analytical, Research, Critical-thinking, Attention-to-detail, Interpersonal, and Problem-solving Skills, etc.
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Annual Mean Salary (2019) -
Wyoming
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$100,090
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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
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, lawyers are anticipated to see a 6% employment growth between 2018 and 2028. While 657,170 lawyers were employed in the US in 2019, 860 of them were working in the state of Wyoming.
Steps to Becoming a Lawyer in Wyoming
If you are a resident of Wyoming and your dream is to become a lawyer in this state, then here is a step-by-step guide that might interest you.
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Get a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step towards this career starts with the completion of a 4-years bachelor’s degree. Although not required, choosing courses that can help you build a career in law is better. These courses would also help you prepare for the LSAT that must be cleared to enroll in a law school.
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Clear the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
All aspiring candidates who are interested in becoming lawyers must take and clear the LSAT exam. Without clearing this exam, you cannot attend a law school. This exam is very competitive, and candidates must get an excellent score to enroll in a good law school.
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Earn a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) Degree
You must enroll in a Law School that has been accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). The doctoral degree in law is generally known as a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. A J.D. can be completed in about 3 years. Several law schools in Wyoming offer an ABA-accredited J.D., such as the University of Wyoming.
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Take the State Bar Exam and Get Licensed
Once the J.D. from a law school is completed, lawyers must get permission from the Wyoming State Bar and clear the State Bar Exam. If lawyers do not pass this exam, they cannot earn their law license, and lawyers cannot practice law without a license.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Wyoming?
Becoming a lawyer in Wyoming may take about 7 to 8 years overall. Completing a bachelor’s degree takes 4 years that is followed by 3-years of J.D. degree at a Law School. You must also include the time it takes to prepare for and clear the LSAT and the state Bar Exam which may take approximately 1 year.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Wyoming?
To become a Lawyer in the state of Wyoming, all aspiring candidates must:
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Graduate from an ABA-accredited Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
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Be of good moral character to practice the law
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Clear the Wyoming State Bar Exam
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Apply, and obtain the Wyoming lawyer’s license
How Much Can I Make as a Lawyer in Wyoming?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Lawyers employed in the state of Wyoming had an annual mean salary of $100,090 in 2019. While the District of Columbia was reported as the highest paying state for this occupation with an annual mean salary of $192,180.