What education is required to become a lawyer?

Becoming a lawyer requires earning a bachelor‘s degree, with a focus on writing being beneficial. After that, passing the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and completing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is necessary. This typically takes about three years. Once the degree is obtained, passing the state bar examination and an ethics exam, depending on the state, is required. After obtaining a license to practice law, continuing education credits and programs must be completed to maintain the license long-term.