Lawyers work in various capacities within the California justice system. This includes providing legal advice to businesses and other entities, representing the government in court (prosecutor), offering legal aid to clients in criminal and civil cases, etc.
As of 2021, there were nearly 90,120 licensed legal practitioners providing their services in The Golden State. If you want to join their ranks in the coming years, then go through this piece. It will tell you how to become a Lawyer in California.
Featured Programs and Schools
As of 2019, there were nearly 84,000 licensed legal practitioners providing their services in The Golden State. If you want to join their ranks in the coming years, then go through this piece. It will tell you how to become a Lawyer in California.
Should I Become a Lawyer in California?
Education | Juris Doctor (JD) Degree |
Area of Study | Law |
License/Certification | Passing the Bar Examination is Mandatory |
Experience / Training | Clerkship at a Law Firm (Optional) |
Key Skills | Oral and Written Comprehension, Active Listening, Communication, Critical and Creative Thinking, Problem Sensitivity, Complex Problem Solving, |
Annual Mean Salary (2021) – National | $148,030 |
Job Outlook (2020-2030) – California | 13% |
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – California | $176,610 |
As a lawyer in California, you can offer different services within the judicial system of the state. You can also become a law professor at a college/university, enter the cutthroat world of politics, transition into a career as a judge/magistrate, etc. Corporate law firms, government entities and businesses are some areas where you can find lucrative employment as a lawyer.
Career Outlook
There will be a 13 % growth in employment opportunities for lawyers in California from 2020 to 2030. Legal services are regularly required by different entities such as businesses, government organizations, private individuals, etc. Owing to this constantly increasing demand, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the availability of more vacancies in the future.
Steps to Become a Lawyer in California
Following are the steps to become a lawyer in California.
Get an Undergraduate Degree
To pursue a career as a lawyer, you need to first complete a 4-year Bachelor’s degree. Any major is acceptable.
Pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
Get Your Juris Doctor (JD) Degree
Complete a Law Firm Clerkship to Gain Experience (Optional)
Pass the California State Bar Exam
Find Employment
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in California?
You will start off by getting an undergraduate degree. That takes 4 years. This will be followed by 3 years of law school where you will study for a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. After that, you may spend time gaining clerkship experience and preparing for the California State Bar Exam. All in all, it will take around 7 to 8 years to become a Lawyer in California.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in California?
Following are the requirements for becoming a Lawyer in California.
- Complete a Bachelor’s degree.
- Attain a JD (Juris Doctor) degree.
- Pass the California State Bar Exam.
How Much Can I Make After Becoming a Lawyer in California?
As per information provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lawyers in California took home $176,610 in annual mean salary in 2021. This figure is considerably higher than the national annual mean income of $148,030.
You May Also Like
How to become a Lawyer in Georgia
How to Become a Lawyer in Maryland
How to Become a Lawyer in Michigan