Are you passionate about justice, enjoy debating, and have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills? If so, a career in law may be the perfect fit for you! Aspiring lawyers have the opportunity to make a positive impact on society by advocating for their clients’ rights, upholding the rule of law, and shaping the legal landscape. One such state where the legal profession offers promising prospects is Georgia. With a robust legal market and diverse career opportunities, becoming a lawyer in Georgia can be a fulfilling and rewarding career choice.

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Reading this article will help you understand how to become a lawyer in Georgia.

Should I Become a Lawyer in Georgia?

Considering the career outlook and growth potential, pursuing a career as a lawyer in Georgia can be a wise decision. Here are some reasons why:

  • Promising Career Outlook: Georgia has a thriving legal market with numerous law firms, corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations offering diverse career opportunities for lawyers. The demand for legal services in areas such as real estate, intellectual property, healthcare, and criminal law is expected to remain strong, providing potential for career growth.
  • Growth Potential: Lawyers in Georgia have the opportunity to specialize in various areas of law and build their expertise, which can lead to higher earning potential and career advancement. With experience and a strong professional network, lawyers can establish their own law firms, become partners in established firms, or pursue leadership roles in government agencies or corporations.
  • Advantages of Location: Georgia is home to Atlanta, a major financial and commercial hub in the Southeastern United States. As a lawyer in Georgia, you can benefit from the advantages of practicing in a metropolitan city with a diverse client base, networking opportunities, and exposure to a wide range of legal matters.
  • Pro Bono Opportunities: Georgia has a strong pro bono culture, with many law firms and organizations actively involved in providing legal services to underserved communities. As a lawyer in Georgia, you can contribute to the community and make a positive impact by volunteering your legal skills and expertise to those in need.
  • Education Required
  • Major Requirement
  • Licenses/Certifications
  • Experience/Training
  • Key Skills
  • Annual Mean Salary (2021) – National
  • Job Outlook (2021-2031) – National
  • Annual Mean Salary (2019) – Georgia
  • Job Outlook (2020-2030) – Georgia
  • Juris Doctor (J.D) degree
  • Law
  • Required
  • Required
  • Problem-solving Skills, Analytical Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Research Skills, Speaking Skills and Writing Skills
  • $148,030
  • 10%
  • $133,020
  • 16%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Lawyers usually work in office; however, sometimes they have to travel to meet clients at different locations, like hospitals, homes or prisons. These professionals may face a lot of stress when meeting deadlines or during trails.

Career Outlook

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for lawyers in the US are expected to witness a growth of 10% from 2021-2031. In Georgia, it is expected that the job growth for lawyers will be a very impressive 16% between 2020 and 2030 as per the data published by O*Net OnLine. The demand for these professionals will continue to rise as individuals and businesses will be needing their services. Law firms will continue to hire lawyers; however, large firms have started building in-house legal departments to reduce costs.

Skills Required to Become a Lawyer in Georgia

Becoming a successful lawyer in Georgia requires a specific set of skills that are essential for excelling in the legal field. Some of the key skills required to become a lawyer in Georgia include:

  • Excellent Communication Skills: Lawyers need to have exceptional written and oral communication skills to effectively communicate with clients, colleagues, judges, and other stakeholders.
  • Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: Lawyers must possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills to analyze complex legal issues, conduct thorough research, and develop sound legal arguments.
  • Research Skills: Lawyers need to have strong research skills to stay updated with the latest legal developments, case laws, and precedents that may impact their cases.
  • Negotiation Skills: Lawyers often need to negotiate with opposing counsel or parties to reach favorable settlements for their clients, and thus, strong negotiation skills are crucial.
  • Time Management and Organizational Skills: Lawyers often work on multiple cases simultaneously, requiring excellent time management and organizational skills to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and manage their workload effectively.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Lawyers need to build strong relationships with their clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders, requiring excellent interpersonal skills to establish trust, rapport, and effective communication.

Best Law Schools in Georgia

Here are the top 6 law schools in Georgia, along with the programs they offer, degree type, courses taught, and duration:

Law SchoolPrograms Offered

 

Degree TypeCourses TaughtDuration
University of Georgia School of LawJuris Doctor (JD)Full-time, Part-timeConstitutional Law, Criminal Law, Contracts, Legal Writing, Torts, and more3 years (Full-time) 4 years (Part-time)
Emory University School of LawJuris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)Full-time, Part-time, OnlineCivil Procedure, Business Law, Health Law, Intellectual Property, and more3 years (Full-time), 4 years (Part-time) for JD; 1 year (LLM); Varies for SJD
Georgia State University College of LawJuris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)Full-time, Part-time, OnlineCriminal Law, Evidence, Family Law, Taxation Law, and more3 years (Full-time), 4 years (Part-time) for JD; 1 year (LLM); Varies for SJD
Mercer University School of LawJuris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM)Full-time, Part-timeLegal Research and Writing, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Property Law, and more3 years (Full-time), 4 years (Part-time) for JD; 1 year (LLM)
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law SchoolJuris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM)Full-time, Part-time, OnlineCriminal Law, Torts, Legal Research and Writing, Evidence, and more3 years (Full-time), 4 years (Part-time) for JD; 1 year (LLM)
Savannah Law SchoolJuris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM)Full-time, Part-timeCivil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Legal Writing, Criminal Law, and more3 years (Full-time), 4 years (Part-time) for JD; 1 year (LLM)

Note: The duration mentioned for each law school is for full-time programs. Part-time programs may have a longer duration. It is recommended to visit the respective law schools’ websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information on their programs, courses, and duration.

Steps to Become a Lawyer in Georgia

Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

Aspiring lawyers have to begin their career by getting an undergraduate degree. Since law schools do not require any specific major, students can choose any major of their choice. However, they are recommended to choose English, Economics or History.

Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Students are required to get admission in any law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). They have to take the mandatory LSAT as it is one of the requirements at the time of admission. Students have to submit their work experience and background along with the application.

Get a Law Degree

Law school lasts for a duration of 3 years. During this program, students study various courses, like property law, constitutional law, contracts and legal writing, etc. They can take elective courses as well. The program also includes participation in fieldwork and mock trials which helps them gain additional knowledge and practical exposure. Students receive a Juris Doctor (J.D) degree once the program is completed.

Take the Bar Exam

Candidates have to take the bar exam to be able to practice. In Georgia, they are required to have an ABA approved law degree and a Certification of Fitness to Practice Law. The students will have to have the Certification of Fitness to Practice Law in order to submit their applications for bar exams. Candidates have to pass the Georgia Bar Exam and Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) to become a member of the bar. Those who wish to become a member of the bar without examination should have practiced for at least 5 years in another state along with all other requirements.

Continuing Education

Professionals have to gain continuing education credits to maintain licensure. This also helps them to stay updated of any recent changes in the legal system. They can take courses offered by the state bar association or by law schools.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Georgia?

Prospective lawyers have to finish a 4-year bachelor’s degree followed by 3years of law school program. They can take the bar exam once they have obtained their J.D degree.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Georgia?

To become a lawyer in Georgia, aspiring lawyers must fulfill certain requirements, which include:

Education

Complete a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Law School

Graduate from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Successfully complete the LSAT, a standardized test that assesses the critical reading, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills of aspiring law students.

Character and Fitness

Pass a character and fitness evaluation, which includes a background check and assessment of moral character and fitness to practice law.

Georgia Bar Exam

Pass the Georgia Bar Exam, which consists of a Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), Multistate Performance Test (MPT), and Georgia Essay Exam.

Professional Responsibility Exam

Successfully complete the Georgia Professional Responsibility Exam, which tests the knowledge of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct.

Admission to the State Bar

Apply for admission to the State Bar of Georgia and receive approval from the Georgia Supreme Court.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

Fulfill the ongoing requirement of completing CLE hours to maintain an active license to practice law in Georgia.

With strong job prospects, growth potential, and a diverse legal market, Georgia can be an excellent choice for those passionate about law and justice. However, it’s important to carefully consider the skills required, choose the right law school, fulfill the requirements, and maintain professional ethics to succeed in the legal profession in Georgia.

How Much Can I Make After Becoming a Lawyer in Georgia?

As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lawyers working in Georgia were earning an annual mean salary of $133,020 in 2021.

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