New York, also called the Empire State, offers some great employment opportunities to lawyers. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that these professionals made an annual mean pay of $168,780 in 2019, which was quite higher than the national average of $145,300.
If you are thinking about pursuing this career, then here’s all that you need to know! Skim through this comprehensive article to understand how to become a lawyer in New York.

Should I Become a Lawyer in New York?

Are you well-spoken, inquisitive, and a good listener? If yes, then you have a good chance of excelling as a lawyer.
BLS has outlined some basic requirements that lawyers are expected to meet. The table below will briefly discuss these requirements.

  • Education Required
  • Training
  • Licenses/Certifications
  • Key Skills/Qualities
  • Annual Mean Salary (2019)-National
  • Job Outlook (2018-28)
  • Annual Mean Salary (2019)-New York
  • Lawyers have to obtain a doctoral/professional degree.
  • On-the-job training is not mandatory.
  • Candidates have to pass a written bar exam to get a license.
  • Interpersonal, Problem-Solving, Speaking, and Analytical Skills.
  • $145,300
  • 6%
  • $168,780

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Outlook

It is predicted that lawyers will experience an employment growth of 6% from2018 to 2028. This is growth rate is about as fast as the average of all other occupation.

Steps to Become a Lawyer in New York

The process of becoming a lawyer in New York incorporates the following stages:

Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

In order to get into a law school, you will need to complete a Bachelor’s degree. While the American Bar Association (ABA) does not require a specific major, most law students usually opt for a liberal arts degree at the undergrad level. Some popular majors include English, Political Science, Criminal Justice and Economics.

Ace the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Law schools require students to take a standardized test, called the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). There are lots of free study resources available online which you can utilize for the preparation of this test. This test includes a writing section as well as an MCQ-based section.

Apply to an ABA-accredited Law School

After clearing the LSAT, you can start sending applications to law schools. You will be expected to attach your personal statement, recommendation letters, official transcripts, resume and LSAT score along with the application. Once you get admitted to the law school, you will have to invest around three years in order to get a Juris Doctor (J.D) degree.

Admission to the New York State Bar

In order to gain admission to the New York State Bar, you will be required to pass theMultistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) and the New York State Bar Exam. After clearing these exams, you will have to appear before theCharacter and Fitness Committee for a personal interview. If you are able to clear these stages, you will be given a license.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in New York?

It can easily take more than seven years to become a licensed lawyer in New York. First of all, you will have to complete a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Completing an undergraduate degree can take around four years. Then you will be required to complete a three-year long Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Once you are done with your qualifications, you will have to clear theMultistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) and the New York State Bar Exam.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in New York?

If you wish to practice law in New York, you will be required to:

  • Possess a good moral character.
  • Complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
  • Pass the New York State Bar Exam.
  • Clear the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE).

How Much Does a Lawyer Earn in New York?

Employment data by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the annual mean salary of lawyers working New Yorkwas $168,780 in 2019 which is the third highest figure among all states in the United States.